Defective Product Attorney

Three Types of DefectsWhat Qualifies as a Defective Product Under Washington Law

Washington's Product Liability Act (RCW 7.72) governs these claims — not general negligence law. It recognizes three types of product defects, each of which can support a personal injury claim:

• Design defect — the product was unreasonably dangerous as designed, even if manufactured exactly as intended. Example: a power tool whose guard can be removed too easily, or a vehicle with a roof structure prone to collapse.
• Manufacturing defect — the design was sound, but something went wrong in production, making a specific unit dangerous. Example: a batch of appliances with wiring errors, or a structural component with a hidden flaw.
• Failure to warn — the product posed a known risk that wasn't adequately disclosed in instructions or labeling. Example: a chemical product that doesn't warn of a dangerous reaction with common household items.

Liability can extend beyond just the manufacturer. Distributors and retailers in the product's chain of sale can also be held responsible under Washington law, depending on the facts of the case.

Be HonestWhen You May Not Need a Defective Product Attorney

Not every product complaint needs a lawyer, and we'll tell you so. If the dispute involves no personal injury and only a refund or replacement of property worth less than $10,000, Washington's small claims court (RCW 12.40.010) may be a faster and cheaper path than hiring counsel — and you can often resolve it directly with the manufacturer or retailer.

An attorney becomes relevant when there is a personal injury — burns, lacerations, fractures, or other physical harm — because that's where a product liability claim under RCW 7.72 provides remedies (medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering) that a warranty replacement or small claims action can't.

Act NowProtecting Evidence Before You Call

The single most important thing you can do right now is preserve the product. The defective item itself is usually the most critical piece of evidence in a product liability case — and most people unknowingly destroy it by repairing it under warranty, returning it to the retailer, or discarding it. Once it's gone, proving the defect becomes far harder.

1. Don't repair, return, or discard the product. Keep it exactly as it was after the incident, in a safe place.
2. Document everything — photograph the product and your injuries immediately, before any changes.
3. Get medical care promptly. Many injured Puyallup-area residents are treated at MultiCare Good Samaritan — the medical record is the foundation of a personal injury claim.
4. Save all product documentation — purchase receipts, manuals, warranty paperwork, and any communications with the manufacturer or retailer.
5. Check for a recall at SaferProducts.gov (CPSC). A recall combined with an injury may strengthen your claim.

Washington LawHow the Law Shapes Your Claim

This page provides general information about Washington law and is not legal advice. The rules and deadlines that apply depend on the specific facts of your case; contact us to discuss your situation.

The ProcessWhat to Expect From a Defective Product Claim

Once you contact us, a product liability claim typically moves through: a free case evaluation to determine whether a defect caused the injury and who is responsible, investigation and records gathering (medical records, the product's purchase and recall history, expert review if needed), identification of every liable party in the chain of distribution, negotiation with the manufacturer's or distributor's insurer, and if needed, filing suit in Pierce County Superior Court.

These cases can run months to years depending on the number of defendants, whether expert engineering testimony is needed to prove the defect, and the severity of the injury. We handle product liability claims on a contingency-fee basis — no attorney fee upfront, and a fee only if we recover for you. You work directly with Rob Lloyd and Tim Greene throughout.