Types of Product Liability Cases in Alabama
*Disclaimer: The guide on this page does not officially reflect Glenda Cochran & Associates LLC’s practices but is instead a preview of our approach to the topic. Only consult directly with a professional, bar-licensed attorney you trust for authorized advice concerning the legal aspects of a specific case.
Have you ever purchased a product that didn’t work? It’s frustrating. But when that product leaves you or someone you love seriously injured, frustration turns into something much more serious. If that’s happened to you, you have options — and working with the right attorney can make all the difference. You deserve compensation for what you’ve lost, and we’re here to help you fight for it.
Understanding Defective Products and Liability
In Alabama, products are considered defective if they’re unreasonably dangerous — meaning they pose a serious risk even when used correctly. This can happen because of a flaw in the design, a mistake in how it was made, or missing instructions or warnings that should’ve been there to keep you safe.
The good news? Alabama law gives you the power to hold manufacturers and sellers accountable when their defective products cause harm. This is due to the Alabama Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine (AEMLD). Alabama Code § 6-5-521 governs liability claims, while the state’s strict contributory negligence rule prevents recovery if plaintiffs are even partially at fault. That’s why building a strong case is so important — and why working with experienced attorneys matters.
Key Types of Product Defects
When it comes to defective products, dangers can show up in a few different ways. Here are the three main categories that Alabama law recognizes:
Some products are dangerous right from the drawing board. A design defect means the product’s basic design was flawed — so every single item made from that design carries the same risk. If you want to prove a design defect, you’ll need to show that the company could have chosen a safer design that was reasonable and practical at the time.
With a manufacturing defect, the design was fine — but something went wrong during production. Maybe the materials were faulty, or a key safety step was skipped on the assembly line. These defects don’t show up in every product — just certain batches or specific items.
This defect type happens when companies fail to warn you about known dangers. Even if the product itself works properly, missing warnings, poor instructions, or misleading marketing can leave you open to injury. In these cases, the problem isn’t the product itself: It’s what the company didn’t tell you.
Liability for Defective Products in Alabama
If you’ve been hurt by a defective product, Alabama gives you a few different ways to hold the manufacturer responsible.
With AEMLD claims, you don’t have to prove the company was careless — only that the product was defective, unreasonably dangerous, and directly caused your injury.
Negligence claims are a little different. In these cases, you’ll need to prove that the company failed to act reasonably — whether in designing, manufacturing, or providing proper warnings about the product.
Products also come with warranties, either written (express warranty) or automatically implied by law (implied warranty). When a product doesn’t live up to the safety or performance promised by those warranties (and that failure causes harm), you have the right to hold the manufacturer accountable.
Choosing the right legal strategy depends on your specific case — and our team can help you decide what approach gives you the best chance for success.
Product Liability Case Examples and Timelines
Even big-name companies make serious mistakes — and when they do, people like you pay the price. Here are a few real-life cases that show just how devastating product defects can be:
- Dozens of lawsuits were filed after defective gas cans exploded, causing burns and even wrongful deaths. In 2012 alone, over 30 cases were filed, with each costing around $4 million.
- Roundup Weed Killer: After glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) was linked to cancer, Monsanto settled more than 95,000 lawsuits — with two victims awarded over $2 billion.
- Philips CPAP Machines: Philips faced a $1.1 billion settlement after their CPAP machines were found to release harmful foam particles, putting users at risk for cancer and organ damage.
So how long do these cases take? It depends. Some cases wrap up in a few months, while others take years, especially if expert testimony is involved or the case goes to trial. And if the manufacturer decides to appeal, the process can stretch out even longer.
What’s consistent in every case? Preparation. The right lawyer knows how to gather evidence, bring in the right experts, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Specific Challenges in Alabama Product Liability Cases
Alabama law can be especially tough on injury victims — so knowing the challenges upfront can help you have the best opportunity for your case.
- Short Deadline: You only have two years from the date of injury (or the date you discovered it) to file your claim. This is the statute of limitations.
- Contributory Negligence: If you’re found even one percent at fault, under Alabama law, you are not eligible for recovery and compensation.
Because of these strict rules, expert testimony and rock-solid evidence are essential. Engineers, safety experts, medical professionals — they all play a part in proving the product itself caused the harm, not user error or some other factor. Without strong proof, manufacturers will fight hard to shift the blame back to you.
Seek Legal Assistance for Product Liability Claims
Product liability cases are high-stakes and high-pressure — and Alabama’s strict laws only make them more challenging. If you’re dealing with a defective product injury, you need a legal team that knows how to build strong cases and win tough fights.
At Glenda Cochran Associates, we’ve made it our mission to stand up for people like you — and we’re ready to fight for every dollar you deserve. Let’s discuss your case and determine the best path forward together.
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