Product Liability Law concerns the responsibility of a manufacturer, distributor, or seller for damage caused by their product to a consumer's life, health, or property. Unlike simple warranty disputes (where an item just breaks), this involves cases where a defective product caused injury (e.g., a phone exploded, food poisoning occurred, car brakes failed). In Georgia, this field is becoming increasingly relevant alongside alignment with European standards. The legislation imposes strict liability: the manufacturer is liable regardless of fault (objective liability) if it is proven that the damage was caused by a product defect. The victim can claim compensation for both medical expenses and moral damages.
What does the Product Liability Law service cover?
Our service protects consumers from safety standard violations:
- Incident Analysis: Determining if the damage was caused by a product defect (design, manufacturing, or failure to warn).
- Expertise: Laboratory or engineering testing of the product to determine the origin of the defect.
- Medical Documentation: Collecting evidence of health injuries and treatment costs.
- Claim Submission: Negotiating with the manufacturer or importer for voluntary compensation of damages.
- Litigation: Filing a civil lawsuit based on the Civil Code demanding full compensation.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Product liability covers many areas: Electronics: A fire caused by a short circuit damaging an apartment. Automobiles: Airbags failing to deploy during an accident, causing passenger injury. Food Products: Poisoning from spoiled food or food containing harmful substances. Toys: Injury to a child due to swallowing a small part or toxic paint. Pharmaceuticals: Side effects of medication not listed in the instructions.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
The main regulatory acts are the Civil Code of Georgia (Articles 1009-1016 - Liability for damage caused by defective products) and the Product Safety and Free Movement Code. The law states that the manufacturer is liable for damage if the product does not provide the safety a consumer could reasonably expect. The burden of proof is shared: the victim must prove the damage, the defect, and the causal link, while the manufacturer is exempt only in specific cases (e.g., if the defect could not be discovered at the current level of scientific knowledge).
Step-by-Step Process
The process begins with preserving evidence (product remnants, receipt, medical report). The lawyer appeals to an expertise bureau. Upon receiving the conclusion, a claim is sent to the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is foreign, liability may fall on the importer. If negotiations fail, litigation begins, where we seek compensation for both material and moral damages.
Why Legal.ge?
Disputing with large manufacturers is difficult as they have strong legal backing. Legal.ge offers lawyers who know the specifics of consumer protection and have experience in product liability cases. We will help you receive fair compensation for damage to your health and property. Protect your safety with Legal.ge.
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