IrelandCan I get compensation for consequential loss from a defective product?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for consequential loss caused by a defective product under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, but only if the loss was reasonably foreseeable and directly caused by the defect.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Rights Act 2022 sets out your rights when a product is defective — including whether you can recover losses that go beyond the product itself.
Under section 30 of the Consumer Rights Act 2022, a consumer who suffers loss or damage as a result of a defective product may claim compensation. This includes not just the cost of the faulty item, but also 'consequential loss' — meaning other financial losses that flow from the defect, such as damage to other property or extra expenses incurred because the product failed.
However, the law limits this right: you can only recover consequential loss if it was 'reasonably foreseeable' at the time the contract was made, and if the loss was 'directly caused' by the defect. The Act does not allow claims for purely economic loss (e.g., lost profits) unless they meet these strict conditions.
Importantly, this right applies only to consumers — not businesses buying goods for commercial use — and only where the product was supplied in the course of a business.
Statutory TextA consumer who suffers loss or damage as a result of a defective product may claim compensation for that loss or damage, including consequential loss, if the loss or damage was reasonably foreseeable and directly caused by the defect.
— Consumer Rights Act 2022, s. 30 — Compensation for defective products
What to Do
Check that you qualify as a 'consumer' under the Act (i.e., you bought the product for personal, not business, use).
Gather evidence linking the defect to your consequential loss (e.g., repair invoices, photos, expert reports).
Contact the seller or manufacturer in writing to make a formal claim within a reasonable time — ideally within 2 months of discovering the loss.
If unresolved, consider seeking advice from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) or taking a claim to the Small Claims Court (for claims up to €2,000).
Sources
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US FederalNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.