What is the legal definition of a defective product?

In Washington, a defective product is defined as a product that has a flaw, which renders it dangerous or not fit for its ordinary purpose. This can include a flaw in the design, manufacture, or labeling of the product that either makes it unusable for its intended purpose or creates an unreasonable risk of harm. For a product to be considered defective, it must have a flaw that could not have been anticipated by consumers or industry experts and must have been present in the product at the time of sale or delivery. Furthermore, a product must be used in a manner that it was intended and under conditions that it was designed for in order for a product liability claim to be successful. In addition to design and manufacturing defects, Washington law also recognizes warning labels as being defective if they do not provide adequate warnings and instructions regarding the safe and proper use of the product and the dangers posed by improper use. Finally, it is important to note that a product can also be considered defective if a manufacturer fails to provide sufficient instructions regarding the proper use, installation, or maintenance of a product. This is especially true in the case of products such as automobiles or machinery, which require additional instructions and guidance to safely use and maintain.

Related FAQs

What is the difference between a “product liability” claim and a “breach of warranty” claim?
How does a court determine if a product is “unreasonably dangerous”?
What are the defenses to a product liability claim?
What is the difference between negligence and strict liability in product liability law?
What are the differences between a design defect, manufacturing defect, and warning defect claim?
How do juries determine product liability claims?
What is a “negligence claim”?
What are the differences between a manufacturer’s warranty and a product liability claim?
Are there any restrictions on the types of damages that can be awarded in a product liability case?
How does a product liability claim arise due to a design defect?

Related Blog Posts

Understanding the Basics of Products Liability Law - July 31, 2023
What is a Breach of Warranty? - August 7, 2023
What is Strict Liability in Products Liability Law? - August 14, 2023
How Can You Establish a Products Liability Claim? - August 21, 2023
Common Defenses in Products Liability Cases - August 28, 2023