Product Liability 2nd ed

Product Liability 2nd ed explains the circumstances in which manufacturers, retailers and others may be held liable to compensate persons who are injured, or who incur financial loss, when the products which they manufacture or sell are defective or not fit for their purpose. The text contains detailed discussion of relevant aspects of the law of negligence and of the strict liability provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the E.C.

Directive on liability for defective products on which the Act is based. In any such case, the defect may originate in the production process; be one of design; or be grounded on an alleged failure to issue an adequate warning or directions for safe use. Businesses are increasingly concerned with the public relations implications of such product defects and so this book provides all the necessary information for practitioners to achieve fast, effective solutions for their clients.

Although the majority of cases involve pharmaceuticals and medical devices, in recent English cases the allegedly defective products have been as diverse as a child's buggy, an All Terrain Vehicle, and even a coffee cup. Many cases are brought as group actions, and the book examines the rights of those who are injured by defective products.

This major text provides comprehensive coverage of the law as it has developed in the UK, and also contains detailed discussion of case law from other jurisdictions including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France and Germany. Readers will welcome this comparative approach which is complemented by a detailed and authoritative discussion of issues which arise in transnational litigation involving problems of jurisdiction and the choice of laws. A chapter with detailed coverage of the conflict of laws has been contributed by Professor Jonathan Harris, University of Birmingham.

New to this edition:-

• Includes coverage of the strict liability provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, and many other legislative changes including:-
  • the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977;
  • the Sale of Goods Act 1979;
  • the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982;
  • the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994;
  • and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002.