Under what condition does a design defect exist?

A design defect occurs when a product is inherently dangerous or ineffective due to its design, even if it is manufactured according to the specifications provided by the manufacturer. The key component of determining whether a design defect exists is the availability of a reasonable alternative design.

When a plaintiff can demonstrate that there was a safer, feasible alternative design that would have reduced the risk of harm without significantly impacting the product's utility or performance, it strengthens the case for a design defect claim. This points to the idea that the product could have been designed in a way that would have prevented the harm that occurred, thus establishing a critical element of liability.

In contrast to the concept of a reasonable alternative design, the other options do not directly address the criteria for establishing a design defect. An unexpected function of a product may suggest issues related to misrepresentation or failure to warn, but it does not necessarily indicate a design flaw. The marketing status of the product typically pertains to issues of warranty or consumer protection rather than strict liability. Lastly, the pricing of a product does not connect to its safety or functional design but is more related to market economics and consumer choice. Therefore, the presence of a reasonable alternative design is crucial in establishing a design defect.