In an effort to protect consumers and hold manufacturers accountable, Missouri legislators passed a new products liability law on July 6, 2025. The law, which was overwhelmingly approved by both the House and Senate, seeks to provide additional safeguards for individuals who are injured by defective products.Under the new law, manufacturers will be held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their products, regardless of the degree of fault. This means that consumers will no longer have to prove negligence on the part of the manufacturer in order to seek compensation for their injuries. Instead, manufacturers will be automatically held responsible for any harm caused by their products.In addition to holding manufacturers strictly liable, the law also provides for increased penalties for companies that knowingly release defective products into the marketplace. Companies found to be in violation of the law may face hefty fines and even criminal charges in severe cases.Proponents of the new law argue that it will help to level the playing field for consumers who are often at a disadvantage when taking on large corporations in court. By shifting the burden of proof onto manufacturers, the law aims to make it easier for individuals to seek justice and hold companies accountable for their actions.Opponents of the law, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact on businesses and the economy. Some critics argue that the law will lead to an increase in frivolous lawsuits and drive up costs for manufacturers, ultimately hurting consumers in the long run.Despite these concerns, supporters of the law remain confident that it will ultimately benefit consumers and promote safer products in the marketplace. With the new products liability law in place, Missouri residents can feel more secure knowing that they have added protections in place when it comes to holding manufacturers accountable for their products.