What is the “consumer expectation test” in defective products law?

The “consumer expectation test” is a standard in Washington’s defective products law that sets a benchmark for a product’s quality. In order to be deemed defective, a product must either fail to work as intended or possess qualities that are substantially different than what could be reasonably expected by the ordinary consumer. This standard gives consumers a legal yardstick to measure the quality of a product. The “consumer expectation test” takes into account the public’s reasonable expectations for the product, rather than the manufacturer’s. This standard differs from the “manufacturer’s standard” because the latter focuses on how close the product is to the manufacturer’s intention. This test also considers the product’s price and its level of technology, both of which factor into the ordinary consumer’s expectations. The “consumer expectation test” is a vital part of Washington’s defective product law. Without this standard, people would be left with the question of whether the product they purchased is defective or not. This test allows consumers in Washington to have clear guidelines when determining whether a product is defective or not.

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What is the “consumer expectation test” in defective products law?

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