Connecticut Product Liability Lawyers

Suffering a serious injury as the result of using a product as intended can be a shocking and traumatic experience—the last thing that you expect when you turn to a product to aid you in some way. At the office of The Dodd Law Firm LLC, our products liability lawyers have experience representing those who have been injured in accidents involving defective products, including defective machinery, tools, vehicle parts, and more.

If you or a loved one has been injured while using a product, you may have a defective products case. Call our law firm directly today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights.

Types of Product Defects

When a product is defective and causes an injury as a result of that defect, it is critical to determine the type of problem that caused the injury. There are three types of product defects that are recognized under product liability common law, including:

• Design defects. A design defect exists when there is a design flaw in the product that renders it inherently defective. For example, a pressure cooker with a lid that is designed to not seal would be an example of a design defect. Another example is a car that is designed to be top-heavy; another is that of a sharp tool that doesn’t have a proper handle to hold to prevent injuries.
• Manufacturing defects. Unlike a design defect, a manufacturing defect refers to a product that was correctly designed but that experienced some sort of error during the manufacturing process that rendered it defective. Take the pressure cooker example: the pressure cooker may have been designed to seal properly, but when being manufactured, an assembly machine improperly placed the rubber seal, resulting in a lid that does not Manufacturing defects are incredibly common.

• Labeling defects. Finally, labeling defects refer to instances where the product is neither defectively designed nor manufactured, but improperly labeled. Manufacturers must list any risks of using the product. For example, a device requiring electricity to operate should include risk of electrocution notification; an e-cigarette should include a warning about the use of nicotine. If a product does not include information about potential risks or use or side effects, as well as for instructions for safe use in some cases, it may be defective.

Commonly Defective Products

The list of potentially defective products is infinite. Common types of defective product claims often involve products such as:

• E-cigarettes
• Vehicle defects, such as defective airbags, seatbelts, and tires
• Construction/large equipment defects, including defective forklifts
• Defective tools, including table saws, ladders, and other power tools
• Manufacturing equipment
• Hover-boards
• Vape pens
• Exercise and recreational equipment
• Furniture
• Swimming pools
• Trampolines
• Clothing

If you have been harmed when using a product as intended and you believe it is because of a labeling, manufacturing, or design defect, reach out to our law firm immediately for a free consultation. The above list is not inclusive.

Strict Liability in Products Liability Claims

While most types of civil personal injury claims require the plaintiff in the claim to prove the negligence of the defendant, this is not true in the majority of products liability claims. Instead, the plaintiff need only prove that the product was defective, the plaintiff was using the product as intended, the defective product was the proximate cause of harm, and that that plaintiff has suffered actual damages. This is known as the theory of strict liability. In some cases, products liability claims can also be brought forth under the theory of negligence or breach of warranty.

The Role of Our Products Liability Law Firm

Working with an attorney when you have been injured as a result of a defective product should be a top priority. Trying to bring a claim against a large company can be intimidating, and without your own skilled attorney, likely unfruitful. When you hire our products liability law firm in Connecticut, we will aggressively represent you and build your case from the ground up. Our services include:

• Investigating your case. We will preserve the product in question and hire product design and manufacturing experts to investigate and identify the defect. We will also search for cases similar to yours, as other people may have had a similar experience as you. We’ll also investigate any history of product recalls.
• Handle all claim documentation. We will be responsible for bringing your case and filing a claim against the appropriate party, whether that be the manufacturer or distributor of the product or both. We’ll organize and manage all claim documentation on your behalf.
• Establishing causation and proving damages. Part of our job is to prove that your injuries would not have occurred but for the product defect; another element of our responsibility is to prove the extent of damages you’ve suffered, including the value of your economic and non-economic damages.
• Negotiating your settlement. We will represent you in mediation and all other out-of-court settlement negotiations. We are skilled negotiators who won’t back down until we strike a deal that’s fair.
• Litigating your case. While most products liability claims settle out of court, sometimes, litigation is necessary. Our lawyers have trial experience, and you can count on us if litigation is an appropriate step.

You Deserve to Be Compensated in Full

When you are injured by a defective product, you deserve to be compensated in full. This means compensation for the full value of your economic and noneconomic losses, such as medical expenses, property damage costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain, suffering, and emotional anguish. In some cases, punitive damages may be available.

