Seattle Product Liability Attorneys
Defective Product Lawsuits in Washington
From the vehicles we use to get around to the medications that keep us healthy, we rely on countless products every single day. When they work correctly and as intended, these products make our lives easier, safer, and better. When they are defective, however, they can lead to accidents that cause catastrophic injury, permanent disability, and even death.
If you or someone you love was harmed by a defective product, you could be entitled to financial compensation from the manufacturer, distributor, or another liable party. At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, our experienced trial lawyers have successfully represented thousands of clients, recovering more than $200 million in compensation on their behalf. Many of our attorneys have backgrounds in insurance defense, something they now use to the advantage of their clients. You can rely on our team to provide the powerful and aggressive representation you need as you navigate the recovery process and begin to heal.
For a free consultation with one of our Seattle product liability lawyers, please call (206) 202-2562 or contact us online.
What Makes a Product Defective?
Generally speaking, a defective product is one that poses an unreasonable risk of foreseeable injury to the user when used correctly, as intended, and without modifications. The “unreasonable” element of this definition is key; a product that poses some risk of injury is not necessarily “defective,” but one that contains an unreasonable risk of severe bodily injury, harm, or death will likely be considered defective.
There are three types of product defects:
- Design Defects: When a product is designed poorly or contains some inherent flaw that makes it unreasonably unsafe for normal, intended use, it has a design defect. Design defects affect entire product lines, rather than specific units.
- Manufacturing Defects: A manufacturing defect refers to a flaw or defect introduced during the actual creation of the product. Unlike design defects, manufacturing defects only affect certain units rather than an entire line of products.
- Labeling Defects: Products that are missing safety warnings, instructions, and other important labels may have labeling defects. The same is true of products that are marketed incorrectly, including those marketed for off-label or untested use.
By determining the type of defect a product contained, our attorneys are better able to identify the liable party, whether it’s the company responsible for designing the product, the entity that incorrectly manufactured the product, or a distributor that marketed the product improperly.
Examples of Defective Products
Any product may have one or more of the above-mentioned types of defects. However, some consumer products tend to be the subject of defective product litigation more frequently than others.
Some examples of common defective products include:
- Motor Vehicles: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, and other motor vehicles frequently contain design defects. These defects can make vehicles prone to rollovers, roof crushes, and other problems that may lead to severe auto accidents, injuries, and deaths.
- Auto Parts: Defective auto parts often include engine components, braking systems, accelerators, power steering, lights, fuel pumps, and tires. Safety equipment, such as airbags and seatbelts, is also often defective.
- Drugs and Medical Devices: Defective pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices include antidepressants, heart medications, blood thinners, acid reflux drugs, proton pump inhibitors, birth control pills and devices, hip and knee replacements, and more.
- Children’s Products: Children’s products that often contain defects include toys with choking hazards, car seats that do not buckle properly, cribs that do not meet certain safety standards, clothing without flame retardant, and expired baby formula.
- Appliances: Both electric and gas-powered appliances can be defective. Some common examples of defective household appliances include water heaters, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, and refrigerators.
- Commercial Equipment: Industrial equipment, including power tools, heavy machinery, and construction vehicles, can contain all types of defects. Examples include defective forklifts, cranes, scaffolding, ladders, pesticides, herbicides, and other materials.
- Household Cleaners: Household cleaning agents and related products, such as paint, drain cleaners, and even weed killers, can cause severe injuries and health complications when they contain defects. In some cases, these products can even be deadly.
- Electronics: All types of commercial and personal electronic equipment can be defective. Some examples of commonly defective electronic products include computers, laptops, cellphones, batteries, chargers, and e-cigarettes.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Was Injured by a Defective Product
When an accident or injury occurs, it is not always immediately obvious that a defective product was to blame. For example, if your loved one was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident, you may not initially realize that their injuries were caused, in part, by a defective seatbelt or airbag. Because of this, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one was injured in any type of accident or traumatic event.
At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, our Seattle product liability attorneys work with teams of investigators and industry experts, including accident reconstructionists and medical professionals. These expert witnesses often assist us in pinpointing the cause of the injury and provide powerful testimony on behalf of our clients. Coupled with our extensive trial experience and in-depth knowledge of the law, this allows us to build strong, innovative legal strategies aimed at securing maximum compensation for the individuals and families we serve.
If you or someone you love was injured, and you believe a defective product may have contributed to or caused the incident, reach out to our firm right away. Depending on the specific details of your situation, you may have grounds to file a single-plaintiff personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, or you could be eligible to take part in a new or ongoing mass tort or class action. Our attorneys can provide the guidance you need to make the most informed decisions regarding your case and your recovery.
Fighting to Hold Manufacturers Accountable
When someone is harmed by a defective product, they or their surviving family members do not necessarily need to prove that the manufacturer (or another liable party) was negligent in order to sue for damages. Often, premises liability cases fall under the legal theory of strict liability. Under this theory, manufacturers and other related entities are nearly always liable for damages caused by their products.
Our team can assist you with every aspect of your case. We are happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have as you navigate the legal process. There are no upfront fees and zero out-of-pocket costs for you when you hire our firm. Instead, we collect legal fees via a percentage of your total recovery; if we do not secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf, you do not pay.
Get in touch with us today at (206) 202-2562 or contact us online to learn more during a free consultation with one of our defective product attorneys in Seattle.