Product Liability

Manufacturers are required to ensure that anything they sell is safe for consumers to use. They must include warnings about any potential hazards as well as information on the proper use of the product. If you are injured by a defective product that you used correctly, California law allows you to sue for damages. Having a product liability attorney on your side may help you to focus on your recovery while you let the attorneys worry about maximizing compensation.

Big businesses have a lot of clout and money. Therefore they have a lot of power in product liability cases. Fortunately, the California product liability lawyers at Kalfayan Merjanian have the experience needed to go against these companies and represent their clients fairly.

The team has been successful both in negotiations with insurance companies and in the courtroom.

Talk to an Attorney for Free

Filing a Lawsuit

The talented team of lawyers at Kalfayan Merjanian takes their clients through the process of filing a product liability claim. As residents of California themselves, they have a thorough understanding of both local and state laws. Count on them to represent their clients fairly and to fight for their right to lawful compensation.

If you have been injured by a defective product, your lawyers will first assess your case to determine if it has merit. This step gives a clearer indication as to whether your claim can go forward and be filed. The lawyers you hire will look for the following elements:

Proof that the product was unreasonably hazardous;
Evidence that you have been injured;
A clear link between the defective product and your injury;

If your attorneys can find all three elements, they may work with you to decide whether to seek a settlement with an insurance company or pursue your claim in court. The attorneys at Kalfayan Merjanian have experience in both negotiating settlements and arguing cases in court. They fight for their clients’ rights for damages either way.

Understanding Product Liability

Product liability cases generally fall under three main categories:

Defective Design: Sometimes products are simply poorly designed. These products may cause injury when used properly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In California, companies are required to prove that products are safe when used as intended. If they fail to do this, they may be liable for injuries sustained when using the product. Injuries caused by defective design may be eligible for financial damages.
Manufacturing Defects: The product design may be fine, but there may be errors in the manufacturing process. This can result in a few defective factory batches before the mistake is noticed. Manufacturers are responsible for the products that leave their factories and are required by law to bring to market only goods that are safe for consumers to use. When poor factory oversight or protocols result in a product injury, you can call upon an experienced product liability attorney to investigate your claim.
Failure to warn: Products must be labeled with warnings about any inherent dangers in the proper or improper use of the product. They must provide clear instructions about how to use the product safely. If the instructions are negligent and fail to warn of potential hazards, consumers injured by that product may be able to make a claim.

The product liability attorneys at Kalfayan Merjanian can answer questions you have about the process. They will take a look at your claim to help determine if you have a strong case. CA Trial Attorneys powered by Kalfayan Merjanian take pride in providing excellent customer service. If they accept you as a client, you will receive attention and care throughout the process.

No Fees Unless You Win

Many people don’t pursue their legal rights to damages for personal injury because they are concerned about legal fees. At Kalfayan Merjanian you will never be charged a fee until a settlement is reached on your behalf. Legal fees will only be collected when a case is won.

The team at Kalfayan Merjanian wants their clients to focus on their recovery without worrying about legal expenses. Rest assured Kalfayan Merjanian clients will get aggressive legal representation and care from start to finish.

Practice Areas

See LessMore Practice Areas

Recent Posts

Very competent and professional team. I could not have asked for better services and results. A firm of singular tenacity that makes sure you get the settlement you deserve, thank you Mike Stodolka you are the best....

Claudia Bruce

I worked with attorney John Shaver on my case, and he did an amazing job. The staff and him are superb, super responsive, always keeping me informed. I never felt just like another client with them. Highly recommend!...

Rajinder Sekhon

I was in a really bad car accident and was getting shuffled around until I became involved with John Shaver. He helped me get the care I needed and was a big part of getting me back to 100%. Very professional with following up....

Josh Nichols

I had the privilege of working with Attorney Vanessa C. Cardinale, Esq. following a car accident (Jul 2021), and I cannot speak highly enough of her exceptional legal expertise and compassionate support throughout the entire process. As I underwent through 10 months of treatment, Attorney Cardinale ...

