How Do Design Defects Differ from Manufacturing Defects?

When dealing with product liability claims in Missouri, two major types of defects can lead to personal injury: design defects and manufacturing defects. Understanding the differences between these two types of defects is crucial for individuals seeking compensation for injuries caused by defective products. 

In Missouri, product liability laws are designed to protect consumers and hold manufacturers accountable when their products cause harm. This article explores how design defects differ from manufacturing defects, their legal implications, and how they relate to personal injury claims in Missouri.

At the Law Office of Steve Slough, we educate our clients on personal injury law as it relates to design and manufacturing defects. If you’ve been injured in St. Louis, Missouri, the laws governing design and manufacturing defects may justify compensation for your injuries.

What Is Product Liability?

First, it’s important to understand the basics of product liability. Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. In Missouri, product liability claims generally fall into three categories:

1. Design defects: Design defects are flaws in the product’s design that make it inherently unsafe.

2. Manufacturing defects: Manufacturing defects are errors or defects that occur during the production or assembly process.

3. Failure to warn: Failure to warn means there were inadequate instructions or warnings regarding a product’s risks.

A personal injury claim based on a defective product can stem from any of these categories, depending on the nature of the defect that caused the harm.

What Are Design Defects?

According to Cornell Law School, a design defect occurs when a product’s blueprint or inherent design is flawed, making the product dangerous even before it’s manufactured. In other words, every unit produced according to the design will be defective because the flaw is built into the product itself.

Examples of design defects include the following:

• A car model with a high center of gravity that makes it prone to rollovers.

• A children’s toy designed with small detachable parts that pose a choking hazard.

• A medical device designed with materials that cause adverse reactions in patients.

These examples are more common than you may think and can lead to serious injury.

Proving a Design Defect in Missouri

To successfully bring a personal injury claim based on a design defect in Missouri, the plaintiff must prove that:

1. The product was designed in a way that made it unreasonably dangerous.

2. A safer alternative design was available and feasible at the time of manufacturing.

3. The defect directly caused the injury.

Missouri follows a risk-utility test, meaning the court evaluates whether the risks associated with the product’s design outweigh its benefits. If an alternative, safer design could have been implemented without significantly increasing costs or reducing functionality, the manufacturer may be held liable.

What Are Manufacturing Defects?

Unlike design defects, manufacturing defects occur during the production or assembly process. These defects are not inherent in the product’s design but arise due to errors in how the product is made. As a result, only a specific batch or unit of the product may be defective.

Examples of manufacturing defects include:

• A batch of prescription drugs contaminated during production.

• A car seat with a missing bolt, making it unsafe in a crash.

• A power tool with a cracked casing due to improper assembly.

These defects are of no fault to the user and can cause health and safety risks.

Proving a Manufacturing Defect in Missouri

To establish a personal injury claim based on a manufacturing defect, the plaintiff must prove that:

1. The product deviated from its intended design due to a manufacturing error.

2. The defect made the product unreasonably dangerous.

3. The defect directly caused the plaintiff’s injury.

Missouri courts generally apply strict liability in manufacturing defect cases, meaning the plaintiff does not need to prove negligence—only that the defect existed and caused harm.

Key Differences Between Design and Manufacturing Defects

Next, we’ll discuss a few key differences between design and manufacturing defects, including the following:

• Nature of defect: In a design defect, the nature of the defect is a flaw in the product design. Conversely, in a manufacturing defect, the nature of the defect is an error in the production or assembly.

• Scope of impact: The scope of impact for a design defect affects all units of the product whereas the scope of impact for a manufacturing defects only affects certain batches or units.

• Legal standard: The legal standards for design defects involve risk-utility tests. The legal standards for manufacturing defects involve strict liability. 

• Common examples: Common examples of design defects include unstable furniture and hazardous toys. Common manufacturing defects include contaminated medicine or faulty wiring.

• Proof required: In design defects, it must be proven that an alternative safer design was feasible. In manufacturing defects, it must be proven that the product deviated from it’s intended design.

Understanding these differences is essential for pursuing a personal injury claim effectively.

Legal Implications of Product Defects in Missouri

Additionally, there are several legal implications for product defects in Missouri, including strict liability and negligence.

Strict Liability vs. Negligence

In Missouri, product liability claims, particularly those involving manufacturing defects, are typically subject to strict liability. This means that a manufacturer can be held liable even if they exercised reasonable care during production. 

In contrast, design defect claims may require a more detailed analysis, including whether the manufacturer was negligent in choosing a particular design over safer alternatives.

Compensation in a Personal Injury Case

Also, victims of defective products in Missouri may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)

• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious misconduct)

It’s crucial to understand the forms of compensation available to acquire the full amount you’re owed either due to strict liability or negligence.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Defective Product in Missouri

Furthermore, to file a personal injury claim for a defective product in the state of Missouri, use the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health and obtain medical records linking your injuries to the defective product.

2. Preserve evidence: Keep the defective product, packaging, and any receipts or warranties.

3. Document the incident: Take photos and write down details about the injury and how the product malfunctioned.

4. Consult a personal injury lawyer: A Missouri-based personal injury attorney can assess your case and guide you through the legal process.

It’s important to note that there is a statute of limitations on defects in Missouri. Under Missouri law, a personal injury claim related to a defective product must be filed within five years from the date of injury. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Reach out to The Law Office of Steve Slough Today

Both design and manufacturing defects can lead to serious personal injuries, but they differ in their nature and legal treatment. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when pursuing a personal injury claim in Missouri.

A personal injury lawyer will help you understand the differences between design and manufacturing defects. We serve St. Louis, Missouri and Clayton, Missouri. Reach out today to learn more about defect and personal injury law.