Why Failure Analysis Is Crucial in Product Liability Litigation

 

When a product fails and causes injury, property damage, or financial loss, determining why it failed is not just important—it’s essential. In product liability litigation, understanding the root cause of failure can make or break a case. That’s where failure analysis plays a pivotal role.

At Garrett Forensics, our engineers and technical experts specialize in uncovering the mechanics behind product malfunctions. Through scientific investigation, we help attorneys, insurers, and manufacturers establish accountability, validate claims, and defend against unwarranted allegations.

 

What Is Failure Analysis?
Failure analysis is the systematic investigation of a component, device, or structure that has failed to perform as intended. It involves identifying:

The type of failure (e.g., fatigue, fracture, corrosion, wear, overload)

The cause of the failure (e.g., design flaw, manufacturing defect, misuse, environmental conditions)

When and how the failure occurred

Whether the failure was preventable

This process often requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining materials science, mechanical engineering, forensic testing, and expert interpretation to arrive at a scientifically supported conclusion.

 

Why It Matters in Product Liability Cases
Product liability cases typically center on one or more of the following allegations:

Design defects

Manufacturing defects

Failure to warn or provide adequate instructions

Failure analysis provides objective evidence to support or refute these claims. For plaintiffs, it can demonstrate that a product’s defect directly caused injury. For defense teams, it can prove that the failure resulted from user error, external factors, or wear and tear unrelated to any defect.

 

Key Benefits of Failure Analysis in Litigation

1. Uncover Root Cause
Failure analysis identifies the exact point and mode of failure, allowing parties to understand what went wrong and why. This goes far beyond surface-level speculation or assumptions.

 

2. Determine Liability
By linking the failure to a specific cause—such as improper use, inadequate maintenance, or poor quality control—failure analysis clarifies who is responsible.

 

3. Support Expert Testimony
A qualified failure analysis expert can provide clear, science-based testimony that strengthens courtroom arguments. Their findings are often presented through visual aids, simulations, and physical evidence analysis, which resonate with juries and judges alike.

 

4. Prevent Future Incidents
The insights gained from failure analysis don’t just apply to the case at hand. They also help manufacturers and engineers improve product design, quality assurance, and safety standards, reducing the risk of similar incidents in the future.

 

How Garrett Forensics Approaches Failure Analysis
At Garrett Forensics, our team applies industry-standard methodologies and cutting-edge tools to every failure investigation. Our approach typically includes:

Visual inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT)

Material and metallurgical analysis

Microscopy and fracture surface evaluation

Load testing and stress analysis

Comparative studies of industry standards and design criteria

We don’t just identify what failed—we explain why it failed in terms that are understandable, credible, and admissible in court.

 

Common Product Types Involved in Failure Analysis
Our experts have conducted failure analysis across a broad range of industries and product types, including:

Consumer electronics and appliances

Automotive components

Industrial machinery and tools

Medical devices

Construction materials and equipment

Safety gear and protective devices

Each case is unique, but the goal remains the same: deliver objective, scientifically grounded findings that support legal clarity and accountability.

 

Conclusion
In the realm of product liability litigation, failure analysis isn’t just a technical step—it’s a strategic advantage. By revealing the true cause of product failures, it provides the factual foundation needed to resolve disputes, allocate responsibility, and drive safer product designs.

At Garrett Forensics, we are committed to delivering precise, defensible, and impartial failure analysis that stands up to legal scrutiny. If you’re facing a complex product liability case, our experts are ready to provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

 

Need support on a product failure case?
Contact Garrett Forensics today to speak with one of our failure analysis experts.