Minimizing Product Liability Litigation

World Conference on Quality and Improvement vol. 58 - May 2004

Abstract: [This abstract is based on the author's abstract.]An explanation is given for the increasing number of lawsuits filed in the United States, why some organizations become vulnerable, and the consequences of exposure to litigation. The future trend of product liability litigation, both domestically and globally, makes it necessary for organizations to change their existing methods of addressing product liability prevention and product safety measures. A formal product design review by teams representing various disciplines within the organization is described. Four stages of the activity are explained in detail with recommendations for incorporating each stage into the organizational system.

Keywords: Design reviews - Legal actions - Liability prevention - Organizational design - Product liability - Product safety - Quality system