Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life. Consumers now interact with AI through smart home devices, autonomous features in vehicles, robotic household products, wearable technology, medical devices, children’s toys, industrial equipment, and countless other products. While many of these innovations offer convenience and efficiency, they may also introduce new safety concerns when technology fails or behaves in unexpected ways.

Our AI product liability lawyers are handling one of the first ever AI wheelchair injury cases in the U.S. after the AI powered wheelchair allegedly malfunctioned and injured our client. Jason Turchin is one of the top-rated product liability attorneys in the U.S. with a focus on technology injuries. He filed one of the first lawsuits ever against Honda and Takata related to exploding airbags, which led to one of the largest consumer recalls in U.S. history. He is also one of the earliest legal researchers on the topic of autonomous vehicle liability, and was published in Westlaw.

As AI-powered products become more common, courts and manufacturers are beginning to face new legal questions. What happens if an AI system makes a dangerous decision? Who may be responsible if an autonomous feature fails? Can consumers pursue a product liability lawsuit when artificial intelligence contributes to a serious injury?

If you or a loved one was injured by a product that relies on artificial intelligence or advanced automation, you may have legal options. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin represents individuals injured by defective products and continues to monitor the evolving legal issues surrounding AI-powered consumer products.

What Are AI-Powered Products?

An AI-powered product uses software capable of analyzing information and making decisions without requiring constant human input. While these systems often rely on algorithms, sensors, cameras, or machine learning, they still remain physical products manufactured and sold to consumers.

Examples may include:

• Vehicles with autonomous or driver-assistance features
• Smart home appliances
• Robotic vacuum cleaners
• AI-powered security systems
• Medical devices using artificial intelligence
• Industrial robots
• Warehouse automation equipment
• Smart exercise equipment
• Consumer drones
• Children’s toys with AI features
• Smart mobility devices
• Agricultural equipment with autonomous operation

As these products become more sophisticated, so often do the potential risks when something goes wrong.

How AI Products Can Cause Injuries

Unlike traditional products, AI-powered devices may make decisions based on software, data, or changing environmental conditions.

Potential failures may include:

• Misidentifying hazards
• Failing to recognize pedestrians or obstacles
• Incorrect navigation
• Unsafe automated movements
• Unexpected acceleration or braking
• Sensor failures
• Camera recognition errors
• Software updates introducing new hazards
• Communication failures between components

Sometimes the physical hardware functions properly while the software makes a dangerous decision.

Common AI Product Injury Scenarios

AI-related injuries can occur in many different settings. Examples may include:

Autonomous Vehicle Features

Driver-assistance systems may fail to recognize stopped traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, or road hazards.

Potential injuries include:

• Car accidents
• Pedestrian injuries
• Motorcycle crashes
• Wrongful death

Smart Home Devices

AI-powered home products may malfunction by:

• Failing to detect smoke
• Unlocking doors unexpectedly
• Activating appliances improperly
• Overheating batteries

These failures could contribute to fires, burns, or security-related injuries.

Medical Devices

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in healthcare.

Examples include:

• Surgical robots
• Diagnostic software
• Medication delivery systems
• Patient monitoring equipment

If these systems malfunction, patients may suffer delayed treatment, incorrect procedures, or other serious complications.

Industrial Equipment

Factories and warehouses increasingly rely on AI-controlled machinery.

Potential failures include:

• Unexpected robotic movement
• Failure to detect workers
• Equipment collisions
• Unsafe automation sequences

Workers and visitors may suffer crushing injuries, amputations, or other catastrophic harm.

Consumer Electronics

Many everyday products now rely on AI, including:

• Smart exercise equipment
• Drones
• Power tools
• Personal mobility devices

Software failures may contribute to unexpected operation or loss of control.

AI Powered Wheelchairs and AI Mobility Devices

American Airlines and Miami-Dade International Airport announced the use of AI-powered wheelchairs. At least one such wheelchair was already alleged to malfunction. As AI-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices become more commonplace, so too is the possible increased risk of malfunction.

Can You Sue for an AI Product Injury?

Possibly. Although AI technology is relatively new, traditional product liability law may still apply.

Manufacturers generally have a responsibility to produce reasonably safe products and to warn consumers about known risks.

