When we purchase a product, we trust that it will function as advertised. Unfortunately, defective products can cause alarming and severe injuries, leading to unanticipated medical bills, lost wages, and other costs resulting from the injury.
If a defective or dangerously designed product has injured you or a loved one, you may have the legal right to seek compensation from the at-fault parties. The product liability lawyers at NBF Accident Law are here to help you prepare and pursue a strong product liability claim to secure the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Types of Product Defects
In Washington, strict liability laws state that a victim need not prove the manufacturer’s negligence in order to secure a settlement in certain product liability cases. In general, there are three main defects that fall under the umbrella of strict liability. For instance, if the product has a design flaw, meaning that there is an error in the product’s design that renders it unsafe for consumer use, you may be able to move forward with a product liability claim.
Additionally, if there was a manufacturer error or marketing mistake, you may have grounds for starting a product liability claim. To better understand whether or not you could qualify for a product liability settlement, you need to decide if your claim falls into the four categories that Washington law includes:
- Risk utility test: A risk utility test will take into consideration whether the product design is actually defective and a risk to customers. For instance, if, at the time the product was designed, there was a feasible alternative that was less harmful, the product would be considered to have a defective design
- Consumer expectation standard: This category takes into consideration whether the average consumer would consider the product safe enough to use. If a product has unexpected risks or defects, it is not considered to meet the consumer expectation standard
- Breach of warranty: If a product was sold with a warranty, the manufacturer would be liable if the product was defective or caused injury to someone. This applies even if the manufacturer is not directly responsible for creating the defective product
- Inadequate warnings and instructions: Products are legally required to have appropriate warning labels and instructions to ensure the safety of the customer. If additional safety information is required, the manufacturer must take reasonable steps to safely inform the consumer so they are aware of the risks.
If your product liability claim falls into one of these categories, you should talk to one of our trusted product liability attorneys to determine the most strategic path forward. A Seattle product liability lawyer will be able to assist you in creating a strong claim that is backed by the necessary evidence to get a settlement.
Types of Product Liability Compensation
Product liability negligence is a serious claim, and residents of Washington have the right to receive compensation for their losses as a result of product liability. However, it isn’t necessarily an easy task to prove product liability, especially if you are seeking a substantial settlement.
For the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve, you need to hire a product liability injury attorney to represent your claim. A product liability defense attorney in Seattle will help you every step of the way, assisting you in getting the compensation you need to cover the following types of damages:
- Wrongful death of a loved one
- Hospital bills
- Medical treatment expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Severe physical damage
Trusted and Effective Legal Guidance When You Need it Most
Coping with a product liability injury can feel overwhelming, especially if you are seeking a product liability settlement to cover your damages. This is easier said than done since you will have to be able to produce evidence that proves that there was negligence on the part of the manufacturer, which directly contributed to your injuries. You also have to be able to determine who is most liable for a negligent or defective product, such as determining if it was the store, the wholesaler, or the manufacturer.
To set yourself up for success, you need to hire a Seattle product liability lawyer to act as your advocate and help you create a thorough claim. Our product liability injury lawyers are here to assess the specifics of your case and guide you through each step of holding the company or manufacturer legally and financially accountable for their mistakes.
We will help to identify and compile all the necessary documents to demonstrate how significantly your injuries have impacted your life and earning capacity. As your representative, we will also handle all negotiations with the involved parties and represent you in court if necessary.
At NBF Accident Law, our Seattle product liability attorneys understand how overwhelming these injuries can be and are committed to fighting for a fair and favorable outcome on your behalf. Let us work hard to secure you the compensation you need while you focus on what matters most—your physical recovery.