Sally Min

I cannot recommend this law firm enough! They helped my father and I through out a very difficult time. Communication was great throughout the process and we were always taken care of. I have already referred family members to this firm and will continue to do so. Vanessa was always available and qu...

Eva Martinez

Great firm. Very responsive. And great email communication. Couldn’t ask for a better legal team in their niche....

Vincent C

Realmente es un equipo de abogados muy amables yo se los recomiendo al 100% y muchas gracias de ante mano por todo el esfuerzo que an hecho con respecto a mi caso la verdad estoy muy satisfecho Gracias nuevamente atte mario torres...

Mario Torres

Kalfayan Merjanian Law Firm was highly recommended to us after my elderly mom was in a car accident. Their staff were always professional and responsive, communicated clearly and without even asking kept us up to date as things progressed. The entire process was smooth from beginning to end and the ...

Kathleen Aguilera

Agradezco infinitamente a Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP. por todas las atenciones y servicios que me brindaron en la resolucion de mi caso, especialmente a Vanessa C. Cardinale, Jessica Alonso y Marcela Sanchez, son un equipo muy profesional, me siento muy afortunado haberme puesto en sus manos y sin duda...

Juan Santos Buenrostro

John and Team are absolutely amazing to work with. Everyone is friendly, responsive, and caring. They made the entire process so easy and comfortable. If I could rate them 10 stars I would!!!...

Marianna R.

They made a long and dreadful process much easier and less stressful. They were very attentive and were always willing to clarify stuff that I didn’t understand. Overall, they were great and did a great job. I would definitely go back to them if I ever needed to....

Jesus Peralta

I was so fortunate to have been referred to Kalfayan Merjanian after an unfortunate auto accident, I was well taken care of by Vanessa and the team. Everyone there is so friendly and on top of things 100% recommend!...

Salvador S.

When I first met Vic Merjanian, I called him and asked him for legal advice regarding a food poisoning case in 2014. I had a severe case of Shigella from a restaurant in Newport Beach and was hospitalized for a couple of days and had to miss a week of school. I was worried because I did not know how...

Taylor

I was in a terrible motercycle accident last August. As you can imagine this not only effected my health but also effected everything else in my life. A car blew through a stop sign as I was driving. I woke up 20 feet from the bike in the most pain I have ever felt in my life. When i was taken to th...

David

This firm is immaculate; absolutely top notch people to work with.I will admit I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been in 5-6 different accidents but have never filed a claim because it was never truly necessary. In this case, I was caught in a crossfire, sandwiched between two ...

Mei Z.

Was t-boned 30 seconds away from my house. Car was totaled and a hip broken. I was recommend K&M by a friend of mine and called them immediately. Mike and his paralegal Jennifer were wonderfully accommodating and understanding. They took what was on paper incredibly difficult circumstances and t...

Yashal Najeeb

I had an uninsured DUI accident and was very helpful with the entire process and I got more than I expected to! She came in halfway through the process and was able to wrap everything up in a timely manner after fighting with the insurance companies for several months....

Connor

Vanessa and her law firm has taken great care in my cases, always on top of it, fast replies, great guidance, very professional, the team behind her was supportive, and very accessible. The outcome was excellent and fully transparent, detailed and well timed. I can only encourage others to hire Vane...

Daniele

Very professional law firm. It was a pleasure to work with both Michael and Jessica. They constantly kept me updated about the current status of my claim and even sent me little gift packages for my birthday and holidays throughout the year. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience, and it was a c...

Christian P.

I just wanted to say thank you to John and his team for being incredible! I was involved in an accident months ago and was left in a difficult situation about how to handle things and go about my case. I was able to receive the best services and support leaving me fully satisfied. Coming to John Sha...

Lana S.

Lana Shehadeh

Vanessa Cardinale has been fighting my case for over 6 months and has not let her foot off the gas one bit! This firm is the one to go with, I would highly recommend them to fight your case. Very personable attorneys that get back to you very quickly by phone & email, they keep you in the loop e...

