Defective Product Injury Advocates
Product Liability Lawyer in Washington
Your Guide to Product Liability Claims in Washington State
When a product you trusted causes serious harm, the fallout can be devastating. Defective appliances, unsafe vehicles, contaminated consumer goods, and dangerous pharmaceuticals injure thousands of people across Washington every year. At the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, we help injured clients throughout Puyallup and the surrounding communities hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the harm their products cause. Our team investigates what went wrong, identifies every responsible party, and builds a clear path to financial recovery so you can focus on healing rather than the confusing legal process.
Why Product Liability Representation Matters
Defective products injure people in ways that often go far beyond the immediate accident. Medical bills pile up, wages are lost, and families face long-term care needs that were never planned for. A well-prepared product liability claim can recover compensation for those economic damages as well as pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life. Beyond the financial recovery, pursuing a claim sends a clear message to manufacturers that cutting corners on safety has consequences. When consumers stand up, unsafe products are pulled from shelves, warnings are added, and future injuries are prevented for other Washington families.
About the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
Understanding Product Liability Law in Washington
Product liability refers to the legal responsibility that manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers have when a product they place in the stream of commerce causes injury. Washington follows the Washington Product Liability Act, which allows injured consumers to recover damages under several theories, including manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn. A manufacturing defect occurs when a product leaves the factory in a condition different from its intended design. A design defect means the product is inherently unsafe even when made correctly. A failure to warn claim arises when a company does not provide adequate instructions or warnings about known risks.
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Key Terms and Glossary
Manufacturing Defect
A flaw that occurs during the production process, causing a specific product to differ from its intended design and become unreasonably dangerous to users.
Failure to Warn
A legal claim based on a manufacturer’s decision not to provide clear instructions or warnings about risks that a reasonable user would want to know before using the product.
Design Defect
A problem built into the product’s original blueprint that makes the entire line of products dangerous, even when each unit is manufactured correctly.
Strict Liability
A legal doctrine that holds manufacturers responsible for injuries caused by defective products without requiring proof of negligence, as long as the product was used as intended.
PRO TIPS
Preserve the Product
Do not throw away, repair, or alter the product that caused your injury. The item itself is often the most important piece of evidence in a product liability claim. Store it in a safe, dry location and take clear photographs of it from multiple angles as soon as possible.
Document Everything
Keep every receipt, manual, packaging insert, and warranty card related to the product. Save photographs of your injuries as they heal and maintain a journal describing how the incident has affected your daily life. This written record helps connect the defect to the real impact on you and your family.
Seek Medical Care Right Away
Prompt medical attention protects both your health and your legal claim. Delayed treatment gives insurance companies an opening to argue that your injuries were caused by something else. Follow your provider’s instructions and keep copies of every bill, prescription, and discharge summary for your legal file.
Comparing Your Legal Options
When Full Legal Representation Is Needed:
Serious or Permanent Injuries
When a defective product causes life-altering harm such as traumatic brain injury, amputation, or severe burns, the value of the claim and the complexity of the evidence both rise sharply. Full representation ensures that every category of damages is documented, from future medical care to lost earning capacity. A prepared attorney also brings in the medical and technical professionals needed to project long-term costs accurately.
Multiple Responsible Parties
Product claims often involve manufacturers, component suppliers, distributors, and retailers, each with separate insurers and defense teams. Sorting out who is responsible for what share of the harm takes careful investigation and aggressive discovery. A full-service legal team coordinates those moving pieces so that every at-fault party contributes to your recovery rather than pointing fingers at one another.
When a Limited Approach May Be Enough:
Minor Property Damage Only
If a defective product caused only small property losses and no physical injury, a manufacturer warranty claim or small claims action may be the most efficient remedy. These forums are designed for straightforward disputes where the financial stakes are modest. An attorney can still review the situation to confirm that no larger issues are being overlooked before you proceed on your own.
Clear Recall with Direct Refunds
When a manufacturer has announced a formal recall and is offering a full refund or replacement, consumers with no injuries may simply follow the recall process. If the recall program addresses your concerns completely, there may be no need for litigation. However, if you were injured before the recall or the remedy does not cover your losses, a consultation with an attorney is still a smart step.
Common Circumstances That Lead to Product Liability Claims
Why Hire Greene and Lloyd for Your Product Liability Case
Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between a quick settlement that barely covers your bills and a recovery that truly reflects what you have been through. Our firm brings decades of combined experience in Washington personal injury litigation, along with the courtroom confidence to stand up to large manufacturers and their insurance companies. We know how these cases are defended, which means we know how to build them from day one with the evidence, testimony, and documentation needed to win. When you work with us, you work directly with an attorney who answers your calls and keeps you informed at every step.
