In a products liability case in Arizona, what must a plaintiff demonstrate?

In a products liability case in Arizona, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the product was defective and caused injuries. This requirement is essential because it establishes a direct connection between the alleged defect in the product and the harm experienced by the plaintiff. Arizona law recognizes several types of defects, including design defects, manufacturing defects, and inadequate warnings or instructions. For a plaintiff to succeed, they must provide evidence that not only was the product defective in one of these ways, but also that this defect was the direct cause of their injuries.

This standard is foundational in product liability claims since it focuses on ensuring that consumers can seek redress for injuries that arise from unsafe products, promoting accountability among manufacturers and maintaining standards of public safety. In contrast, other considerations such as market value or comparisons with other products do not directly address the legal obligations and standards that manufacturers must meet. Therefore, demonstrating the defect's connection to the injury is paramount in establishing liability in a product liability case.