This Article is not to be construed as legal advice

When researching and selecting a Weapon Detection Technology, it’s essential to consider the competency of design, confidence in manufacturing to the intended design, and the commitment by the brand to do the right thing. This can be summarized as the essence of product liability. Product liability in the United States generally refers to the legal responsibility that manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers have for the products that they put into the hands of consumers. There are three main types of product liability claims that businesses who purchase weapon detectors may face:

• Manufacturing Defects: These occur when a product is not made according to its intended design and is different from other products of the same line. The defect makes the product more dangerous than expected by consumers. In such cases, the liability typically falls on the manufacturer. For example, if a batch of a particular electronic device was assembled with faulty components, leading to a safety hazard, the manufacturer could be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. Tip: Make sure to test the system when it arrives in your possession. Test according to a recognized government or international security standard like the National Institute of Justice standards.

• Design Defects: Design defects are inherent flaws in a product’s design that make it unreasonably dangerous, even when manufactured correctly. In these cases, every item of the product line may be affected. The responsibility usually lies with the designer or the entity responsible for developing the product’s design. An example could be a piece of furniture with a design flaw that causes it to collapse easily, leading to potential injuries for consumers. Tip: Make sure to test the system during the purchasing process, as well as when it arrives in your possession. Test according to a recognized government or international security standard like the National Institute of Justice standards.

• Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects): A failure to adequately warn or provide proper instructions for the safe use of a product can lead to liability. If a product requires certain precautions or has potential risks that are not adequately communicated to consumers, the business could be held responsible for resulting injuries. This type of liability often applies to manufacturers and distributors. For instance, a medication that does not provide clear warnings about potential side effects could lead to a failure to warn claim. Tip: Google search the manufacturer and distributor for lawsuits. Also, make sure that legal language does not obstruct other users from voicing concerns. For instance, make sure a contract does not include a disparagement clause.

It’s essential for businesses to take product liability seriously when buying a weapon screening technology, and ensure that quality control measures are in place, conduct thorough product testing, which includes a government security standard like NILECJ or ASTM, and provide clear warnings and instructions for safe usage. Being aware of and addressing potential product liability issues can help protect both businesses and the end-user. Follow these tips above to help avoid