Beau Gillin

Yashal Najeeb

Top notch attorneys! Over the past 6 or so months I had the pleasure of working with attorney Mike Stodolka. What a great guy; a real straight shooter. He explained the process thoroughly so there wasn’t any surprises and followed through with everything he said he would. As for m...

Ryan Villa

I endured a lot of back pain after my car was rear-ended and totaled. After haggling with an unresponsive other-party insurance for months, I enlisted Vanessa’s help. From that time on, I only had to focus on my recovery while Vanessa dealt with the insurance company and my various health provider...

Sandra

I found myself in a very tricky situation after being in back to back car accidents last summer. I was badly injured in the first accident and then found myself t-boned in another accident just 3 weeks later. As you can imagine this was a nightmare claim. I spoke to several attorneys about my case b...

Angela Cheeseboro

Vanessa is a compassionate human being and a very knowledgeable, experienced attorney. My case was not easy in any way, but with Vanessa’s experience, expertise, and her fearless negotiation skills, she secured a very positive outcome on my behalf. She gave me support through thick and thin and ev...

Roxana

To whom it may concern: I don’t usually leave reviews but I felt a burning passion to leave this one. I give credit where it’s due and this team deserves every word!! Kalfayan & Merjanian, you guys came highly recommended to me in a time when I needed you the most! It is no ...

Rick

Exceptional Service, Professionalism I was in an auto accident in 2016 and retained Kalfayan Merjanian to handle the ins and outs of my injuries. This was the best decision I could have made. The attorneys were professional, personable and walked me through the process every step of...

Jeanna

Rear end car accident with children I was rear-ended on my way to drop off my kids to school. Thankfully my children were not physically injured mostly scared. However, my back was injured when a big van behind us hit us. Vanessa has helped me since the very beginning with therapies...

Leonela

Rear End Car Accident (Multiple cars) I was involved in a car accident in Dec 17 with multiple cars. All of the parties were all denied their faults and the adjuster have tried to delay on my case. Vanessa and her team worked hard to negotiate with them and increase my settlement al...

Anh Ho

Great Experience Vanessa was accessible and communicative. She negotiated my PT on a lien basis in addition to getting me the maximum settlement. She made an icky situation the best it could be!...

Cameran

Absolutely the best I was rear ended in an accident a few weeks before a move. Vanessa and her team handled the case with great communication (even when my gmail did not cooperate) and the experience was seamless to me. She even negotiated a higher settlement than expected. I litera...

Swathi

Car accident In August 2017 I got rear ended on the freeway. I made a phone call to Vanessa’s firm and they took my case. Since day one the process was smooth and seamless. They kept me up to date with the next steps. The case was closed in less than 6 months. I am truly greatful ...

anonymou

Absolutely the best
Vanessa and her team were absolutely the best. They were always professional, attentive, and polite. They answered every single question I asked them. I specifically worked with Amelia and Selena on many occasions and they were absolutely wonderful. They were ...

Jocelyn

Vanessa Cardinale is the best attorney.
Vanessa was very Heplful and attentive to every thing I needed during my entire case. She did not rest until she won the case and all my medical expenses were paid. I highly recommend Vanessa Cardinale and her team. Thank you Vanessa and Ma...

Jonathan Saúl Hernández

Attentive and Helpful
Vanessa Cardinale was so helpful and attentive to all my needs. I truly appreciate the time and attention I was given through my entire case. I can’t recommend her and her team more....

Jeffrey

Professional, effective and caring
My best friend and I came to Vanessa after being hit by a driver that recently got their license. Vanessa used her legal expertise to get us the funds we needed to take care of our medical expenses. She was very responsive and transparent throug...

Joseph

Thorough, Diligent, and Understanding
Vanessa has been incredible and a tireless advocate for me in my case. She has followed up with me in a very timely manner, and I always felt that she had my best interest at heart. Vanessa followed up with and guided me through the entire pr...

Tracy

The best attorney you could ask for Vanessa is amazing. She was on top of my case from the first moment. As a very disorganized person, I am glad that she was on my side. There many issues (checks and papers being lost in mail and such) with my case that made things messy. Thankfull...

