Products Liability or Product Defect encompasses a number of legal claims that allow an injured party to recover financial compensation from the manufacturer, seller or any or all parties along the chain of manufacture of a product. Products Liability refers to the liability of for damage caused by that product. This includes the manufacturer of component parts (at the top of the chain), an assembling manufacturer, the wholesaler, and the retail store owner (at the bottom of the chain). Products containing inherent defects that cause harm to a consumer of the product, or someone to whom the product was loaned, given, etc., are the subjects of products liability suits. While products are generally thought of as tangible personal property, products liability has stretched that definition to include intangibles (gas), naturals (pets), real estate (house), and writings (navigational charts).

There are generally three types of product liability cases: negligence, strict liability and breach of warranty. Additionally, various consumer protection claims may fall under the heading of Products Liability. The majority of product liability laws are determined at the state level and vary widely from state to state. For this reason it is important to contact an attorney experienced in Product Liability and one who is well versed in the laws in your state.