Product Liability & Defective Products

Michigan Product Liability Claims

When a product you trusted — a vehicle, medical device, appliance, children's toy, or industrial tool — turns out to be dangerously defective, the consequences can be catastrophic. Under Michigan's Product Liability Act (MCL § 600.2945–600.2949a), manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable when their products cause injury due to design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.

Three Types of Product Defects

Michigan law recognizes three categories of product defect claims. Design defects exist when the product's design is inherently dangerous — even when manufactured correctly. Manufacturing defects occur during production, resulting in a product that deviates from its intended design. Warning defects (failure to warn) arise when a manufacturer fails to provide adequate instructions or safety warnings about risks associated with the product's use.

Michigan-Specific Product Liability Rules

Michigan's product liability framework has several important nuances. The state follows a modified comparative fault system, and under MCL § 600.2946, if a product complied with applicable government standards at the time of manufacture, there is a rebuttable presumption that the product is not defective. However, this presumption can be overcome with evidence that the manufacturer knew the product was dangerous despite meeting minimum standards. Michigan also has a three-year statute of limitations for product liability claims.

Products That Commonly Cause Injuries

We handle product liability cases involving defective automobiles and auto parts (brakes, airbags, tires, seatbelts), dangerous pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, defective power tools and industrial machinery, children's products with choking or burn hazards, contaminated food products, and household appliances that malfunction and cause fires or electrocution.

If you or a family member has been injured by a defective product, call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000 for a free consultation.