In products liability, who can be considered a foreseeable plaintiff?

In products liability cases, the concept of a foreseeable plaintiff is vital because it helps establish who can bring a claim based on the harm caused by a defective product. The correct understanding is that anyone in the zone of danger can be considered a foreseeable plaintiff.

This formulation allows for a broader range of potential plaintiffs beyond just the end user or purchaser of the product. The rationale is that if a product is defective and poses a risk of harm, not only the person who directly uses it but also those who might reasonably foreseeably be in a position to suffer harm from its use should be protected under the law. This can include bystanders, family members of the user, or others who might be impacted by the product's failure or defect.

This expansive view is consistent with the aim of tort law, which seeks to ensure that manufacturers and sellers are held accountable for the safety of their products in relation to all individuals who might be affected by them when used as intended. By including anyone in the zone of danger, the law provides a more comprehensive safety net and reflects the understanding that injuries can occur to more than just immediate users or buyers of the product.

Options focusing solely on end users, purchasers, or individuals directly harmed would limit the scope of liability and