IrelandA defective product injured me. Can I sue the manufacturer?
Yes, you can sue the manufacturer in Ireland for injury caused by a defective product under the Civil Liability Act 1961, which imposes strict liability on producers for harm caused by defective goods.
What the Law Says
The Civil Liability Act 1961 sets out the legal basis for holding manufacturers and producers strictly liable when their defective products cause injury.
Under Irish law, if a defective product causes personal injury, the injured person may bring a claim against the manufacturer or producer — even without proving negligence or intent.
This is known as 'strict liability', meaning the claimant does not need to show the manufacturer was careless or at fault — only that the product was defective and that the defect caused the injury.
The law applies to producers of goods, including manufacturers, importers, and anyone who holds themselves out as the producer (e.g., by putting their brand on the product).
Statutory Text2. — (1) Where damage is caused wholly or partly by a defect in a product, the producer of the product shall be liable for the damage.
— Civil Liability Act 1961, s. 2 — Liability for defective products
What to Do
Seek immediate medical attention and keep all records (reports, receipts, photos of injury/product).
Preserve the defective product and its packaging — do not alter or discard them.
Gather witness statements or any evidence linking the defect to your injury.
Contact a solicitor experienced in personal injury or product liability claims within two years — the general limitation period for personal injury actions in Ireland.
Your solicitor will assess whether the product was defective, identify the liable producer, and help file a claim under the Civil Liability Act 1961.
Sources
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JapanNot 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.