The designer of products which can cause serious personal injury should be aware that the law of products liability imposes responsibilities which go beyond the normal expectations of professional care and competency. In addition, the successful defense of a design in a products liability trial often hinges upon the quality and thoroughness of the documentary record maintained of the design process. A practical understanding of the products liability system will enable the designer to take effective measures to decrease the number of products liability actions and increase the likelihood of winning the suits which are brought.
