When you purchase a product in Washington, you have a right to expect that it is safe for its intended use. From the car you drive to the medication you take, we trust that manufacturers have done their due diligence to ensure their products will not cause us harm. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Each year, thousands of people are seriously injured by dangerous and defective products.
If you have been harmed, Washington state law provides a powerful path to justice. The Washington class action attorneys at Saltz, Mongeluzzi, & Bendesky are dedicated to holding negligent manufacturers accountable and securing the compensation that victims deserve.
Understanding Product Liability in Washington
Washington’s Product Liability Act (WPLA) is the primary law governing claims for injuries caused by defective products. The WPLA is a “strict liability” statute, which means that a victim does not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. You only need to prove that the product was not reasonably safe and that this defect caused your injury.
There are three main types of defects that can make a product unsafe:
- Design Defects: The product is inherently dangerous because of a flaw in its design. Even if it is manufactured perfectly, the design itself makes it unsafe. An example would be an SUV that is designed with a high center of gravity, making it prone to rollovers.
- Manufacturing Defects: The product’s design is safe, but an error during the manufacturing process made a specific unit or batch of the product dangerous. This could be a batch of contaminated medicine or a car assembled with a faulty part.
- Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects): The product has inherent risks that are not obvious to the user, and the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions about how to use it safely. This often applies to prescription drugs that lack proper warnings about side effects.
The Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA)
In addition to the WPLA, Washington’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA) can also apply to product liability cases. The CPA prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” in trade or commerce. If a manufacturer knowingly concealed a defect or made false claims about a product’s safety, they could be in violation of the CPA.
A successful claim under the CPA can allow a victim to recover not only their actual damages but also their attorney’s fees and, in some cases, triple damages up to a certain limit. This provides an additional layer of protection for Washington consumers.
When a Defect Harms Many: The Role of Class Actions
Often, a single defective product can injure hundreds or even thousands of consumers across Washington. A defective hip implant, a dangerously designed airbag, or a contaminated food product can cause widespread harm. In these situations, a class action lawsuit is the most effective way to achieve justice.
A class action allows all of the victims to join together in a single, powerful lawsuit. This levels the playing field against large corporations and allows consumers to pool their resources and evidence. It ensures that every victim has a voice and an opportunity to receive compensation.
A Seattle-Based Partner for Your Product Liability Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, you need a law firm with the experience and resources to take on powerful manufacturers. The Washington product liability lawyers at Saltz, Mongeluzzi, & Bendesky have a national reputation for success in complex product liability litigation.
From our offices that serve the Seattle area and all of Washington, we are ready to investigate your claim, identify the defect, and build a powerful case for the compensation you deserve. This can include recovery for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Don’t let a negligent manufacturer get away with putting profits over people. Let us fight for you.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act or refrain from acting based on this information without seeking professional legal counsel.