What are the differences between a design defect, manufacturing defect, and warning defect claim?
In Washington, Products Liability Law holds manufacturers and sellers responsible for harm caused to people by defective or dangerous products. There are three main types of products liability claims: design defect, manufacturing defect, and warning defect claims. A design defect claim occurs when a product is designed in such a way that it can be reasonably expected to be dangerous to the user. In other words, the defect is inherent in the design. For example, if a car manufacturer designs a vehicle with poor brakes, it can be considered a design defect. A manufacturing defect claim occurs when the product, despite being designed properly, has some kind of flaw in the way it was assembled or manufactured. For example, if a car manufacturer intends to make a safe car, but the brakes are installed incorrectly, it can be considered a manufacturing defect. A warning defect claim occurs when the product is designed and manufactured properly, but lacks adequate warning labels or instructions. For example, if a car manufacturer does not include a warning about the risks associated with how the driver should use the brakes, that could be considered a warning defect. In summary, design defects occur when a product is inherently dangerous due to a flaw in its design. Manufacturing defects occur when a product is manufactured with a flaw in the assembly. And warning defects occur when a product does not come with adequate warnings or instructions.
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