When a Product Doesn’t Work for Your Needs: Your Right to a Suitable Purchase in California
Sometimes, you buy something for a very specific purpose—and you count on the seller to guide you toward the right choice. If they recommend a product that doesn’t work for that purpose, and you end up suffering because of it, California law may give you the right to compensation. This protection is called the implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.
What This Warranty Means
This rule applies when:
You had a clear, specific use in mind when you made the purchase
The seller knew (or should’ve known) what you needed it for
You relied on their advice or recommendation
The product turned out to be wrong for your stated purpose
You were harmed as a result
That mismatch played a major role in causing your harm
It’s not about whether the product works in general—it’s about whether it works for your specific needs, based on what the seller knew.
A Real-World Example
Let’s say you go to a hardware store and tell the staff you need a sealant that’s safe for an aquarium. They suggest one, you buy it—and it turns out to be toxic to fish. Even if that product is perfectly fine for sealing windows or pipes, it wasn’t safe for your stated use. That means the store could be legally responsible for giving you the wrong recommendation.
What You Have to Prove
If you decide to take legal action, here’s what you’d need to show:
You bought the product from the business you’re holding accountable
They knew you had a specific purpose for it
They knew you were relying on their knowledge or advice
Your reliance on them was reasonable
The product wasn’t actually suitable for your intended use
You were harmed
The product’s failure was a significant cause of that harm
What Else to Know
You don’t need to explain what exactly caused the defect—just that the product didn’t meet the purpose it was recommended for
You may need to notify the seller about the problem within a reasonable time to preserve your claim
This legal protection applies to leased items too, not just purchases
Final Takeaway
If a seller knows what you need a product for and recommends something that turns out to be a bad fit, you may have a solid legal claim. The implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose exists to protect consumers who make informed purchases based on a seller’s guidance—only to be let down. California law ensures you don’t have to absorb the cost of that mistake on your own.
About Molly Northrup
Molly Northrup plays a pivotal role at the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, bringing unmatched depth in legal analysis, case development, and courtroom strategy. With a background in linguistics, an MBA from a top-tier international business school, and years of experience navigating complex criminal and civil litigation, Molly is a trusted legal mind clients turn to in their most critical moments.
Her work spans high-profile trials, sensitive investigations, and intricate legal disputes—where her judgment, precision, and strategic instincts have helped drive successful outcomes time and again.
If your case requires elite-level representation with a rigorous, detail-driven approach, contact the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz and benefit from the leadership of a legal team anchored by professionals like Molly and Daniel.
