How To Prove A California Breach of Express Warranty Claim

 

How To Prove A California Breach of Express Warranty Claim

 

In California, a claim of Breach of Express Warranty is defined as:

A breach of express warranty occurs when a seller promises that goods will conform to a certain standard, and the promise becomes part of the basis of the bargain, and the defendant does not keep his or her promise.

It simply means:

When the product doesn’t conform to the warranty or promises made by the seller.

There are 5 elements of the claim:

  • Element 1. The defendant offered a warranty. The defendant made a promise about the quality or performance of a product, assuring the buyer that it would meet certain standards or conditions.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The defendant provided a written warranty document at the time of sale, explicitly stating the terms and conditions of the warranty.
    * The defendant advertised the product as having a specific lifespan, which was included in promotional materials as a guarantee of quality.
    * The defendant verbally assured the buyer that the product would function as described for a minimum of two years.
    * The warranty included a clear promise to repair or replace any defective parts within the warranty period.
    * The defendant’s sales representatives consistently informed customers about the warranty coverage during the sales process.

  • Element 2. The plaintiff alleged the exact terms of the warranty. The plaintiff claimed that the seller clearly stated specific promises about the product, which are known as the warranty, and that these promises were not fulfilled, leading to the legal issue of a breach of express warranty.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The plaintiff provided a copy of the warranty document that explicitly outlines the terms and conditions of the warranty.
    * The plaintiff testified that the defendant verbally confirmed the warranty terms during the sales transaction.
    * The plaintiff’s complaint includes a detailed description of the warranty’s coverage and limitations as stated in the original agreement.
    * The plaintiff presented emails exchanged with the defendant that reiterate the specific terms of the warranty.
    * The warranty terms were prominently displayed on the product packaging, which the plaintiff reviewed before purchase.

  • Element 3. Plaintiff reasonably relied on the terms of the warranty. The plaintiff trusted the promises made in the warranty when deciding to buy the product, believing that it would perform as stated, which is essential for proving that the seller broke their guarantee.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The plaintiff purchased the product based on the explicit warranty terms provided by the defendant, which promised specific performance and quality standards.
    * The plaintiff reviewed the warranty documentation before making the purchase, indicating a clear understanding of the terms and conditions.
    * The plaintiff communicated with the defendant’s sales representative, who reaffirmed the warranty’s coverage and benefits prior to the transaction.
    * The plaintiff relied on the warranty’s assurances when deciding to invest in the product, believing it would meet their needs as stated.
    * The plaintiff experienced issues with the product shortly after purchase, which were directly addressed in the warranty, reinforcing their reliance on its terms.

  • Element 4. The defendant breached the warranty. The defendant failed to uphold a promise about the quality or performance of a product, meaning they did not deliver what they guaranteed, which is a key part of proving a breach of express warranty claim.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The defendant explicitly stated that the product would be free from defects for a period of one year.
    * The product failed to perform as promised within the warranty period, leading to significant damages.
    * The defendant did not honor the warranty claim despite receiving proper notification of the defect.
    * The product was marketed with specific performance claims that were not met, constituting a breach of warranty.
    * The defendant’s failure to provide a remedy for the defective product violated the terms of the express warranty.

  • Element 5. The breach of that warranty proximately caused plaintiff harm or injury. This means that the failure of the seller to keep their promise about the product directly led to the buyer suffering some kind of harm or injury, showing a clear link between the broken promise and the negative outcome for the buyer.

    Facts that might support this element look like:

    * The product failed to perform as advertised, leading to significant financial losses for the plaintiff.
    * The plaintiff experienced physical injury directly linked to the product’s malfunction, which was covered by the warranty.
    * The plaintiff incurred additional expenses for medical treatment due to the product’s failure to meet safety standards.
    * The warranty explicitly stated that the product would function under specific conditions, which it did not, resulting in harm.
    * The plaintiff relied on the warranty’s assurances when making the purchase, and the breach led to detrimental consequences.

(See Williams v. Beechnut Nutrition Corp., 185 Cal.App.3d 135 (Cal. Ct. App. 1986).)
If you’re in court without a lawyer and plan to assert a Claim of Breach of Express Warranty, having a Personal Practice of Law at Courtroom5 is essential. You’ll need to make informed decisions about what to file at each phase of your case and prepare legal documents that are supported by thorough legal research and a strong analysis of the facts. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively advocate for your rights.

Prove Your CA Breach of Express Warranty Claim

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