The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 22,000 deaths and 29 million injuries related to consumer products each year. Annually, consumer products cause more than $500 billion in deaths, injuries and property damage. Product liability claims allow victims to recover compensation from the manufacturer, seller or distributor of a defective product.

When you purchase a product, you make certain assumptions about the product’s safety. If those assumptions turn out to be false, and you suffer injuries as a result, there may be a claim for product liability. Examples of unsafe or faulty products that cause harm include:

• Automotive defects. Design defects that cause air bag injuries; car fires; defective seat belts; defective car doors and SUV rollovers.
• Defective tires. Poor materials or manufacturing processes that result in tire blowouts or tire recalls.
• Unsafe baby equipment. Car seats, swings, cribs, and playpens.
• Mechanical equipment. Conveyor belts, elevators, saws, sanders, lathe machines, boilers, forklifts, bulldozers, valves, and other defective machines and equipment that do not function properly.
• Defective tools. Such as saws, sanders and lathes that do not function properly.
• Defective safety equipment.Unsafe filtration systems that cause asbestos, silicosis, welding rod claims, and other life-threatening health hazards.
• Defective appliances.
• Dangerous prescription drugs.

Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC represents individuals and the families of individuals who have been seriously injured or killed by unsafe products. In order for a product to give rise to liability claims, the product must be deemed defective. There are three kinds of defects that can classify a product as defective a manufacturing defect, a design defect or a marketing/labeling defect.

Design Defects

With product design defects, the defect was inherent in the product’s design, so that even if all the manufacturing specifications were followed, the product would have still been defective because of how it was designed. These cases can be challenging and may require the technical help of an expert witness, as an attorney must prove that the problem existed in the actual plans for the product.

Manufacturing Defects

With manufacturing defects, the defect occurred at the point of manufacture. Even if the design was perfect, the execution of the design caused the problem. These cases are somewhat less complicated than design defect cases because the proof often lies in the product itself.

Marketing / Labeling Defects

With marketing or labeling defects, the product was promoted in a way that misled consumers about its use or failed to warn consumers about potential hazards. These cases may also involve defects in the label or instructions.

Any of the above defects can turn an ordinary product into a dangerous one. Victims harmed by dangerous products often suffer debilitating injuries that can impact their ability to earn a living. When a defective product has caused a permanent disabling injury, our goal is to provide our client with the funds necessary to make up for the inability to work, as well as funds necessary to pay for long-term medical care needs. Dangerous products can even kill, leaving behind grieving families and emotional and financial devastation.

Product liability cases can be extremely complex, depending on the nature of the defect and injuries. As a result, the assistance of a well-qualified legal team is vital when filing a product liability claim. The attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC have the experience and skill to prepare an effective case designed with the interest of you, your family, and other consumers in mind. Product manufacturers have a duty to design, manufacture, and market products in a responsible manner. Our attorneys will help hold them accountable and protect your rights.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a dangerous product, please contact the Tacoma based attorneys of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, L.L.C. at (253) 383-5388 or (253) 383-5388 or click here to submit a simple case form. Our initial consultation is free of charge and if we accept your case, we only get paid for our services if you receive monetary compensation.