Seattle Product Liability Attorney

Product liability refers to a type of civil claim that points to a manufacturer or distributor as the liable party for a consumer’s product-related injuries. If a defective or dangerously designed product causes injury, the victim may be eligible for compensation without needing proof of the defendant’s negligence. It is important to speak to a Seattle product liability attorney if a defective product caused you or a loved one serious injury. The Seattle personal injury lawyers at Washington Injury Law offer free consultations.

Why Choose Washington Injury Law?

  • Our Seattle injury attorneys are passionate about justice. Attorney Janelle Bailey enjoys meeting with clients and handles each case with a high level of respect and compassion.
  • Our firm is able to recover strong settlements and verdicts. We can take a product manufacturer to court, if necessary – ensuring the best possible results for your case.
  • Our personal injury lawyers in Seattle only charge if they win. You will only ever have to pay attorney’s fees out of your settlement or judgment award, never out of pocket.

Seattle Product Defect Attorney Quick Links

Do You Need a Seattle Product Liability Lawyer?

It is not easy to handle a product liability claim on your own. Going up against major corporations and large insurance companies can be difficult without an attorney representing you. Hiring a Seattle product liability lawyer, on the other hand, lets you focus on more important things – like your personal health. Your personal injury attorney will fight for fair compensation for you, while you undergo medical treatments and concentrate on getting better. Your lawyer can make sure insurance companies do not take advantage of you during the claims process.

What Are The 3 Types of Product Defects?

Strict product liability laws state that a victim will not need to prove the manufacturer’s negligence to obtain a settlement in certain cases. In Washington, strict liability laws will apply to cases where the product in question contained one of three main types of defects.

  1. Design flaw: An error in the design of the product that makes it inherently unsafe for consumers to use.
  2. Manufacturing error: A mistake made during manufacturing, resulting in an end product that may not work as intended.
  3. Marketing mistake: A lapse in warning consumers of the known or potential risks of using an item.

It will be up to you or your attorney to show that the product exhibited one of these defects, that you were using the item as the manufacturer intended, and that the product caused your injuries. Some types of product defects can result in death, in which case a Seattle wrongful death lawyer will be needed. These are the three main elements you will need to obtain compensation for your damages in Washington.

Steps to Take After Being Injured from a Defective Product

The best time to help preserve the integrity of your defective product claim is right after the incident occurs. You can take several steps in the hours, days, and weeks that follow a defective product injury to not only help ensure your well-being but also increase your chances of having a successful claim.

  1. Seek medical attention immediately. Your health is the top priority. Visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible to document your injuries and receive any needed treatment. Medical documentation will serve as strong evidence linking your injuries to the defective product.
  2. Preserve the defective product and evidence. If it’s safe for you to do so, keep the product that caused your injury, along with any packaging, instructions, and receipts. Do not alter the product in any way, as it can serve as key evidence in your claim.
  3. Take photographs and document your injuries and the product. Capture clear pictures of your injuries, the defective product, and the scene where the injury occurred, if applicable. These visuals can provide strong proof of the defect and its impact on you.
  4. Gather witness information. If anyone witnessed the incident or has had a similar experience with the same product, collect their contact information as quickly as possible. Witness statements can strengthen your case by corroborating your account of the event.
  5. Report the incident to the manufacturer or retailer. Informing the company about the defect can not only potentially prevent others from being harmed but also serve as a formal record of the issue. Keep a copy of any communication with the company as part of your evidence.
  6. Consult with a Seattle product liability attorney. An experienced attorney can provide crucial guidance on navigating the legal process and maximizing your claim’s potential. They can help investigate the defect, negotiate with manufacturers or insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Who is Held Responsible for My Injuries?

Identifying the responsible parties in a defective product case is essential for pursuing a successful claim. The complexity of product distribution chains means multiple parties or companies could be liable for your injuries. Here’s a breakdown of potential liable parties:

  • Product manufacturer. The primary manufacturer of the product is often the first point of liability. This includes companies that produce the whole product or a specific part that led to the defect. Manufacturers must ensure their products are safe for consumer use.
  • Parts manufacturer. If your injury was caused by a specific part within a product, the company that manufactured that particular part could also be held liable. In complex products like automobiles, many components come from different suppliers.
  • Assembly or installation provider. If the product was assembled or installed incorrectly, leading to a defect, the company or individuals responsible for the assembly or installation could be liable for injuries resulting from their work.
  • Wholesaler or distributor. The middlemen between manufacturers and retailers play a crucial role in getting products to market. If they distribute a defective product, they can be part of the chain of liability for any injuries that the product causes.
  • Retailer. The store or outlet where you purchased the defective product can be held responsible, even if they did not manufacture the product. Retailers are expected to ensure the products they sell are safe for consumers.
  • Marketing companies. If the marketing for a product included incorrect usage instructions or failed to warn about potential risks, the company that marketed the product could be liable for resulting injuries.

How to Prove Your Case

Going up against a large corporation for a defective medical device, household item, appliance, cosmetic product, medication, or another item may not be easy as an injured plaintiff – despite strict liability laws. Your case may require evidence such as photographs of the defective product, medical records proving your injuries (such as a brain injury or a spinal injury), or eyewitnesses testifying that you were using the product as intended. Other people may have suffered similar injuries such as a burn injury using the same item, leading to a class action or mass tort. Hiring a Seattle product liability lawyer is the easiest way for you to stand up against at-fault manufacturers.

The Statute of Limitations on Product Liability Claims

Speak to an attorney as soon as possible after a product causes serious personal injuries. Washington’s Product Liability Act gives most victims three years from the date of injury to bring lawsuits. Missing your deadline generally means giving up your right to seek compensation. Do not run this risk. Contact a Seattle product liability attorney near you right away to discuss your rights and legal options.

Request a Free Product Liability Case Review

The Seattle product liability lawyers at Washington Injury Law have years of experience negotiating these types of claims. We know how to help each client fight for the best possible case results. Let us review your recent injuries during a consultation, either at our Seattle office, over the phone, or at a location of your choosing. Request your meeting today through our online portal.