What are some defenses a manufacturer might make in a product liability case?

In a products liability case, a manufacturer may make several different kinds of defenses to protect themselves from liability. Depending on the state, there are different defenses that may be used. In Washington, a manufacturer might make the following defenses: 1. The product was used for a purpose other than the product’s intended purpose. For example, if a product was labeled for one type of use, but a consumer used it for another purpose and was injured, the manufacturer may not be held liable. 2. The product was altered after it left the manufacturer. If a product is made and sold as is, a manufacturer may not be liable for damages caused by a product if it was altered after it left their hands. 3. The product came with sufficient warnings and instructions. If a product comes with sufficient instructions and/or warnings regarding potential hazards or dangers, the manufacturer may not be liable for injuries caused by improper use or not following instructions. 4. The product was not defective when it left the manufacturer. If a manufacturer can prove that the product was not defective when it left their hands, they may not be held liable for damages caused by the product. 5. The plaintiff assumed the risk. If the injured party knew about the risk associated with the product and knowingly used the product, the manufacturer may not be held liable. These are some of the defenses a manufacturer may use in a product liability case in Washington. It is important to note, however, that each case is different and the manufacturer may not always be able to use these defenses successfully.

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