Spokane Valley Product Liability Attorneys

Defective Product Lawyers in Spokane Valley

Defective products can turn an ordinary day into a life-altering event. When everyday items fail, the impact can be devastating for those affected. Many people trust that the products they buy—whether a car, a household appliance, or a child’s toy—are thoroughly tested and safe to use. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes misplaced, and defective products can cause serious injuries or even death. Product liability law ensures that manufacturers, retailers, and distributors are held accountable for the harm their defective products cause, giving injured individuals a path to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

The Spokane Valley Product Liability attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC fight for maximum compensation for those harmed by defective products. Call (509) 350-4452 today for a free consultation.

What is Product Liability?

When products fail to function safely, the consequences for Spokane Valley residents can be severe. A defective car part might cause a collision on the highway, a child’s toy with detachable parts could pose a choking hazard, or a mislabeled household chemical might lead to serious injury. Product liability focuses on holding manufacturers, sellers, and distributors responsible for injuries caused by defective products. These defects typically arise during three key stages:

• Design Defects: Flaws in the product’s design make it inherently unsafe, even if properly manufactured. For example, a chair designed with materials too weak to support normal use can collapse and cause injury.
• Manufacturing Errors: Mistakes during production introduce safety issues. For instance, a batch of airbags that fail to deploy correctly due to improper assembly poses serious risks.
• Labeling Issues: Inadequate instructions or missing warnings can make a product dangerous. A medication bottle without proper dosage information, for example, can lead to harmful misuse.

When a product causes harm, how it failed determines who is accountable. For instance, strict liability means that if a product is defective and causes injury, you don’t need to show the manufacturer acted carelessly—the defect itself is enough. In other cases, harm may occur because the maker or seller didn’t take reasonable steps to ensure safety during design or production.

How Our Product Liability Attorneys Approach Your Case

Linking the Injury to the Product Defect

Our Spokane Valley product liability attorneys gather and analyze evidence to demonstrate how a defective product caused harm. For example, in a case involving faulty machinery, they might review maintenance logs and production records to pinpoint the source of the defect. Combining this information with witness statements and medical reports allows our attorneys to establish a direct link between the injury and the product’s failure, which lays the groundwork for accountability.

Expert Collaboration to Strengthen Your Case

Our attorneys may also work with experts to uncover what caused a product defect. For example, an engineer might identify design flaws that make the product inherently unsafe, or a manufacturing expert could link the defect to assembly errors. Patterns of similar complaints or issues traced to a single defective batch strengthen the case further. Our investigations and collaborations can reveal how the defect occurred, emphasize the failures that led to harm, and prove negligence, all of which bolster the fight for seeking rightful compensation.

Communication with Opposing Parties

Attorneys speak with insurers, manufacturers, distributors, or other relevant parties. They lay out the facts, discuss settlement options, or prepare for a courtroom proceeding if necessary.

Negotiations and Possible Trial

If discussions with the opposing side do not yield an acceptable agreement, the attorney may present the case before a judge and jury. A well-documented claim can illustrate how a product’s defect resulted in physical, emotional, and financial strain.

Damages That May Be Recovered

A product liability claim often seeks monetary help for:

• Medical Care and Rehabilitation
  Surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescription medication can drain savings. Plaintiffs may include these costs in the claim.
• Lost Income
  If injuries prevent someone from working for weeks or months, that lost income can be part of a product liability claim.
• Compensation for Future Needs
  Some injuries lead to ongoing issues that require in-home nursing or costly devices for mobility. Long-term support might be factored into a settlement or award.
• Property Damage
  A defective product can damage a home, car, or other property. That expense may also be included.
• Non-Economic Damages
  Injuries can produce ongoing discomfort, stress, or emotional strain. Product liability law allows claims for intangible losses that stem directly from the defect.

Strict Liability in Washington State

Washington law, under RCW 7.72.030, allows certain product liability claims to proceed under a strict liability theory. This means that the harmed party does not need to prove the maker acted negligently. Instead, the focus is on demonstrating that the item was defective and that the defect directly caused harm when used as intended. This can be beneficial for consumers who do not have evidence of a manufacturer’s careless act but can demonstrate the product’s flawed condition.

