Holding Manufacturers Accountable for Defective Products

Consumers trust that the products they purchase are safe for intended use. When that trust is betrayed by defective design, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings, serious injuries can result. At Logeman & Iafrate, P.C., our product liability attorneys fight to hold manufacturers accountable and secure compensation for injured consumers.

Types of Product Defects

Michigan law recognizes three categories of product defects:

Design Defects: When a product's design is inherently dangerous, making all units of that product unsafe regardless of manufacturing quality. Examples include vehicles prone to rollover or medical devices with dangerous design flaws.

Manufacturing Defects: When errors during production make a specific unit dangerous, even though the design is adequate. This might include contaminated medications, improperly assembled components, or substandard materials.

Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn): When manufacturers fail to provide adequate instructions or warnings about known dangers. This is common in pharmaceutical and medical device cases where side effects aren't properly disclosed.

Proving Your Product Liability Claim

Under Michigan law (MCL 600.2946), you must prove:

  • The product was defective when it left the manufacturer's control
  • The defect made the product unreasonably dangerous
  • You were injured while using the product as intended (or in a foreseeable manner)
  • The defect caused your injury

Products that comply with FDA regulations or other federal/state standards benefit from a rebuttable presumption of non-defectiveness—but this presumption can be overcome with sufficient evidence.

What types of product defects can support a liability claim in Michigan?

Michigan law recognizes three categories: design defects (when the product's design is inherently dangerous), manufacturing defects (when production errors make a specific unit dangerous), and marketing defects or failure to warn (when manufacturers don't adequately disclose known dangers). All three can form the basis for a product liability lawsuit if they caused your injury.

How did Michigan's 2024 pharmaceutical liability law change my rights?

Senate Bill 410, effective February 13, 2024, repealed Michigan's pharmaceutical immunity that previously blocked most drug lawsuits. Now, pharmaceutical manufacturers have only a rebuttable presumption of non-defectiveness if they complied with FDA standards. Plaintiffs can overcome this presumption with evidence the product was still defective. The new law applies to injuries occurring on or after February 13, 2024.

What must I prove in a Michigan product liability case?

Under Michigan law (MCL 600.2946), you must prove the product was defective when it left the manufacturer's control, the defect made the product unreasonably dangerous, you were injured while using the product as intended or in a foreseeable manner, and the defect caused your injury. Our attorneys work with experts to establish these elements and build the strongest possible case.

Are there damage caps in Michigan product liability cases?

Yes. Michigan caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in product liability cases at approximately $569,000 for 2025, adjusted annually for inflation. A higher cap of approximately $1,047,000 applies for cases involving death or permanent loss of vital bodily functions. Economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages are not capped.

How long do I have to file a product liability lawsuit in Michigan?

The statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally three years from when the injury occurred or was discovered. However, Michigan's statute of repose may bar claims for products manufactured more than 10 years before the injury in some circumstances. Consulting an attorney promptly protects your right to file within all applicable deadlines.