Under products liability law, who can be held strictly liable for defects in a product?

Under products liability law, any party in the chain of sale can be held strictly liable for defects in a product. This includes manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and even wholesalers. The key principle behind strict liability is that the focus is on the product itself and its defectiveness, rather than the conduct of the individual parties. The rationale is that those who are engaged in the business of selling or distributing a product are in the best position to ensure that the products they sell are safe for consumers.

This broad application of strict liability serves to protect consumers by encouraging all parties involved in the production and distribution process to maintain high safety standards. It also simplifies the process for plaintiffs, since they do not need to prove negligence or fault on the part of a specific defendant; they can simply show that the product was defective and that they were harmed as a result.

While manufacturers and retailers are commonly held liable, limiting liability to these parties would undermine the consumer protection framework by excluding others in the distribution chain who also play significant roles in bringing a product to market. Thus, liability is extended to any party in that chain to ensure comprehensive accountability.