What Are Three Types of Product Defects?

Colburn Law

Posted in Blog,Product Liability on November 13, 2023

When we purchase a product, we trust that it has been designed, manufactured, and marketed with consumer safety in mind. However, this trust can be shattered if you find yourself injured due to a product defect. Generally, there are three main types of product defects; if any of the following scenarios apply to your case, you may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit against the item’s manufacturer.

#1: Manufacturing Defects

A manufacturing defect occurs during the construction or production of the item. It is an anomaly, where only a few out of many items suffer from the defect as a result of a mistake in the manufacturing process. This could be due to faulty materials, poor workmanship, or errors in assembly.

For example, a batch of pressure cookers may have a faulty seal, causing them to explode under normal use, or a car model might have a defective brake line that was improperly installed. These defects often lead to product recalls once identified, but not before they may have caused injury or harm.

#2: Design Defects

Unlike manufacturing defects, which are errors in the creation of a product, design defects are inherent; they are built into the product from the beginning. A design defect means that an entire line of products is inherently unsafe, regardless of whether it was manufactured with precision or competency.

These defects can be due to a lack of testing, failure to anticipate user behavior, or simply poor design choices. An example is a type of sunglasses that fail to protect the eyes from UV rays or a line of electric blankets that overheat when set on high, posing a fire hazard. These defects can result in widespread injuries and often lead to large-scale litigation.

#3: Insufficient Warnings and Instructions

Manufacturers are obligated to inform consumers about the risks associated with using their products. This includes potential hazards that are not obvious to the user, how to use the product safely, and what to avoid to prevent injury.

Sometimes, a product is designed and manufactured correctly, but it becomes dangerous without proper warnings and instructions. For instance, a chemical cleaning solution may be safe when used with gloves and in a well-ventilated area, but without proper labeling, consumers may not know the risks of skin burns or inhalation. Without adequate warnings and instructions, serious injuries can occur.

What to Do If You Were Injured by a Defective Product

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, it is essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. You should also try to preserve the product in its post-accident condition and gather any instructions, warranties, or receipts that pertain to the item. All of this documentation can be vital in building a strong product liability lawsuit, which can help you recover compensation to pay for medical care, lost wages, and other damages.

Then, reach out to a Seattle product liability attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can provide guidance on the complexities of product liability law and help determine if you have a claim due to a manufacturing defect, design defect, or insufficient warnings. After seeking medical care, schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.