If a business manufactures, sells, or distributes products, it may want to purchase product liability insurance to protect against loss due to liability for personal injuries and property damage alleged to have been suffered by someone who used or was affected by a product.
Any business in the product supply chain—a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer—may be sued on one or more legal theories generally known as product liability—including the defective design of a product (design defect); the defective marketing of a product (marketing defect or failure to warn); or the defective manufacturing of a product (manufacturing defect).
Product liability insurance is also purchased by manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors in the construction industry to protect against claims that a product used in a construction project was defective.
In Kansas, as in other states, businesses involved in the manufacturing, selling, or distribution of products should consider purchasing product liability insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with product liability claims. Kansas law allows for product liability suits based on various legal theories, including design defects, marketing defects (failure to warn), and manufacturing defects. These claims can arise if a product causes personal injury or property damage. Product liability insurance can provide coverage for legal fees, settlements, and court judgments. The construction industry also recognizes the importance of this insurance, as it covers claims related to defective products used in construction projects. While insurance can provide significant protection, it is also essential for businesses to comply with state and federal regulations regarding product safety to minimize the risk of liability.