Rhode Island § 9-1-32 - Causes of Action
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 9-1-32 — Causes of Action, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-1-32. Causes of Action
R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-32
§ 9-1-32. Effect of alteration of product after sale.
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Person injured” means the person who sustained damages because of personal injury, death, or property damage.
(2) “Product liability damages” means damages because of personal injury, death, or property damage sustained by reason of an alleged defect in a product, or an alleged failure to warn or protect against a danger or hazard in the use or misuse of the product, or an alleged failure to instruct properly in the use of a product.
(3) “Subsequent alteration or modification” means an alteration or modification of a product made subsequent to the manufacture or sale by the manufacturer or seller that altered, modified, or changed the purpose, use, function, design, or manner of use of the product from that originally designed, tested, or intended by the manufacturer, or the purpose, use, function, design, or manner of use or intended use for which the product was originally designed, tested, or manufactured.
(b) Any defense claimed by the manufacturer or seller that the person injured made a subsequent alteration or modification to the product that is found to be a significant contributing factor to the injury, death, or property damage shall be controlled by the comparative negligence provisions of § 9-20-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 299, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 387, § 1, effective July 13, 2021; P.L. 2021,
ch. 388, § 1, effective July 13, 2021.
Notes
Applicability.
P.L. 2021, ch. 387, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on passage [July 13, 2021] and “shall only apply to causes of action and claims arising after the effective date of this act.”
P.L. 2021, ch. 388, § 2, provides that the amendment to this section by that act takes effect on passage [July 13, 2021] and “shall only apply to causes of action and claims arising after the effective date of this act.”
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 9-1-32
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 9-1-32 cover?
Section 9-1-32 ("Causes of Action") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 9-1-32?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 9-1-32" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 9-1-32 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.