Liability typically falls on any company in the product’s chain of distribution. This includes the product manufacturer, the parts manufacturer, the assembler, and sometimes the wholesaler or retailer who sold it. Under strict liability rules, you can often sue these parties even if they were not careless. The goal is to hold the responsible commercial entity accountable for placing a dangerous product into the stream of commerce.

If negotiations reach a dead end, you have two main options. First, mediation involves a neutral third party who helps both sides try to find a compromise. If that fails, your final option is to file a lawsuit and take the claim to court. A judge or jury will then decide the outcome. This process is lengthier, more stressful, and costly, which is why a strong negotiation phase is critical to reach a fair settlement without a trial.

It means the legal action is a civil lawsuit, not a prosecution by the state. The goal is not to punish someone with jail time for breaking a law. Instead, the person bringing the claim (the plaintiff) is seeking compensation or a specific solution from the other party (the defendant) for a harm or loss they have suffered. The focus is on resolving a dispute between private parties, often involving money damages, rather than determining guilt for a crime.