What is the role of a wholesaler in product liability?

A wholesaler plays a crucial role in product liability by sharing potential liability for damages caused by the products they sell. This means that if a product they distribute is found to be defective or causes harm, the wholesaler can be held responsible to some degree, despite not being the manufacturer. This shared responsibility is important in encouraging the wholesaler to ensure that the products they distribute meet safety standards and regulations.

The other options do not accurately depict the wholesaler's role. For instance, there is no blanket guarantee of protection against all product claims, as liability can arise from various circumstances. Additionally, a wholesaler cannot simply avoid responsibility unless a product is clearly defective, as they still have an obligation to ensure the general safety and quality of the products they sell, even if defects are not obvious. Lastly, while wholesalers do participate in the marketing of products, this role does not fundamentally represent their liability in relation to the products they handle. Their key legal responsibility lies in the potential liability for damages arising from those products.