Products Liability: Meeting Legal Standards for Adequate Instructions

Abstract

Products liability law requires manufacturers to supply adequate instructions with products when consumers need them to safely and effectively use the products. This article spells out what the courts say should go into directions and warnings to make them legally adequate. In a nutshell, the courts mandate that instructions contain complete, accurate, and tested directions that consumers can readily notice and follow. Further, instructions must meet government, industry, and company standards. And, for products that can cause harm, the instructions must warn of potential hazards.