The Value of Well Developed Industry Standards in Products Liability Litigation

Analyzes the evidentiary value in products liability cases of a defendant manufacturer’s compliance with industry standards in proving its product’s design is reasonable and not defective.  Courts in Georgia and elsewhere routinely hold such evidence to be admissible, but not conclusive, on the issue of whether a product is defective.  The article discusses cases addressing the circumstances under which a defendant manufacturer’s compliance with well-drafted industry standards can preclude a defective design claim.