Product Liability Claims refer to cases where a defective or low-quality product has caused harm to a consumer. In recent years, consumer protection legislation in Georgia has significantly tightened and approached European standards. Nevertheless, many citizens are unaware that they have the right to demand not only the replacement of the item but also compensation for the damage caused by it. This can involve health injuries (e.g., food poisoning, exploding electronics) or property damage (e.g., house flooding due to faulty plumbing). Manufacturers, importers, and retailers are obligated to bring safe products to the market. A breach of this obligation provides grounds for claiming substantial compensation.
What does this service cover?
Legal services related to product quality and liability include:
- Fact Analysis and Evidence Collection: Gathering receipts, product remnants, medical reports (in case of injury), and photo/video evidence.
- Establishing Causation: Conducting expert examinations to prove that the damage was caused by the product defect and not by consumer misuse.
- Identifying the Responsible Party: Determining who to hold accountable — the manufacturer, the importer, or the retailer.
- Filing Complaints with the Competition Agency: Appealing to the Georgian National Competition and Consumer Agency to initiate administrative proceedings.
- Litigation: Filing a lawsuit for damages if a settlement cannot be reached.
Common Real-World Scenarios
Product liability disputes often arise in the following scenarios:
- Electronics: A mobile phone battery exploded, injuring the face or damaging property. A defective heater caused a fire.
- Food Products: Consuming expired or contaminated food bought at a supermarket led to severe intoxication and hospitalization.
- Children's Toys: A small part detached from a toy and was swallowed by a child, or the toy was made of toxic materials.
- Automotive Parts: A new car had a factory defect in the brakes, causing an accident.
Georgian Legal Framework
The field is regulated by the Law of Georgia on Protection of Consumer Rights, which grants consumers broad rights to demand repair, replacement, or refund for defective items. Regarding safety, the Product Safety and Free Movement Code applies. Compensation for damages is regulated by the Civil Code of Georgia (tort liability). The legislation establishes that the manufacturer is liable for damage caused by a product defect, regardless of whether they had a contractual relationship with the victim.
Process: How does a specialist work?
The lawyer first ensures the preservation of evidence (e.g., keeping the defective item for expertise). Then, an official claim is sent to the company. In parallel, the National Food Agency (for food) or the Market Surveillance Agency (for technical products) may be involved. The lawyer coordinates with experts and prepares a strong legal position for the court.
Why Legal.ge?
Fighting against large companies and manufacturers is difficult as they have experienced lawyers. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers specializing in consumer rights who know how to hold businesses accountable for substandard products. We will help you receive not only the value of the item but also full compensation for the damage suffered.
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