What are the differences between a manufacturer’s warranty and a product liability claim?

Manufacturer’s warranties and product liability claims are two different avenues of recourse a consumer may take when confronted with a defective product. The main differences are who is responsible for covering the costs associated with the defect and who can be held accountable. A manufacturer’s warranty is an agreement between the manufacturer and the buyer of the product. It is a promise that the product purchased will meet certain performance standards or that the manufacturer will repair, replace, or refund the money if the product does not perform as promised. These warranties only cover a small number of defects and the buyer is typically responsible for the cost of repairing the defect. On the other hand, product liability claims are a way to hold a manufacturer responsible for damages caused by a defective product. Often, these claims are based on negligence or strict liability and usually allow people injured as a result of a product defect to recover economic, medical, and other losses due to a defective product. Product liability claims may be more comprehensive than manufacturer warranties and allow for recovery of attorney fees and other costs associated with the injury. In conclusion, a manufacturer’s warranty is a buyer’s assurance that the product works as promised, while a product liability claim is the ability to hold a manufacturer responsible for damages caused by their product. Both can be used to resolve issues with a defective product and are available to Washington consumers.

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What are the differences between a manufacturer’s warranty and a product liability claim?

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