Shar P.

Honest and compassionate Vanessa Cardinale and her team at Kalfayan Merjanian where there to handle a rear-ended collision that had happened to me. She and her team let me know what to expect from details I gave and lead me through each process no matter how insignificant I thought ...

Kevin R.

Car accident I was rear ended at a stop light by a kid on his cell phone. Unfortunately he didn’t hit his breaks until he hit me and he was driving a huge work truck. I ended up with a neck injury and 2 herniated lumbar discs. Not to mention, the back end of my car had $7k in dama...

Elizabeth

I highly recommend this firm. Their rates are appropriate and they have the technology to make this a smooth process. I spoke with several attorneys before deciding to move forward with The Kalfayan Merjanian Firm. I also got several recommendations to use their services from multiple sources. It wa...

Angela C.

Top notch attorneys,
Over the past 6 or so months I had the pleasure of working with attorney Mike Stodolka. What a great guy; a real straight shooter. He explained the process thoroughly so there wasn’t any surprises and followed through with everything he said he would. As for my situation, I...

Ryan V.

To whom it may concern:
I don’t usually leave reviews but I felt a burning passion to leave this one. I give credit where it’s due and this team deserves every word!! Kalfayan & Merjanian, you guys came highly recommended to me in a time when I needed you the most! It is no surprise to me...

Rick S.

We seldom leave reviews but i think Kalfayan Merjanian Law Firm deserves this!We are blessed to have chosen you to represent us in our first (and praying the last )car accident case. Since day one you guys have helped us a lot. You made us feel safe and secured. Your law firm has kept us well inform...

Marilou C.

I endured a lot of back pain after my car was rear-ended and totaled. After haggling with an unresponsive other-party insurance for months, I enlisted Kalfayan Merjanian. Once Vanessa Cardinale was assigned my case, I was relieved that I only had to focus on my recovery while Vanessa dealt with the ...

Sandi C.

My wife and I were introduced to John Shaver after being rear-ended by a drunk driver in March 2018. John was very professional, supportive and made sure we were well taken care along the whole process. John was in constant contact with us, keeping us updated with the progress made on our case as we...

Amit B.

I was rear ended at a stop light by a kid on his cell phone. Unfortunately he didn’t hit his brakes until he hit me and he was driving a huge work truck. I ended up with a neck injury and 2 herniated lumbar discs. Not to mention, the back end of my car had $7k in damages. I sought medical care rig...

Elizabeth J.

Highly recommend! This firm stuck by my side after I was slammed by a drunk driver. Through my pain and PTSD, they let me yell at them, hey let me vent my frustrations, and they met my needs through the difficult time. Money was tight, insurance moved slow, the staff at Kalfayan Merjanian provided m...

Heather G.

Yashal N.

I was rear ended in an accident a few weeks before a move. Vanessa and her team handled the case with great communication (even when my gmail did not cooperate) and the experience was seamless to me. She even negotiated a higher settlement than expected. I literally had to do nothing except trust in...

Swathi N.

Many thanks to Vanessa and her crew. I have never been treated so professionally. Their service is fantastic. They were there every step of the way making sure I made my doctor appointments and also to make sure the doctors were treating me properly. Who does this anymore? Just blown away. Thank you...

Kevin Bishop

Thank you for all the help of Kalfayan Merjanian over the case. I could not be happier with the services I received from my Attorney John Shaver. He is extremely efficient and professional and always available to answer questions. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking an excellent attorney....

Kayira D.

My lawyer John Shaver is so profesional, always kept me informed on my case and seemed interested on my health. He even reduced his fees and costs so I could get more cash. I highly recommend this law firm....

Sara Noriega

I want to say thank you to Michael and staff for helping me throughout the case!! I appreciate Michael’s willingness to stick out for me. He made a break in the case late and was able to get the maximum amount. Thanks again!...

Jason Clifford

I’m so thankful for this company. Vanessa and her crew are very professional and easy to work with. I couldn’t imagine going thru my PI case with anyone else. Great Results and Great people!!!...

