What are the elements of a successful products liability claim?
A successful products liability claim in Washington must meet a few elements. First, the product must be in a "defective condition," meaning that it is not reasonably safe for its intended use. Second, the product must have caused an injury to the claimant. Third, the claimant must be a member of the class of persons for whom the product was intended. Fourth, the claimant must have used the product or been exposed to it as intended by the manufacturer. Finally, it must be proven that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer, and that it was a cause of the injury in question. The claimant must show that the product was not altered after it left the manufacturer, and that the defect existed prior to use. The claimant must also demonstrate that their injury was a direct result of their exposure to the defective product. In some cases, it may be necessary to show that the manufacturer was aware of the defect prior to the incident, or that there was a foreseeable risk associated with using the defective product. Additionally, claimants must demonstrate that they suffered actual damage as a result of using this product. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages reasonably associated with the injury. By meeting all of these elements, claimants are more likely to have a successful products liability claim in Washington. It is important to understand all elements of a successful product liability claim, as well as the laws in Washington, before moving forward with such a claim.
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