Product

liability

A product should be safe when used normally. However, it can happen that a product causes injury, for example because it is defective or does not function properly.

Productaansprakelijkheid
Amsterdam letselschadekantoor

Personal injury caused by a defective product

A defective product can cause physical injury and raise many questions about responsibility and financial compensation. We assist injured victims in gaining clarity and legal support in product liability cases in the Netherlands.

Product liability applies when an injury is caused by a defective product. A product may be considered defective if it does not provide the level of safety that you could reasonably expect. This may involve consumer products, machinery, tools or medical devices.

Not only the manufacturer, but sometimes also the importer or seller can be held liable. Whether product liability applies depends on the product itself, how it was used and the specific circumstances of the case. A defective product can create a great deal of uncertainty. During a free consultation, we listen carefully to your story and clearly explain your rights and possible next steps.

What makes a product legally defective

In product liability cases, the key question is not only whether something was broken, but whether the product provided the safety that could reasonably be expected. This includes looking at the design, warnings, instructions for use and how the product was presented.

Liability of multiple parties

In cases involving injury caused by a product, the manufacturer is not always the only responsible party. Importers, distributors or sellers may also play a role. Which party can be held liable depends on the situation and the position of the product within the supply chain.

Evidence and documentation

Evidence plays an important role in product liability cases. This may include the product itself, instructions for use and documentation about how the product was used. A careful approach helps determine whether the product was indeed defective and what damage resulted from it.

Product aansprakelijkheid 4

Common consequences of injury caused by a product 

The consequences of injury caused by a product can vary. These may include physical complaints, permanent limitations or the need for medical treatment. Psychological effects, such as insecurity or fear when using similar products, may also occur.

There may also be financial consequences, such as medical expenses, loss of income or additional costs. Together, these consequences can have a serious impact on your daily life. Do not remain uncertain about your rights. Please feel free to contact us. We will personally guide you and provide clear answers.

How we can help 

We support you in assessing whether a product can be considered defective and who may be legally liable. We review the product, how it was used and the injury that occurred.

We guide the process carefully, assess your damages and handle communication with the other party. This keeps the process structured and ensures that you understand your position at every stage.

AVB Law letselschade advocaat in Amsterdam

Why choose AVB law

At AVB Law, we work carefully and with personal attention in cases involving product liability. We take the time to understand your situation and clearly explain what is possible under Dutch law.

You have direct contact with a lawyer and can rely on clear communication and a personal approach tailored to your circumstances.

What clients say about us

Our clients can explain it better than we can. In their words, you will read how important it is to feel heard, to receive clarity and to know that someone is standing beside you during a difficult period.

The lawyer who supported me made me feel that I could rely on her full commitment. I was not just a number to her, but a person. During the process, she never lost sight of the human side of the situation.

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This meant a great deal to me during this difficult and uncertain time. AVB Law should definitely continue in the same way and keep ensuring that clients feel seen as people. Thank you very much for the guidance!

Letters Groen 49 Wilma P.

4 months ago

I am incredibly grateful for the professional and dedicated support I received from AVB Law and Babette van Beest during my personal injury case. From the very first contact, I felt heard, taken seriously, and genuinely supported.

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Babette van Beest works carefully, communicates clearly, and has an eye for both the legal and the human side of the process. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and kept me informed of every step along the way. Thanks to her dedication, my case resulted in a very positive outcome, which gave me a great deal of peace of mind and confidence during a difficult period.

I can wholeheartedly recommend AVB Law to anyone dealing with personal injury. It is an honest, knowledgeable, and empathetic firm where you are truly in good hands.

Letters Oranje 2 Biljana G.

4 months ago

During my case (which ultimately lasted 11 years), Raymond always maintained a good balance between staying calm in his energy, expressing justified indignation when needed, and continuing to look at the situation strategically.

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I am also grateful to him for telling me, after about three years, that the real impact of the damage would likely become even more visible in the years to come. He also remained firm in ensuring that we first reached agreement about which examinations would be carried out on me and by whom before we could proceed further.

In addition, we were always able to stay in contact whenever I needed it. He almost always called me back or made sure to let me know something.

