In Texas, a “defective product” is any drug, device, or product that is unreasonably dangerous due to a defect in marketing, design, or manufacturing. This applies when the defective product is used correctly or even misused if the manufacturer had foreseeable knowledge of that use. 

Product liability lawsuits can arise in a wide range of industries. For example, medical device companies have faced lawsuits for products like hip replacements, vaginal mesh, defective IUDs, and breast implants, while pharmaceutical companies have been sued over medications like Lyrica, Zoloft, and Paxil. 

Common examples of defective products include: 

• Auto Parts: Defective auto parts, such as faulty brakes, malfunctioning airbags, or defective ignition switches, can lead to serious accidents. Common issues include brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions, which put drivers and passengers at high risk.
• Medical Devices: Malfunctioning medical devices, including defective hip implants, pacemakers, or surgical tools, can cause severe health complications. Patients may experience additional surgeries, infections, or device failure, which can lead to lifelong injuries.
• Pharmaceuticals: Dangerous drugs with improper labeling or severe side effects can harm patients. Defective medications, including birth control pills or contaminated drugs, may result in life-threatening conditions, addiction, or organ damage.
• Household Products: Everyday items like stoves, space heaters, or cleaning supplies can pose risks if defective. Issues such as electrical fires, tipping hazards in furniture, or toxic chemicals in cleaners can lead to injury or property damage.
• Children’s Products: Faulty car seats, toys with choking hazards, and dangerous cribs can put young children at serious risk. Products like these may contain unsafe materials or have poor construction, resulting in accidents or suffocation risks.
• Electronics: Defective electronics, such as smartphones with overheating batteries or power tools with faulty wiring, can cause burns or electric shock. Such failures may also lead to fires or explosions, putting users and their homes in danger.
• Food Products: Contaminated or mislabeled food can lead to severe health issues, such as food poisoning or allergic reactions. Common concerns include bacterial contamination like salmonella, or improper packaging leading to spoilage.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Defective makeup, skincare products, or hair treatments can cause allergic reactions, skin burns, or long-term health problems. Some personal care items may also contain harmful chemicals or be improperly labeled, leading to severe side effects.
• Construction and Industrial Equipment: Defective tools and heavy machinery, such as cranes, drills, or scaffolding, can lead to catastrophic injuries on job sites. Equipment malfunctions, faulty design, or poor safety features can result in accidents that injure workers or bystanders.
• Recreational Products: Defective boats, ATVs, jet skis, or camping equipment can pose risks of injury or death. Common defects in these products include malfunctioning motors, poor design, or inadequate safety warnings.