ARON LABEL

Kayira Dilshat

This firm was able to not only settle my personal injury case within 3 months, but I was also able to receive my settlement within those three months as well! I Highly recommend their service!...

Daniel Plata

Rajinder Sekhon

I can’t thank Michael and his staff enough! They handled every detail of my case. Thank you for all of your help!...

John Corcoran

Oscar Bruce

10/10 will recommend their services. Very personal and understanding, I really do appreciate all that they have done for me. Thanks Mike, and team!...

Angie Chia

Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP, helped me through a difficult time after being injured in an automobile accident. Hiring a law firm was a first for me, but KM was the right decision. The KM team is competent, reliable and sincerely cares by providing outstanding service to their clients. Your quality of li...

E B Trevor

They did an outstanding job for the services that I required. The attorney on the case John was very effective. The director of client Serene kept me updated on my case and the paralegal Marcela was extremely helpful. Thanks rkvmlaw!...

Andrew Lee

The team of attorneys, Vic Merjanian and John Shaver, who worked on our case against a major retailer, were absolutely fantastic. From our initial meeting right to the end, they handled all matters professionally, efficiently, realistically and with total confidence. Along the way, they gave us deta...

Robert Matthews

I have had an Absolutely Stellar experience with this top notch law firm, Kalfayan Merjanian. They Extremely Successfully turned an unfortunate situation around for me, turning my frown upside-down! Calling them was the best decision I have likely ever made. I can’t thank them enough....

Capt Bill

From the beginning, the team at Kalfayan Merjanian helped make it easier to get through everything that comes with the bad experience of an auto accident.
I felt that the team at K&M went the extra mile for me and helped me get value for my vehicle, as well as taking care of my personal injur...

Carlos Anthony

Got into a accident back in 2015 wit in few month I had a settlement offer my attorney Michael Stodolka (Mike) from Kalfayan Merjanian Is the person to go he kept me update each week follow up wit me to see how was I doing everything went really smooth never had a issue wit him the staff is friendly...

Jesus Millan

I had an accident back in November 2016, I contacted Kalfayan Merjanian LLP . Since I had a broken knee I was not able to visit their office, so they sent out Mike Stodolka, a well experienced lawyer who came to my home and took care of everything for me. He coordinated with the medical institutions...

Daniel Castle

I interviewed a few other offices, but am so thankful to have been recommended to Kalfayan Merjanian law office. I have legal insurance, but decided to bypass the benifits because I felt the outcome of the case would be more favorable here. I don’t regret that decision. John Shaver was helpful and...

Dalia Ficut

I was in a car accident recently & had no idea what to do. I was referred to Vic Merjanian & Michael Stodolka by someone I trust who had worked with them previously. They told me what to expect & totally delivered! In addition to keeping me updated regularly on my case, they made things ...

Justin Gilia

I’ve talked to Vic many times about legal issues and he’s always provided good advice and valuable insight! A while back my mom got into a car accident by some jerk that fell asleep at the wheel and rear ended her. I tried to work with the guy as it was obviously his fault but he was being so un...

James H.

If I could give Kalfayan Merjanian 10stars I would. I had never needed or used an Attorney .After my car accident rear ended by someone. I went to see Dr Gotta. He is the one that referred me to KM. They were nice enough to come to my work. After meeting them I felt very comfortable and trusted that...

Rachelle Fiscus

This review should have been written over three years go. I’m sorry it took so long! This review is for my lawyers, John Shaver and Vic Merjanian. Three years ago they represented me after I was involved in a terrible food poisoning incident and suffered some health problems thereafter. Mr Shaver ...

Taylor Desirae

I was in a vehicle accident January of 2016. I had aquired another attorney prior to going with Kalfayan Merjanian LLP. The prior attorney did not help me with anything and I had a very difficult time getting him on the phone. I was fed up and thru a referal from a friend contacted the law offices o...