Strict liability exists, in part, because a product’s maker profits from sales. It makes sense that the people earning money from the product also carry risk if their product causes harm. Each claim, however, has its own requirements. The details vary depending on how local courts interpret product liability statutes. An attorney’s knowledge of the Spokane Valley area, along with prior case outcomes, can guide strategy.

Common Obstacles in Product Liability Cases

Product liability claims sometimes encounter hurdles:

• Proving the Defect: It may not be obvious how the product malfunctioned. The item could have been destroyed or thrown away after the incident. Attorneys might need to track down similar products or find records from the manufacturer.
• Demonstrating Proper Use: Manufacturers and sellers may argue that the buyer misused the product. We may need to show that the product was operated or handled as the manufacturer intended.
• Statute of Limitations: In Washington state the statute of limitations for personal injury places a time limit on filing certain claims. Claimants who wait too long could lose the chance to seek compensation.
• Multiple Responsible Parties: Large corporations sometimes involve multiple subsidiaries. A defective product might be designed in one place, assembled in another, and sold in yet another location. Sorting out who is responsible can lengthen the case.

Comparative Negligence in Product Liability Cases

In Washington, the principle of comparative negligence (RCW 4.22.005) can affect the outcome of product liability claims. Even if a defective product caused harm, the injured party’s actions may reduce their compensation if those actions contributed to the injury.

For example:

• A consumer who ignored safety instructions or used the product improperly might bear a percentage of fault.
• If the injured party altered the product or failed to maintain it, the manufacturer or seller could argue that these actions were contributing factors.

An experienced attorney works to minimize any assigned fault by demonstrating that the product defect—not the consumer’s actions—was the primary cause of harm. This could involve gathering clear evidence, consulting experts, and building a case that focuses on the responsibilities of the manufacturer, distributor, or seller.

How a Product Liability Attorney Builds a Claim

Our Washington product liability attorneys use clear evidence to demonstrate fault. They look for inconsistencies between how a product was supposed to function and what actually happened. Photographic or video records can show the exact moment of the defect’s failure. Statements from witnesses lend credibility to the argument that the user operated the product safely. Expert testimony often makes or breaks complex cases:

• Engineering Experts can disassemble or test the item. They can check for issues with materials or design.
• Medical Experts can outline how the product caused or worsened specific injuries.
• Industry Specialists: Certain products, like pharmaceutical drugs, might call for an industry insider who can explain how that product should have been formulated.

Potential Steps in the Product Liability Process

Every case moves differently, but generally a case might unfold as follows:

1. Consultation and Evaluation: You share the details of your case. Our attorneys assess whether the facts suggest a viable product liability case.
2. Investigation & Evidence Collection: Our attorneys combine thorough investigations with detailed evidence collection to uncover how the product failed and who is responsible. This can include requesting documents, consulting with experts, establishing a clear timeline of events, and many other actions. Depending on the complexity of the defect, this process can take several weeks to months.
3. Settlement Negotiations: When evidence clearly shows how the defect caused harm, the attorney engages with the opposing party to seek appropriate compensation. This process of negotiation may take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to reach an agreement.
4. Filing a Lawsuit if Needed: If no resolution surfaces through negotiation, the next step could be filing a lawsuit. This involves submitting formal paperwork to the court.
5. Discovery Phase: Both sides share evidence. Each party learns about the arguments and evidence the other side plans to present.
6. Motions and Hearings: Attorneys may request specific legal rulings from the court. Hearings can shape what evidence is allowed and how the trial will proceed.
7. Trial and Possible Appeal: If the case does not resolve through settlement, the trial offers each side a chance to present the facts. A final judgment ends most matters, but in some cases appeals extend the process.

