Faulty and Unsafe Products

Public liability covers a wide range of scenarios in which people may be injured, including circumstances where the products have been faulty. If you have been injured as a result of a defective product you may be entitled to claim compensation.

On 1 January 2011, the Trade Practices Act 1974 was renamed the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. This legislation has simplified and replaced the different provisions at the national, state and territory levels with one single national consumer law.

We often find that we need to obtain expert reports commenting on specific defects in the product and the risks such a defect would prove to members of the public. Reports of this kind could also often comment on the relevant government regulations and guidelines, as they relate to the product in question.

A consumer can seek compensation from a manufacturer who has supplied defective goods if the goods have caused loss or damage. Even if the manufacturer does not have a place of business in Australia, you may still have a right to pursue compensation from the importer of the product.

With product liability claims, there are time limits within which you must take action. Regardless of how much time has passed since you have been injured or the goods were supplied, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

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• Public Liability