Joel Coronel

Vic Merjanian & John Shaver did an excellent job helping me deal with the insurance adjusters. At 1st I was attempting to fight the insurance adjusters by myself, but I was getting nowhere. Once I decided to hire Vic Merjanian, he made sure that John Shaver (Attorney) would take care of my case....

hbdrumma

The partnership of Vic and Mike was nothing short of a great decision for a team to work on my case. Not only was I dealing with an auto collision but also physical injuries. I am very happy with the results. They made sure that all my questions regarding insurance and treatment for my injuries were...

Greg Montoya

This was my first time ever using an attorney. Both Vic Merjanian and Mike Stodolka helped me with my case. They were both very informative and explained anything that I didn’t understand. Everyone at their law firm was very friendly and nice. Mike Stodolka even helped me with things after I had g...

Heather Gerard

Kalfayan Merjanian has been the best lawyers office for us. They promptly get your case resolved, quick to respond, and send you wonderful surprises as an appreciation for being a client. I would highly recommend them to any family and friend looking for a lawyer. Thanks for all you do Kalfayan Merj...

Sara Baird

I’m so thankful for this company. Vanessa and her crew are very professional and easy to work with. I couldn’t imagine going thru my PI case with anyone else. Great Results and Great people!!!...

Aaron Richardson

I was in a really bad car accident and was getting shuffled around to different ineffective care until I became involved with John Shaver. He helped me get the care I needed and was a big part of getting me back to 100%. Very professional and great with following up with any questions I had. Highly ...

Josh Nichols

No tengo palabras para agradecer a la familia Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP? en especial a VANESSA y su equipo que colaboró en mi caso dando como resultado un gran triunfo para ambas por eso les deseó que nunca les falte trabajo en este tiempo ya que son unos grandes profesionales para confiar para mi f...

Esperanza Popoca

Joshua Morrissey

I can’t say thank you enough! Michael and his staff did an amazing job!...

John Corcoran

FAQ

What Are The Laws In California If I Was Hurt By A Defective Product? In California, one must prove that the product distributed, sold, or manufactured by another party had defects or did not include proper instructions on how to properly use the product without risk of serious injury.
What Kinds Of Damages Can You Claim In A Product Liability Case?
Similar to other personal injury cases, some commonly recovered damages for product liability cases are:
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Medical and hospital bills; and
- Medication costs.
Is There Any Statute of Limitations For My Product Liability Case in California? In California, all product liability claims have a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a time frame in which victims have to settle their claim or file a lawsuit. Victims who fail to settle their claim or file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations lose their legal right to seek compensation for their injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to consult with a trucking accident attorney as soon as possible, to help assess the applicable statute of limitations.
What Are The Most Common Injuries Suffered By Defective Products?
Common injuries seen from defective products include:
- Broken bones;
- Burns;
- Electrocution;
- Lacerations;
- Nerve damage;
- Vision impairment; and
- More.
Who Is Held Liable For My Injuries In A Product Liability Case? Most products should go through a thorough process of design, approval, development, production, shipping, sale, and more. Any company, manufacturer, person, distributor, and retailer could be held responsible for defective products and the injuries they cause.
What Do I Need to Prove a Defective Product Caused My Injury and I Am Not at Fault?
In many cases, to prove a defective product caused an injury the following should be confirmed:
- The product in question was designed, manufactured, distributed, or sold by the defendant or the company the defendant works for;
- When the product was sold or transferred to the victim, it was defective;
- The product was used in a reasonable manner by the victim;
- Serious injury was sustained by the victim because of the product.
If The Product Has A Disclaimer Can The Manufacturer Still Be Held Liable For My Injuries? Not all disclaimers give complete immunity to manufacturers or companies. These can be broad, general statements about the product but they can still be held liable for injuries caused by defective products. In cases like this, it’s important to work with an experienced California product liability attorney to understand the ins and outs of disclaimers and product liability.
When It Comes To Motor Vehicles, What Types Of Defects Lead To Serious Injuries? Faulty brakes, gas pedals, lights, mirrors, speedometers, airbags, seatbelts, and other safety equipment can lead to serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents related to defective products.