Finally, I felt such a level of trust in him that I was able to place my confidence in his judgment. I felt the same with Babette van Beest. Her energetic, decisive approach really appealed to me, and the points I brought forward were genuinely taken into account in the further procedure. Thanks to the excellent guidance, I have already recommended AVB Law to two other people.

Looking back now: what a process it has been. I am so grateful that they stood by my side as a constant, calm, knowledgeable, and strong presence in the “battle” with the insurer, representing and supporting me throughout.

Namen 06 Daan van der W.

4 months ago

In my opinion, AVB Law's greatest strength was above all their communication. They only ever needed one word to understand exactly what I was trying to say. On top of that, I was kept well up to date on the progress of my case.

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All in all, I cannot name any negatives about the support I received.

Letters Groen 34Harrie vd H.

4 months ago

No areas for improvement. Girthe handled this process with great care and professionalism. Her friendly approach and thorough working method helped me enormously, and I am very grateful to her for all her dedication and support.

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I would also like to warmly thank Sanna, who handled my case in the beginning, for her help. Her involvement and guidance made a great difference.

 Letters Oranje 4Dieuwerke vd V.

5 months ago

I am very satisfied with the guidance, support and help of my lawyers Babette and Raymond. They have extensive knowledge and provide excellent advice. They are skilled negotiators who always strive for the best outcome. They keep you well informed about everything and are personally involved.

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From start to finish and even beyond, they are involved and offer great support. They have exceeded all expectations and deliver outstanding quality. I always felt heard throughout the case and they are easy to reach and approachable. A highly skilled firm that is there for you both professionally and personally, and that is exactly what you want when dealing with a personal injury claim.

Letters Groen 45Sanne H.

3 months ago

Other types of personal injury

See the overview

Workplace accidents

Accidents during work

Arbeidsongevallen

Medical malpractice

Inadequate healthcare

Medische fout

Sport and Games

Injuries during activities

Sport en Spel Letsel

FAQ

What is product liability?

Product liability means that a manufacturer can be legally responsible if a product is defective and causes injury or damage.

A product is considered defective when it is not as safe as people can reasonably expect. This could mean the product is unsafe, poorly designed, or does not come with proper warnings or instructions.

If you are injured because of a defective product, you may have the right to claim compensation for your damages.

When is a product considered “defective”?

A product is defective when it does not meet normal safety expectations.

Examples include:

• Batteries that explode or overheat
• Electrical devices that cause shocks or fires
• Products with missing safety warnings
• Products with incorrect or unclear instructions for use

If a product creates a risk that an average user would not expect, it may be legally considered defective.

Who can be held responsible for a defective product?

In most cases, the manufacturer is liable. If the manufacturer is unknown, the importer or seller may also be liable. A lawyer will assess who is responsible in your situation.

What damages can I claim for a defective product?

You may be able to claim compensation for several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Damage to personal property
• Loss of income
• Scarring or permanent injury
• Compensation for pain and suffering

The amount of compensation depends on your personal circumstances and the extent of your injuries and losses.

Do I need to prove that the manufacturer did something wrong?

No. In product liability cases, you do not have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. You only need to show that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury or damage.

What should I do if I was injured by a defective product?

Keep the product and take photos of the damage and your injuries. Seek medical attention and document everything. Stop using the product immediately and contact a personal injury lawyer to assess your case.

Can I file a claim if the product is older or used?

Yes, you can. The age or condition of the product does not automatically prevent a claim, as long as the defect already existed when the product was first placed on the market. A lawyer can help investigate this.

What if the manufacturer claims I used the product incorrectly?

This is a common defence. However, the manufacturer may still be liable if the product did not provide adequate warnings about risks or was not sufficiently safe. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate this for you.

Does product liability also apply to products bought online, for example from foreign webshops?

Yes. Even with online purchases, the importer or seller in the Netherlands may be held liable. If they cannot be identified, the webshop itself may sometimes be held responsible.

How long do I have to file a product liability claim?

The limitation period is usually three years from the moment you become aware that the product caused your damage. In addition, there is an absolute limitation period of ten years from the date the product was first placed on the market.