California law imposes strict liability on manufacturers, distributors, and sellers when a defective product causes injury. CACI No. 1200 is the jury instruction that governs how juries evaluate strict product liability claims in California courts.
What Is CACI No. 1200?
CACI No. 1200 explains the essential factual elements a plaintiff must prove to establish strict liability for a defective product. Unlike negligence claims, strict liability focuses on the condition of the product — not the defendant’s conduct.
Full Text of CACI No. 1200
CACI No. 1200. Strict Liability – Essential Factual Elements
[Name of plaintiff] claims that [he/she/they] was harmed by a product [distributed/manufactured/sold] by [name of defendant] that:
- contained a manufacturing defect; or
- was defectively designed; or
- did not include sufficient instructions or warning of potential safety hazards.
New September 2003
Legal Background
California’s strict liability doctrine is grounded in Civil Code principles and landmark case law, including Greenman v. Yuba Power Products, which established that manufacturers are responsible for injuries caused by defective products placed into the stream of commerce.
What the Jury Must Decide
Under CACI 1200, the jury evaluates whether the product was defective in one of the listed ways and whether that defect was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff’s harm.
Why This Instruction Matters
CACI No. 1200 allows injured consumers to recover damages without proving negligence. If the product was defective and caused injury, liability may attach — even if the manufacturer exercised reasonable care.
Talk to a Product Liability Lawyer
If you were injured by a defective product, your case may fall under California’s strict liability laws. WIN Injury & Accident Trial Lawyers can evaluate your claim under CACI No. 1200.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Get Help From WIN Injury & Accident Trial Lawyers
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often undervalue pain and suffering—offering minimal settlements that ignore your daily struggles. A skilled attorney can:
- Present powerful evidence of your emotional and physical suffering
- Retain expert witnesses to quantify your losses
- Use verdict data to justify higher multipliers or per diem rates
- Argue your case persuasively before a jury
At WIN Trial Lawyers, our team fights to ensure that your recovery reflects the full extent of your suffering—not just your bills.
At WIN Trial Lawyers, we know how personal injury claims can be can be. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Our team has successfully taken on insurance companies and third parties, recovering millions for injured clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. You need experienced trial lawyers who know how to prove liability and fight for maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t face this alone. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
