What does the plaintiff need to prove about the defect in a products liability case?

In a products liability case, the plaintiff must establish that the defect in the product would have been identified if reasonable care had been exercised during its inspection or manufacturing process. This requirement is significant because it ties into the duty of care that manufacturers and distributors have in ensuring their products are safe for consumer use.

Demonstrating that a defect would have been discovered with reasonable care indicates that the defendant may have acted negligently. It underscores the expectation that companies have rigorous quality control and testing measures in place to identify and rectify potential hazards. When the plaintiff successfully shows this link, it supports their claim that the product was defectively designed or manufactured, resulting in harm.

Understanding this principle is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of diligence in product safety and the liability that arises from negligence in maintaining that standard.