Russell & Hill, PLLC

We Are Local

Everett Spokane Vancouver Marysville Spokane Valley

Consumers rely on the products they purchase to function as advertised. Sadly, they cannot always count on this being the case. Many manufacturers knowingly sell defective, damaged, and downright dangerous products even though they are fully aware that the products are not fit for retail sale—all so they can capitalize on these products for as long as possible before being called out on it. Such negligent practices can result in major injuries as well as serious illnesses, such as when contaminated foods are made available to consumers to buy.

Duty of care in product liability cases

Manufacturers and retailers both owe a duty of care to consumers when they make products available for purchase. When they knowingly offer defective, potentially dangerous products for sale, they violate this duty of care and can then be held liable—or legally responsible—for any damages that result from the use of their product. Being liable means that they can be compelled to pay out damages in the form of financial compensation to the consumer who was negatively affected by their negligence.

Common product liability case types

Product liability cases come in a variety of forms, including:

  • Contaminated food
  • Over-the-counter medicine with improper dosage
  • Malfunctioning electronic devices
  • Defective appliances
  • Pre-assembled furniture missing crucial pieces
  • Defective automotive parts
  • Hazardous children’s toys
  • Toxic products labeled as non-toxic
  • Pet food containing harmful filler ingredients (plastic, etc.)
  • Products labeled as allergen-free containing allergens

If you or a family member have experienced one of these or any other product liability issues, reach out to a product liability lawyer at Russell & Hill, PLLC to discuss your legal options.

Defective products can damage persons and property

Some product liability cases can result in serious damage to people and to their property. For example, if a defective small appliance catches fire or explodes when operated according to manufacturer instructions, a house fire and burn injuries could result from this defect. A ladder that has rickety rungs near its apex could lead to a person falling from a great height, resulting in spinal cord injury and compound bone fractures. One “little” defect can lead to a lot of pain and suffering and could even result in becoming permanently disabled.

We can take on your product liability case

Russell & Hill, PLLC can help if you need a product liability attorney in Seattle. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and skill to get a satisfying outcome for your product liability case. If you purchased a product that was defective—especially if that defect resulted in injury—you have the right to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or retailer in order to recover damages. Damages are calculated by the courts and may then be paid to you in the form of a cash award, and we will work hard to get you every penny you are qualified to receive. We also do not charge any attorney’s fees until your case has been won or settled. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How often are people injured due to defective products?

If you keep up with the news, then you probably hear about product recalls all the time. When we look at the website that tracks current recalls in the United States, we see that there are plenty of cases that do not make the news about products that can cause consumer harm.

What are some of the products commonly associated with defects?

No industry is free from defective products. When we look at the commonly recalled items, we see:

  • Household cleaners and cleaning products
  • Toys
  • Automobiles
  • Car tires
  • Office products
  • Industrial machines
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Medical appliances or devices
  • Prescription drugs
  • Over the counter medications
  • Foods and beverages
  • Tools and lawn equipment
  • And more

What are the most common defective product injuries?

Injuries and illnesses from defective products vary depending on how the product is used. Our Seattle product liability lawyers commonly handle cases with the following:

  • Choking injuries
  • Burns injuries
  • Broken or dislocated bones
  • Lacerations or amputations
  • Internal organ damage or failure

Children are particularly susceptible to injuries from defective products, particularly those that pose choking hazards or products with faulty childproof lids.

How do these defective products make it to our shelves?

When we see defective products, we can generally point to one of three problems:

  1. Design flaws that were not discovered (or were willfully ignored) by a company during the testing phases.
  2. Manufacturing errors that alter a product from its original design, rendering it harmful for consumers.
  3. Labeling errors that mislead or misinform consumers. This can include a wide variety of possibilities, including labels that leave off ingredients or allergens, have incorrect instructions or dosages, or do not warn of side effects and hazards.

Regardless of how an error occurs, negligent or careless companies and manufacturers should be held accountable for their actions.

What is the time limit for me to file a product liability lawsuit in Washington?

There is a three-year statute of limitations on product liability cases in Washington. You must generally file your injury claim within three years from the date of the injury. In some cases, a person may not realize they have been injured due to a product’s exposure until years after they have used it. It is important that you seek medical treatment and legal assistance as soon as you discover an injury.

What kind of compensation can I expect from my case?

How much compensation you receive from your case will vary depending on the total amount of damages you have suffered. Each case is different, and a skilled Seattle product liability attorney will be able to help you. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to help you secure the following:

  • Cost of your current and future medical bills
  • Recovery of income lost if you are unable to work
  • Mental anguish damages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Punitive damages against the company or manufacturer

Let us investigate your case today. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-529-0842.

We Are Local

Everett Spokane Vancouver Marysville Spokane Valley
Click To Call