We also understand that a product liability case is not just about legal strategy. It is about the person behind the claim, the family depending on a full recovery, and the future that was interrupted by someone else’s careless product. Our attorneys take time to learn your story and put that perspective at the center of every negotiation and courtroom argument. Consultations are confidential and there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Reach out to our Puyallup office at 253-544-5434 to schedule a free case review and learn what your claim may be worth.
Call 253-544-5434 for a Free Consultation Today
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FAQS
What is a product liability claim in Washington State?
A product liability claim is a civil lawsuit brought against a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or retailer when a defective or unreasonably dangerous product causes injury or property damage. Washington law allows these claims under the Washington Product Liability Act, which recognizes manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn as valid grounds for recovery. These cases can involve almost any item sold to the public, from cars and medical devices to power tools and children’s toys. If you were harmed while using a product in a reasonably foreseeable way, you may have a claim. Call 253-544-5434 to discuss the specifics of your situation with our team.
Who can be held responsible when a defective product causes injury?
Washington law allows injured consumers to pursue claims against every entity in the chain of distribution. That includes the original manufacturer, the maker of individual components, wholesalers, distributors, and the retailer who sold the product to the public. Each party may carry its own insurance and share responsibility depending on the facts. Identifying every potentially liable party is one of the most important early steps in a case. Our attorneys investigate how the product was designed, built, and sold so that no responsible company is left out of the claim. This approach maximizes the resources available to pay for your losses.
How long do I have to file a product liability lawsuit in Washington?
In Washington, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including product liability, is three years from the date of injury. There is also a statute of repose that can bar claims brought more than twelve years after the product was first delivered, though exceptions apply in certain circumstances. Because these deadlines are strict and evidence can disappear quickly, it is wise to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an injury. Waiting too long can cost you the right to recover anything, no matter how strong the underlying facts may be. Call 253-544-5434 for a prompt case evaluation.
What types of damages can I recover in a product liability case?
Damages in a Washington product liability case typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover for loss of companionship and financial support. In some situations, punitive-like damages are unavailable in Washington, but the full economic and non-economic categories usually provide meaningful recovery. Our attorneys work with medical and financial professionals to document every loss so that nothing is overlooked when we negotiate or try your case.
Do I have a case if the product has been recalled?
Yes. A recall is often helpful evidence that a product is defective, but it does not replace your legal claim. Manufacturers issue recalls to limit future injuries and sometimes to reduce their exposure, yet consumers who were already hurt still have the right to seek compensation for their losses. The recall documents, internal reports, and government notices generated during the process can strengthen your case. If you were injured by a product that has since been recalled, contact our office to discuss how the recall may affect your claim and what evidence should be preserved right away.
What should I do right after being hurt by a defective product?
Seek medical attention first. Your health comes before anything else, and early treatment also creates a record connecting your injuries to the product. Preserve the product itself along with its packaging, manual, and receipt, and avoid repairing or modifying it in any way. Next, take photographs of your injuries and the product, write down exactly what happened, and collect contact information for anyone who witnessed the event. Then call an attorney before speaking with the manufacturer’s insurance representatives. You can reach our Puyallup office at 253-544-5434 for a free consultation.
How much does it cost to hire a product liability lawyer?
Our firm handles product liability cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost to hire us. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf, and the fee is a percentage of the recovery agreed upon in advance. This arrangement allows injured people to access strong legal representation regardless of their financial situation. It also aligns our interests with yours because we only succeed when you do. Case costs such as filing fees and consultant charges are typically advanced by the firm and repaid from the settlement or verdict.
Do I need to prove the manufacturer was negligent?
Not always. Washington recognizes strict liability in many product defect cases, which means you do not have to prove that the manufacturer was careless. Instead, you must show that the product was defective, that the defect existed when it left the manufacturer’s control, and that it caused your injury. In some situations, negligence or breach of warranty claims are also available and may apply alongside strict liability. The right combination of theories depends on the facts, which is why an early legal consultation is so valuable. We will evaluate which claims fit your case and pursue each one aggressively.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the incident. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault, so a claimant found twenty percent responsible would receive eighty percent of the damages. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a claimant’s share of fault to reduce what they have to pay. Our attorneys push back with evidence, witness testimony, and technical analysis to ensure that fault is assigned fairly based on what actually happened, not on the defense’s preferred narrative.
How long does a product liability case take to resolve?
Product liability cases vary widely in length. A straightforward claim with clear liability and cooperative insurers may resolve in several months, while a complex case involving multiple defendants, significant injuries, or disputed evidence can take a year or more to complete. We always work to move cases forward efficiently while preparing as though trial is inevitable. That preparation often motivates defendants to offer fair settlements sooner. Throughout the process, you will receive regular updates from our team so you always know where your case stands. Call 253-544-5434 to learn more.