Introduction

How much compensation for product liability can I claim in the UK? Learn about typical compensation ranges, making a claim, and more in this comprehensive guide. You may be entitled to compensation for product liability if you have been injured or suffered losses due to a defective product. But how many prizes can you claim in the UK? In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that can affect the amount of compensation you can receive.

What is Product Liability?

Product liability guides to the legal responsibility that manufacturers, distributors, and sellers have for ensuring that the products they provide are safe and fit for purpose. If a defective product causes injury, illness, or damage, the parties responsible may be liable to pay compensation. For more about click here

Factors That Affect Compensation for Product Liability

The amount of compensation you can claim for product liability depends on a range of factors, including:

Nature and Severity of Your Injuries

The more severe your injuries, the higher the compensation you can claim. Compensation may protect medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

The Extent of Financial Losses

If a defective product has caused financial losses, such as damage to your property or loss of earnings, you may be able to claim compensation to cover these costs.

Cost of Medical Treatment

If you require medical treatment due to a defective development, you may be able to claim compensation to cover the cost of this treatment, including ongoing care and rehabilitation.

Impact on Your Quality of Life

If your injuries have significantly impacted your quality of life, you can claim compensation to reflect this. Compensation may cover loss of enjoyment of life, inability to participate in activities, and mental anguish.

Liability and Negligence

The compensation you can claim will also depend on who is liable for the defective product and the level of negligence involved. For example, if the manufacturer knew about the defect but failed to take action, you may be entitled to more compensation.

Legal Fees

The cost of legal representation can also impact the compensation you can claim. In the UK, many lawyers work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you won’t have to pay any fees if your lawsuit is unsuccessful.

Real-life Examples

To give you an idea of the compensation that may be available for product liability claims, let’s look at some real-life examples:

Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder

In 2018, Johnson & Johnson was mandated to pay $4.7 billion in impairments to 22 women who claimed that the company’s talcum powder had caused ovarian cancer. This was later reduced to $2.1 billion, but it still represents significant compensation.

Grenfell Tower Fire

Following the Grenfell Tower blaze in 2017, survivors and bereaved families were awarded a total of £202 million in compensation. This included £40 million from the government and £162 million from Kensington and Chelsea council.

VW Emissions Scandal

In 2020, Volkswagen agreed to pay £196 million in compensation to UK drivers affected by the emissions scandal. This included payments of between £3,000 and £10,000 per claimant, depending on the type of vehicle they owned. Do visit my blog

FAQs

How long do I have to create a product liability claim in the UK and How much compensation for product liability can I claim in the UK?

In most circumstances, you must make a claim three years from the injury’s date or the defect’s discovery. However, some exceptions exist, such as if the claimant is a child or if the damage was caused by medical negligence.

Can I make a product liability claim if I bought the product second-hand?

Yes, you may still be able to claim if you bought the product second-hand, provided that you can prove that the defect was present at the time of purchase.

Do I need to have a receipt?

No, you don’t need a receipt to make a product liability claim. However, you will need to provide evidence that you purchased the product and that it was defective.

Can I claim compensation for a defective product I was partly responsible for?

Yes, you may still be able to claim compensation even if you were partly accountable for the injury or damage. This is known as contributory negligence, and the balance you can claim may be reduced to reflect your level of responsibility.

How do I make a product liability claim in the UK?

To make a product liability claim in the UK, you must gather evidence to support your claim and contact a solicitor specializing in this area of law. Your lawyer can direct you through the claims process and represent you in court if necessary.

How Much Compensation for Product Liability Can I Claim in the UK? – Table

Type of Injury	Compensation Range
Minor injuries	Up to £2,300
Moderate injuries	£2,300 to £11,820
Severe injuries	£11,820 to £46,040
Life-changing injuries	£46,040 to £151,070
Catastrophic injuries	£151,070 to £214,210
Fatal injuries	£12,980 to £28,240