THE PERILS OF DEFECTIVE DOCUMENTATION - PREPARING BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS TO AVOID PRODUCTS-LIABILITY

Because of our increasingly litigious workplace, it is theoretically, educationally and pragmatically imperative that business and technical communicators become familiar with and informed about the legal issue s surrounding products liability. This article explains the products l iability theories of negligence, breach of warranty, and strict liabil ity in relation to the publication of defective product information. I t also examines the legal implications of printed media and written co mmunications (such as safety, instructional, and promotional informati on) as integral parts of marketed products. Finally, it cautions all p rofessional communicators concerning their personal legal responsibili ty for the accuracy and effectiveness of product documentation from th e perspective of the ordinary, uninformed consumer, and it offers seve ral guidelines for writing and organizing to avoid products liability lawsuits.