What is Products Liability?

Product liability law is the area of law where suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers are held responsible for the injuries their products cause. There are three major types of product liability claims:

• Design defect
• Manufacturing defect
• Failure to warn or (marketing defects)

A design defect occurs when the design of the product is generally dangerous.  Manufacturing defects pertain to poor-quality material or poor workmanship. Failure to warn defects arise when the products carry dangers that are not obvious to the user and had sufficient warning been made, the user could have lessened the chances of injury.

Examples of common products involving defects are: pharmaceuticals, children's toys, gas tanks, air bags, tire defects, automobiles, toxic chemicals and environmental pollution. A consumer product is considered to be defective if it was made poorly or sold with flaws. A product may also be considered defective if the manufacturer's information on how to use the product are vague, incomplete or incorrect and as a result injury ensues. This injury may entitle the plaintiff to compensation.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission there are 200-300 product recalls each year and most of these recalls involve children's products and toys but also include household appliances, furniture, tools and home safety equipment such as smoke detectors.

Product Safety Laws

The product liability laws are designed with the intention of preventing harm and to compensate a person for any injuries incurred. This injury can be physical, mental and/or financial.  In most product liability cases, people stand against huge companies with intimidating lawyers who are more concerned about minimal risks and cutting losses than the welfare of their consumers.  If you or a loved one has been injured in the Seattle area due to a dangerous product, a Seattle products liability attorney at Ward Smith can help.  We are well versed in product liability laws and have had success in trying product liability cases. We will fight aggressively to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Seattle Products Liability Lawyer in our office for a free consultation and an in depth look into your personal injury case.