TACOMA PRODUCT LIABILITY LAWYER
Secure Your Rights Against Dangerous and Defective Products
When you purchase a product, you expect it to be safe and function as intended. Unfortunately, defective products can cause serious injuries and even wrongful death.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 22,000 deaths and millions of injuries occur annually due to defective or dangerous products. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a faulty product in Washington state, you have the right to pursue a product liability claim.
Experienced Product Liability Attorneys in Washington State
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, PLLC, our experienced product liability lawyers are dedicated to helping victims recover compensation from manufacturers, distributors, or retailers responsible for injuries caused by unsafe products. Our law firm has a long history of successfully representing clients in product liability cases across Tacoma, Seattle, and throughout Washington state.
Understanding Product Liability
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other parties involved in bringing a product to market for any injuries or damages caused by defective or dangerous products. These cases fall under personal injury law and aim to hold accountable those who failed to ensure the safety and reliability of their products.
Washington State Product Liability Laws
In Washington, product liability laws are designed to protect consumers from harm caused by defective products. These laws allow victims to file product liability claims against responsible parties to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Strict liability applies in many product liability cases, meaning that you do not need to prove negligence; instead, you must demonstrate that the product was defective and caused your injury.
Common Types of Defective Products
Defective products can vary widely, affecting nearly every type of consumer good. Here are some common categories of defective products that often result in personal injury claims:
- Automotive defects: Defects in vehicles can lead to serious car accidents, often caused by issues such as defective airbags, faulty seat belts, or tire blowouts.
- Unsafe baby products: Items like car seats, cribs, and playpens that fail to meet safety standards can cause severe injuries to infants and young children.
- Defective tools or mechanical equipment: Products like saws, sanders, and conveyor belts that malfunction can lead to life-altering injuries.
- Dangerous prescription drugs and medical devices: Medical products that cause adverse side effects or fail to function as intended can lead to debilitating health issues.
- Defective household appliances: Faulty wiring or poor manufacturing can turn everyday appliances into hazards.
Types of Product Defects
Product liability claims typically fall into one of three categories, depending on the type of defect that caused the injury:
1. Design Defects
A design defect occurs when a product is inherently dangerous due to its design. Even if it was manufactured perfectly, its design makes it unsafe. For example, a car designed without proper crash protection may cause injury during an accident. These cases can be challenging, as they often require expert testimony to demonstrate that the product’s design was fundamentally flawed.
2. Manufacturing Defects
A manufacturing defect happens during the production process. In this case, the product’s design may be safe, but an error during manufacturing causes it to be dangerous. This might include poorly assembled products or the use of substandard materials. Manufacturing defects are often easier to prove than design defects since the problem lies in the execution, not the design.
3. Marketing/Labeling Defects
Marketing defects occur when a product lacks proper warnings or instructions. This can include misleading advertising or failure to disclose risks associated with the product’s use. Inadequate safety instructions or incorrect usage labels can lead to improper use and serious injury.
The Impact of Dangerous Products
The injuries caused by defective products can be severe and long-lasting. Victims may suffer from serious injuries like broken bones, burns, head trauma, or even wrongful death. These injuries often lead to medical bills, long-term medical care, loss of income, and emotional trauma for both the victim and their family.
Our Tacoma product liability attorneys understand the devastating impact that a dangerous product can have on your life. We are here to help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed due to a defective product)
Holding Manufacturers Accountable
Product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for public use. When they fail in this duty, they must be held accountable. Filing a product liability lawsuit can help you recover compensation and prevent future injuries caused by the same faulty product.
Our law firm has extensive experience in handling product liability cases in Tacoma, Seattle, and other areas throughout Washington state. We know how to build a strong case, whether it’s through expert testimony, investigating product defects, or gathering evidence that proves the manufacturer’s negligence.
How RHHK’s Tacoma Product Liability Attorneys Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, our seasoned attorneys can guide you through the claims process. Here’s how we can help:
Free consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and evaluate the next steps. During this initial meeting, we will review the details of your product liability claim and determine if you have a strong case.
Building your case: We will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical bills, and expert testimony to support your case. Our team will investigate whether the defect was a result of poor design, manufacturing errors, or inadequate labeling.
Navigating complex legal issues: Product liability cases can be complex, especially when dealing with large corporations, insurance companies, and product liability laws. We will handle all the legal aspects of your case, ensuring that you are well-represented every step of the way.
Maximizing your compensation: Our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or taking your case to court, we will fight to protect your rights.
Contingency fee basis: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. You can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side of things.
Contact Our Product Liability Lawyers Today
The statute of limitations in Washington state limits the time you have to file a product liability lawsuit. The sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, PLLC, our Tacoma product liability attorneys are ready to help you pursue justice and hold the responsible parties accountable. We have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to handle even the most complex product liability cases.
To schedule your free consultation, call our office at (253) 242-2452 or submit an online inquiry. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Get Started
Do you have a case?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?
It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?
A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.
How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.
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