Whether we are gifted or purchased a product, we expect the item to work as it was intended. In fact, most consumers in Virginia and elsewhere who purchase a product are simply thinking about how they will use it. The thought that it might be defective may not cross their minds. Thus, when defects do occur, consumers are faced with many questions about whether something is wrong with the product, whether it is defective and what steps they can take to offset the damages caused by this situation.
Even when it is clear that a product is defective, it is not always obvious what kind of defect is plaguing the product or how the defect occurred. Design and manufacturing defects could occur before the product reaches the hands of consumers, but how do they occur and what are the differences between these types of defects?
What are the differences between design and manufacturing defects? To begin, one difference between the two is that design defects are intentional while manufacturing defects are not. That may sound odd that any type of defect would be intentional, but this refers to a design being intentional. A designer intends a product to look a certain way and contain certain parts and components. Thus, if a defect occurs, it is because of the intentional design being flawed. On the other hand, manufacturing defects are not intentional. No one intends to miss a component part or not put a product together properly.
With regards to manufacturing defects, a consumer has the burden of proof when it comes to proving that the manufacturer was to blame. Proving how a product was flawed or defective can be extremely challenging. Thus, it is important that harmed consumers understand this matter and how best to proceed with their case. A products liability attorney could help the injured consumer take action and pursue compensation for losses.
Source: FindLaw, “Product Liability: Manufacturing Defects vs. Design Defects,” accessed March 4, 2018