California law
Product Liability Laws in California.
California is a foundational jurisdiction for strict product liability under Greenman v. Yuba Power Products, Inc., 59 Cal. 2d 57 (1963). California applies strict liability to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of defective products, alongside parallel negligence and breach-of-warranty theories. The 2-year personal-injury statute of limitations generally applies.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Statute of Limitations
Product-liability claims sounding in personal injury are generally subject to California’s 2-year personal-injury limitation period.
State law
Key California Statutes
California adopted strict product liability in Greenman, applying it to anyone in the chain of distribution of a defective product, alongside parallel negligence and warranty theories.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in California.
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