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Seattle Defective Product Lawyers
Helping victims pursue compensation after serious injuries caused by dangerous products
Consumers trust that products sold to the public are reasonably safe when used as intended. From household appliances to cars and children’s toys, safety is something we expect as a basic standard. Unfortunately, not every product lives up to that expectation. Dangerous or defective products can go unnoticed until someone gets hurt.
If you've been harmed by a defective product, it can feel overwhelming to figure out your next move, but the law is there to support you, and we're here to help every step of the way. Reach out to Smith McBroom to schedule a free consultation with a Washington defective product lawyer.
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What is a product liability claim?
A product liability claim arises when someone is injured by a defective or unreasonably dangerous product. Product liability can take different forms, depending on how the product was unsafe. The following are the primary types of product liability claims that exist:
Design defects
These cases revolve around products that are inherently hazardous, even when manufactured exactly as intended. A poor or unsafe design affects every unit the company makes, since the problem is built in from the start.
Manufacturing defects
Some products are designed well but become unsafe due to mistakes during assembly or construction. When quality control breaks down, individual products or whole batches might fail, sometimes inflicting injury even if most of the products are fine.
Failure to warn (marketing defects)
Another category involves products that are dangerous in certain situations if used without special awareness or care. Here, the seller may be liable for failure to warn of concealed dangers or for failure to give necessary instructions.
Recognizing which type of product defect injured you will shape how your lawyer builds your case.
What types of products commonly cause serious injuries?
Even when used correctly, all kinds of products can cause serious harm if they are unsafe or poorly made. Understanding which types of products lead to the most devastating injuries can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
Defective motor vehicles and auto parts
Motor vehicles and their parts are among the most dangerous products when something goes wrong. Just one faulty component can be linked to massive recalls and hundreds or even thousands of injuries each year. Common examples include:
- Brakes that fail to function or suddenly give out
- Tires that blow out or lose their tread without warning
- Airbags that deploy too aggressively, unexpectedly, or fail entirely in a crash
- Seat belts that come unlatched, snap, or don't hold properly in a collision
Dangerous medical devices
Medical devices demand an extremely high standard of safety. When things go wrong, the problems may not show up until days, months, or even years later, causing additional or lasting harm to patients. Some of the products causing harm include:
- Implants such as hip, knee, or dental fixtures that can break or leak
- Surgical devices that malfunction mid-procedure
- Monitoring equipment providing false data that leads to late or improper medical response
Defective consumer products
Your home is likely filled with items that have had safety recalls or should have been recalled. Fires, electrical shock, or chemical burns do not only occur with industrial products; even everyday products carry risks when assembled poorly or made with dangerous parts. Common consumer items include:
- Appliances such as ovens, heaters, or toasters that cause burns, shocks, or fires
- Electronics with improper wiring leading to fires or injuries from malfunction
- Household products with mislabeled or hidden toxic ingredients
Unsafe children's products
Products for infants, toddlers, and young children should be used carefully. Because children cannot gauge danger, extra caution should always be taken with their environment. Common dangers include:
- Toys with parts that can break off and create a choking hazard or sharp edges that cause cuts
- Cribs or other furniture prone to collapse or entrapment risks
- Car seats and boosters that let go during crashes, putting children at far greater risk for traumatic injury
Industrial and workplace equipment
On job sites, it's crucial for all products to be working properly. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, and a single unnoticed flaw can destroy someone’s ability to earn a living. Hazardous workplace equipment may include:
- Machinery that’s missing safety guards or has defective moving parts
- Tools, hand or power, that snap, overheat, malfunction, or break during use
- Safety equipment such as harnesses, helmets, ladders, or protective gloves that don’t function properly
If you or someone you know has been suddenly injured while using a product, you may be able to take legal action. Recognizing when injury may be linked to product defects is the first step in holding corporations accountable and securing the resources you need to heal and move forward.
What do you have to prove in a Washington product liability claim?
If you’ve been hurt by a defective or dangerous product, you might wonder what you actually need to show to win your case. Unlike many traditional personal injury claims, Washington’s product liability laws do not always require you to prove that the manufacturer or seller was negligent in the traditional sense. Instead, there are a few elements you’ll usually have to establish for your claim to succeed.
The product was defective
First, you have to show that the product was not as safe as the ordinary consumer would expect. This could be a flaw in how the item was made or assembled, a poor design that makes it unsafe in every instance, or important missing warnings or instructions that someone would need to use the product safely.
The product was unreasonably dangerous
You must provide evidence that, because of the defect, the product posed a risk beyond what regular consumers might foresee or safely accept. This dangerous condition might show up during normal and expected use, and there usually isn’t any need for the product to be under unusual or unpredictable stress when it causes harm.
The defect existed when the product left the defendant’s control
In many cases, it’s necessary to prove that the defect existed when the product left the hands of the manufacturer, distributor, or seller. If it was not caused by damage, misuse, or significant changes after you bought it, this can affect liability.
The defect caused your injury
You’ll also need to establish that the defective product was the direct cause of your injuries. If they occurred for other reasons, for example, if you did not follow safety instructions, this can damage or even eliminate your claim.
You suffered damages
You'll have to show that you were injured in some way by the defective product – usually physical injuries, property damage, medical costs, lost wages, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other damages.
Establishing these factors can be complex, which is why consulting an experienced product liability attorney can make a real difference in the outcome of your claim.
Do you have a local defective product lawyer I can speak to?
Smith McBroom represents individuals throughout Washington who have suffered serious injuries because of dangerous or defective products. Our team can review your situation, explain your legal options, and help determine whether you may have a product liability claim. You can find our office at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite 210, Seattle, Washington 98188. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Contact Smith McBroom to schedule a free case evaluation with a defective product lawyer in WA
No one expects an everyday product to cause them serious harm, but the unfortunate reality is that it happens more often than we’d like. Whether it’s a car part, a children’s toy, a household appliance, or anything else, you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath of an injury that was caused by someone else’s mistake. That’s why our team is here to help you fight for what you deserve so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Washington defective product lawyer.