Sociological Testimony and Evidence in Product Liability Litigation

Abstract

Sociologists can assist attorneys and law firms in product liability litigation, which is defined by a set of laws developed to protect consumers from unsafe products. These laws state that manufacturers and vendors are responsible for manufacturing and selling safe products. When a product causes a consumer’s personal injury or death, its manufacturers and/or vendors may be held liable. Product liability laws cover all types of defective products, including auto parts, medical devices, drugs, food products that contain harmful bacteria or toxic ingredients, products containing toxic materials, and workplace machinery. In addition, products that are mislabeled can be considered defective under product liability laws. In these cases, attorneys and law firms investigate the injury or death thoroughly; they use expert witnesses and consultants to examine the facts of the case and determine why the injury or death occurred. Once they have established liability, they seek to hold the responsible parties accountable for the injury or death. This chapter highlights how sociological testimony can assist in product liability litigation. This analysis focuses on product liability resulting from five products: tobacco, food, alcohol, joint replacements, and lawn mowers.