Deciding Whether to Pursue a Product Liability Claim

People sometimes wonder if their situation “counts” as product liability. They might blame themselves, thinking they somehow caused the problem. In many cases, that initial confusion fades once an attorney evaluates the circumstances. If the item was used the way a regular consumer would use it, and a serious defect appeared, that can warrant a closer look. Some clients are hesitant because they feel uneasy about confronting a large corporation. An attorney can handle the legal details, gather evidence, and communicate with the other side, which relieves some of that burden.

A product liability claim, if successful, can shift the financial strain off the injured party. Medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages from time away from work all add up. Compensation can fund ongoing treatments and encourage a smoother path toward recovery.

When to Contact an Attorney

Some people wait too long, hoping the manufacturer or retailer will act voluntarily. It’s wise to remember Washington’s statute of limitations, which sets firm deadlines for filing. Late claims might be dismissed outright. Speaking with an attorney early can provide room to gather evidence, speak with experts, and send letters to preserve necessary records.

Product liability attorneys watch for:

• Evidence that might be destroyed if not secured quickly: This can include the actual defective item or manufacturing logs that might be disposed of after a standard retention period.
• Witnesses who may forget details: Memories fade, so getting statements early helps.
• Physical injuries that evolve over time: Ongoing medical evaluations might reveal more serious issues than initially expected.

Action Steps for Someone Harmed by a Product

1. Seek Medical Treatment: Prioritize health. Medical records will be important evidence, so keep copies of all documents.
2. Secure the Product: If possible, keep the item in the same condition it was in at the time of the accident. Avoid making repairs or modifications.
3. Gather Information: Store the receipt, packaging, product instructions, and any warranty documents that came with the product. Keep them in a safe place.
4. Record Details: Note where, when, and how the problem occurred. List anyone who witnessed what happened.
5. Speak with a Product Liability Attorney: A consultation can clarify potential steps. That initial conversation often provides insight about strengths or weaknesses in the matter.

How Russell & Hill, PLLC Can Assist in Spokane Valley

We devote significant time, energy, and resources to product liability cases. Our attorneys prioritize open communication. Clients can expect honest feedback about the strengths of their case. While each claim has unique facts, we apply a consistent process:

• Evaluating how the product reached the consumer
• Reviewing industry safety guidelines
• Consulting with experts on technical aspects
• Handling negotiations with insurers or corporate lawyers
• Preparing for court if discussions do not resolve the claim

We know that injuries impact daily life. People might worry about how they will afford rehabilitative care or pay regular bills if they must take time away from work. A product liability claim can address financial gaps that arise because of a defect.

Our product liability attorneys have detailed knowledge of Spokane Valley’s court practices and access to local resources that help uncover the root cause of a defect and hold responsible parties accountable. Whether your case involves a malfunctioning product, unclear instructions, or labeling failures, we will work to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries and losses.

Your Consultation with Russell & Hill, PLLC

A consultation can bring clarity and peace of mind. An attorney listens to the facts, explains potential claims, and answers questions about timelines or costs. If you decide to proceed, the attorney gets to work assembling evidence, contacting relevant parties, and outlining possible outcomes.

Questions we address in the consultation phase often include:

• How long might this take from start to finish?: That depends on the complexity of the defect, the other side’s willingness to negotiate, and how many experts must be consulted.
• How do lawyers get paid for a product liability case?: Most cases operate on a contingency fee basis, with no costs upfront, although each client’s arrangement is discussed at the start.
• Will there be a trial?: Some cases settle without a trial. Others require a courtroom presentation if the other side does not agree to a fair settlement.
• What if I no longer have the defective item?: All is not lost, but evidence may be more challenging to secure. The attorney can explore other ways to prove that the product caused harm.
• Are there any guarantees?: No attorney can promise a specific outcome, but a thorough investigation and legal strategy can improve the odds of a favorable result.

Next Steps: Contact Russell & Hill, PLLC

If you’ve been harmed by a defective product, Russell & Hill, PLLC can help. A product liability claim can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other challenges caused by the defect. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on recovery.

Call (509) 350-4452 or send us an email today to schedule a free consultation. Bring any documents related to your injury or the defective product. Together, we’ll explore your options and take steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.