We all know consumer products can be dangerous when used improperly. Everything from vacuum cleaners to jet skis bear large, orange warning decals instructing users, “READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL PRIOR TO USE.” In the owner’s manual, users will find a wide array of warnings, diagrams, and instructions for the safe use of the product.

Owner’s manuals are often a focal point in products liability cases where it is alleged that a product is dangerously defective or the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings. In such cases, trial lawyers refer to the owner’s manuals to point out the adequacy or inadequacy of warnings and instructions. Owner’s manuals also become critical in determining whether there was “misuse” by the user, meaning the product was used in an unintended or unforeseeable manner.