Public and Product Liability Insurance: What You Need To Know

December 9, 2025 | Personal Injury

Public and Product Liability Insurance: What You Need To Know

Businesses in Pennsylvania, including Carlisle, purchase public liability insurance and product liability insurance to protect their owners from financial losses arising from injuries and property damage related to their products or business operations. 

This guide explains business liability insurance and what you need to know to protect your rights if you are injured because of a company’s negligence or other wrongful acts.

What Is Product Liability Insurance Coverage?

A company purchases product liability insurance to protect itself against claims arising from a product that causes injury or harm. This type of business insurance applies specifically to claims involving defective products. 

Product liability insurance covers several types of product-related defects. Coverage typically includes:

  • Property damage claims caused by malfunctioning products
  • Consumer injury claims for physical and emotional harm caused by a defective product
  • Design defects that cause the product to be inherently dangerous to use for its intended purpose
  • Marketing defects because of inadequate warnings or instructions
  • Manufacturing defects caused by errors made during the manufacturing process

Generally, a consumer must have been using the product for its intended purpose without modifying the product. If so, the company could be strictly liable for damages arising from the product’s defect.

What Is Public Liability Insurance Coverage?

Public liability insurance protects a company from losses or liability because of personal injuries to persons other than employees. It also protects against liability for damage to a third party’s property. Typically, public liability insurance covers injuries and damages arising from business operations and interactions with the public.

Examples of public liability insurance claims include, but are not limited to:

  • Damage to a customer’s property, such as an employee damaging a customer’s vehicle during an oil change
  • Slip, trip, and fall accidents on business premises
  • Accidents caused by materials or equipment during business operations
  • Injuries from falling merchandise or objects while on business premises
  • Accidents in public areas because of inadequate maintenance
  • Damages to a neighboring building because of construction activities

Public liability insurance covers incidents that result in property damage or personal injury arising from the business’s operations. Most service-based businesses that interact with the public need public liability insurance to protect against liability.

What Types of Damages Are Available for Claims Against Public and Product Liability Insurance Policies?

If a victim proves a business is legally liable for their injuries and losses, the insurance company may be responsible for compensating the victim. Compensation may include economic and non-economic damages, such as:

An insurance company is only liable up to the policy limits. If your claim is worth more than the policy limits, you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the company or other at-fault party. 

Likewise, a lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company denies liability for the claim or refuses to pay the full value of your damages.

Because victims have the burden of proving the legal elements of an injury claim, the steps you take after an injury or accident are crucial. To protect your rights and strengthen your claim, you should: 

  • Report the injury or accident to the business as soon as possible. Ask for a copy of the written report. Note the person’s name and title who took the report.
  • Document the accident scene by taking photographs and making videos. Make sure to capture any hazards that contribute to the cause of your injuries.
  • If a product causes your injury, secure the product, its packaging, instructions, and any other information.
  • Seek immediate medical treatment for injuries. Delays in medical care could raise questions regarding causation and liability.
  • Document your financial losses by keeping copies of all documents and records of all expenses.
  • Avoid making statements and answering questions for insurance companies and businesses without legal counsel.

Massive insurance companies that provide public liability insurance and product liability insurance for companies have unlimited resources to fight claims. 

By acting quickly and intentionally, you put yourself in the best position to pursue fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

Contact a Carlisle Personal Injury Attorney for Help

If you’ve been injured because of a company’s conduct or a defective product in Pennsylvania, it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Call Marzzacco Niven & Associates to schedule a free consultation with our Carlisle personal injury lawyers to learn more about your legal options. 

If you’ve been injured or need a lawyer to help you with your case, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Harrisburg
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

Marzzacco Niven & Associates York
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Wyomissing
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Chambersburg
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carlisle
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carbondale
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lancaster
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lebanon
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963