Depending on the facts, an injured consumer may have claims involving:

• Defective product design
• Manufacturing defects
• Failure to warn
• Software defects
• Inadequate testing
• Negligent updates
• Marketing misrepresentations

The presence of artificial intelligence does not necessarily eliminate a manufacturer’s responsibility.

Who May Be Responsible?

One of the most challenging aspects of AI injury cases is determining who may bear responsibility.

Potential defendants may include:

• Product manufacturers
• Software developers
• AI system designers
• Component manufacturers
• Distributors
• Retailers
• Maintenance providers

Some cases may involve multiple companies that contributed to the design or operation of the product.

Hypothetical AI Product Injury Case

A consumer purchases a robotic lawn mower advertised as using artificial intelligence to detect people, pets, and obstacles. While operating in a residential yard, the mower allegedly fails to recognize a child who entered its path, resulting in serious leg injuries.

The family files a product liability lawsuit alleging that the product’s object-recognition system was defectively designed, inadequately tested, and marketed as safer than it actually was. The lawsuit also alleges that reasonable software improvements may have reduced the risk of the incident.

The allegations in that type of case would ultimately need to be proven in court, but it illustrates the types of legal issues that may arise as AI-powered products become more common.

Challenges in AI Product Liability Cases

AI injury cases often involve technical issues that differ from traditional product liability lawsuits.

Evidence may include:

• Software logs
• Sensor data
• Camera recordings
• Firmware versions
• Software updates
• Internal testing documents
• Product development records
• User manuals
• Recall information

Preserving this evidence early may be important because software can change through updates or remote modifications.

What To Do After an AI Product Injury

If you believe an AI-powered product caused your injury, consider taking these steps.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health should always be the first priority.

2. Preserve the Product

Do not throw away, repair, or modify the product if possible.

The product itself may become important evidence.

3. Save Digital Information

Keep:

• App screenshots
• Error messages
• Software version information
• User account records
• Product registration information
• Photos and videos

4. Document the Incident

Write down:

• What happened
• Weather conditions (if relevant)
• Product settings
• Witness names
• Date and time

Small details may become important later.

5. Contact a Product Liability Lawyer

An attorney can help preserve evidence, investigate the product, and evaluate whether a legal claim may exist.

Product Recalls and AI Devices

As AI technology evolves, manufacturers may issue recalls involving:

• Software defects
• Sensor failures
• Battery problems
• Fire hazards
• Incorrect programming
• Safety system failures

A recall does not automatically establish liability, but it may become relevant evidence in certain cases.

Likewise, the absence of a recall does not necessarily mean a product was safe.

Compensation Available in AI Product Injury Cases

Depending on the circumstances, injured consumers may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Every case depends on its unique facts, the applicable law, and the available evidence.

Why AI Product Cases Are Different

Artificial intelligence introduces legal questions that may require extensive investigation.

These cases often involve:

• Complex engineering
• Software analysis
• Multiple corporate defendants
• Technical experts
• Large amounts of electronic evidence
• Rapidly changing technology

Manufacturers may argue that user behavior, environmental conditions, or third-party software caused the incident. A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine what happened.

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin evaluates product liability claims involving emerging technologies and can work to try and identify all potentially responsible parties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I sue if an AI-powered product injured me?

Possibly. If the injury resulted from a defect, inadequate warnings, or another legal basis for product liability, you may have a claim.

What if the product updated itself before the accident?

Software updates may become important evidence. Even software updates can lead to product liability lawsuits. Save any available records and consult an attorney promptly.

Does a product need to be recalled before I can file a lawsuit?

No. Many product liability cases involve products that have never been recalled.

Who is responsible if the AI software made the mistake?

Responsibility depends on the facts. In some cases, multiple companies may share liability.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit if hurt by an AI product malfunction?

Deadlines vary by state and by the type of claim. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help preserve your rights and important evidence.

Protecting Consumers as Technology Evolves

Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve many aspects of daily life, but innovation should not come at the expense of consumer safety. When AI-powered products malfunction and people are seriously injured, manufacturers and other responsible parties may be held accountable under product liability laws.

If you or someone you love was injured by an AI-powered product, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help you understand your legal options and determine whether you may have a claim.

📞 Call (800) 337-7755 or chat with us for a free consultation.