Call Our Products Liability Lawyers Today

To learn more about your rights when you’re harmed by a defective product and how our Connecticut products liability lawyers at The Dodd Law Firm LLC can help, please reach out to us directly or send us a message online at your convenience. You can reach us by phone at 203-272-1883. You can also stop by our office in person to request your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Product Liability Law

What is a product liability lawsuit in Connecticut?

A product liability lawsuit allows individuals injured by defective or unsafe products to seek financial compensation from responsible parties. In Connecticut, these claims are governed by the Connecticut Products Liability Act (CPLA) under CGA § 52-572m. This framework consolidates common law theories into a single statutory cause of action covering manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers involved in the product’s distribution chain.

Who can be held liable for a product defect?

Under Connecticut law, CGA § 52-572m, any entity defined as a product seller in the supply chain can potentially be held accountable. This includes the original manufacturer, component parts suppliers, assembly companies, wholesalers, and retail stores. Holding every responsible party liable ensures that injured consumers have a fair path toward recovering full damages for their injuries and medical expenses.

What types of product defects justify a lawsuit?

Product liability cases generally involve three primary categories of defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects. Design defects stem from inherently unsafe product blueprints. Manufacturing flaws occur during assembly, making a specific unit dangerous compared to others. Marketing defects governed by CGA § 52-572q involve inadequate warnings or instructions regarding inherent hazards, failing to alert consumers to non-obvious risks.

How does strict liability work in Connecticut cases?

Connecticut applies strict tort liability under CGA § 52-572l to product defect claims. This legal principle means an injured plaintiff does not need to prove that the defendant acted negligently or intended harm. Instead, you only need to prove that the product was defective, the defect existed when it left the defendant’s control, and the defect directly caused your personal injuries. 

What is the statute of limitations for these claims?

Under CGA § 52-577a, you generally have three years from the date the injury is sustained or discovered to file a lawsuit. However, the state also enforces a statute of repose, which limits claims to no more than ten years from the date the manufacturer or seller parted with the product. Missing these mandatory deadlines will forfeit your right to legal recovery.

Can I sue if I was partially at fault?

Yes, Connecticut applies comparative responsibility rules to product claims under CGA § 52-572o. You can still recover financial damages as long as your share of fault is not greater than the combined responsibility of the defendants. However, your total monetary compensation will be reduced in direct proportion to your percentage of negligence, as determined by the court or jury during proceedings. 

What damages can I recover in a legal claim?

Victims of defective products can recover both economic and non-economic compensatory damages. Economic damages include coverage for past and future medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disability. Under CGA § 52-240b, punitive damages up to twice the compensatory award may be awarded for reckless disregard. 

What should I do immediately after an injury?

First, seek medical treatment immediately to document your physical injuries. Next, preserve the defective product in its exact condition, keeping all original packaging, manuals, and purchase receipts. Take detailed photographs of the product, your injuries, and the accident scene. Finally, avoid altering or repairing the item, and consult an experienced product liability attorney as quickly as possible.

How do lawyers prove a product was dangerous?

Attorneys prove product defect claims by analyzing evidence alongside engineering specialists, safety experts, and medical professionals. They examine product design specifications, conduct laboratory testing, inspect manufacturing logs, and review company internal documents. Expert testimony is crucial to establish how the defect failed safety standards and directly caused the injuries suffered by the victim during normal usage.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

Most Connecticut product liability attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you pay zero upfront costs or legal fees unless your attorney successfully secures a monetary recovery through a settlement or trial verdict. Legal fees and case expenses are simply deducted as an agreed-upon percentage from your final financial settlement or courtroom judgment.

Can a recalled product still lead to a lawsuit?

Yes, a government or manufacturer recall does not prevent you from filing a product liability lawsuit. In fact, a recall notice often serves as strong evidence demonstrating that a product contained a dangerous defect. If you suffered injuries from a recalled item, you retain the legal right to seek compensation for the physical and financial damage caused.

Why hire a local Connecticut product liability attorney?

Local product liability attorneys possess deep familiarity with Connecticut state courts, specific statutory provisions under the CPLA, and regional legal precedent. They have established relationships with local medical experts and specialized investigators. This localized expertise helps build a compelling, well-documented case tailored to navigate the specific procedural rules of Connecticut’s civil court system effectively.

Last Updated: October 2026