How Does The Court Determine If A Defect Is Minor Or Major In A Product Liability Case?

In product liability cases, the classification of a defect as minor or major plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes for both consumers and manufacturers. Courts evaluate several criteria to assess the severity of a defect and its implications.

Criteria for Determining Defect Severity

• Nature of the Defect: Courts consider whether the defect compromises the product's essential function or poses a safety risk. Major defects typically lead to unsafe conditions, while minor defects may affect aesthetics or non-critical functions.
• Impact on Usability: If the defect significantly impairs the product's usability or performance, it is likely classified as major. Minor defects, on the other hand, may not materially affect the product's overall function.
• Risk of Injury: The potential for injury or harm associated with the defect is a key factor. Major defects often involve higher risks of physical harm, while minor defects might only lead to inconvenience or trivial issues.
• Industry Standards: Courts may evaluate whether the product meets established industry standards. A defect that deviates significantly from these standards could be deemed major.
• Consumer Expectations: The reasonable expectations of consumers regarding the product's performance and safety are considered. If a defect fails to meet these expectations, it may be classified as major.

Legal Implications of Classification

• Remedies Available: A major defect may warrant more severe legal remedies, such as compensation for damages or product recalls, while minor defects might only result in repair or replacement.
• Manufacturer Liability: The classification can influence the extent of liability for manufacturers. Major defects may lead to stricter liability standards and greater responsibility for damages.
• Burden of Proof: In cases of major defects, the burden of proof may shift to the manufacturer to demonstrate that the product was safe and met all regulatory standards, whereas in minor defects, the consumer may need to prove that the defect existed at the time of purchase.

Example

In a case where a consumer purchases a toaster that catches fire due to faulty wiring, the court might classify the defect as major due to the significant safety risk. The factors considered would include:

• The nature of the wiring defect, which poses a fire hazard.
• The impact on usability, as the toaster becomes unsafe for operation.
• The risk of injury associated with potential fires.
• Whether the toaster meets safety standards set by regulatory bodies.
• The reasonable expectation that a toaster should not cause fires when used correctly.

Conversely, if the toaster merely had a slight cosmetic imperfection, the court might classify that defect as minor, leading to different legal outcomes.