If you have been injured by a defective product in the UK, you can claim compensation under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. This is a strict liability regime — you do not need to prove the manufacturer was careless, only that the product was defective and the defect caused your injury. You can claim against the manufacturer, importer or supplier. You normally have three years to claim, with an absolute longstop of ten years from the date the product was first supplied.
From exploding e-cigarettes and faulty electrical appliances to contaminated food, defective children's toys and unsafe car components, product defects cause thousands of injuries in the UK every year. The law gives you a powerful right to claim compensation without having to prove anyone was careless — you just need to show the product was defective and the defect caused your injury. This guide explains how these claims work.
Strict liability under the Consumer Protection Act 1987
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 (CPA) created a strict liability regime for product defects. This means:
- You do not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent or careless.
- You do need to prove the product was defective, that you suffered injury or damage, and that the defect caused the injury.
- A product is defective if its safety is not such as persons generally are entitled to expect, taking into account how it was marketed, any instructions and warnings, and what might reasonably be done with it.
There are three categories of defect: a manufacturing defect (the individual product went wrong during production), a design defect (the whole product line is unsafe by design), and an inadequate warning or instruction (the product is safe if used correctly but the manufacturer failed to warn of a foreseeable risk).
Who can I claim against?
| Party | When liable |
|---|---|
| Producer / manufacturer | Primary defendant — made or assembled the defective product |
| UK importer | Imported the product into the UK from outside |
| Own-brand retailer | Put their name on the product as if they were the producer |
| Supplier (retailer, distributor) | Only if they cannot identify the producer or importer when asked within a reasonable time |
In practice, this means if you buy a product from a UK shop and the manufacturer is a company based overseas, you can claim against the UK importer. If the retailer sells it under their own brand, they are treated as the producer. If the retailer refuses to tell you who the manufacturer or importer is, they become liable themselves.
How much compensation for a defective product injury?
Compensation depends on the injury the defect caused, valued under the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), 17th edition (April 2024). Product defect injuries span the full spectrum, from minor burns to fatal harm. Representative brackets by injury type:
| Injury | Guideline bracket |
|---|---|
| Minor burns or lacerations, full recovery | £2,500 – £7,830 |
| Simple fracture, full recovery | £4,670 – £8,640 |
| Moderate injury with lasting effects | £10,350 – £32,450 |
| Serious injury (e.g. severe burns, nerve damage) | £16,770 – £67,900 |
| Life-changing injury (brain injury, amputation) | Significantly higher, case-specific |
Special damages for lost earnings, treatment, care and rehabilitation are added. There is a threshold under the CPA: you cannot claim for property damage of less than £275, but there is no minimum for personal injury claims. See how compensation works.
Evidence for a defective product claim
- The product itself. Preserve it exactly as it is — do not repair, modify or throw it away.
- Photographs of the product, the defect, and your injuries.
- Purchase receipt or proof of acquisition.
- Medical records linking your injury to the product.
- Any recall notices or safety warnings issued for the product.
- Expert evidence — your solicitor may commission an engineer or product safety expert to examine the product and identify the defect.
⏳ The ten-year longstop
Under the CPA, no claim can be brought more than ten years after the date the product was first supplied by the producer, importer or own-brander. This longstop applies regardless of when the injury occurred. If you were injured by a product supplied more than ten years ago, a CPA claim is time-barred, though you may still have a negligence claim subject to the normal three-year limit.
Time limits
The standard limitation period is three years from the date of injury or date of knowledge, with the ten-year longstop described above. See our time limits guide.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. For a solicitor experienced in product liability claims, use the SRA register or the Law Society "Find a Solicitor" service. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) handles product recalls, and Citizens Advice can help with consumer rights.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for an injury caused by a defective product?
Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, if a product is defective and that defect causes you personal injury, you can claim against the manufacturer, the importer into the UK, or in some cases the retailer. This is a strict liability regime, meaning you do not need to prove the manufacturer was careless, only that the product was defective and caused your injury.
What does "defective" mean under the Consumer Protection Act 1987?
A product is defective if its safety is not such as persons generally are entitled to expect. The court considers all relevant circumstances including how the product is marketed, any instructions or warnings, and what might reasonably be expected to be done with the product. A product can be defective because of a manufacturing fault, a design flaw or inadequate warnings.
Who can I claim against for a defective product?
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 you can claim against the producer or manufacturer, any person who imported the product into the UK, or any supplier who fails to identify the producer or importer when asked. In practice, claims are usually brought against the manufacturer, but where the manufacturer is overseas and hard to pursue, the UK importer or retailer may be the practical defendant.
How long do I have to claim for a defective product injury?
Three years from the date of injury or from the date you became aware of the defect and the injury, whichever is later (Limitation Act 1980). There is also an absolute longstop of ten years from the date the product was first supplied, after which no claim can be brought under the Consumer Protection Act regardless of when the injury occurred.
Do I need to keep the defective product?
Yes, if at all possible. The product itself is the most important piece of evidence. Preserve it in its current condition, do not repair or discard it, and take photographs. If the product has been recalled or destroyed, other evidence such as purchase receipts, packaging and any recall notice can help establish the claim.
Can I claim for a product I received as a gift?
Yes. The Consumer Protection Act 1987 protects anyone who is injured by a defective product, not just the person who bought it. You do not need a contract with the manufacturer or retailer to bring a claim. Even a bystander injured by someone else's defective product can claim.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- The Law Society — Find a Solicitor — accredited PI specialists
- Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) — product recalls and safety
- Citizens Advice — consumer rights guidance
Related guides: electric shock injury claims, scarring and burns claims, food poisoning claims, how to make a claim and no win, no fee explained.