Products Liability

This course is an examination and analysis of Product Liability law. It includes detailed review of the Washington Product Liability Act with interpretive case law including remedies for harm caused by dangerous and defective products. The course examines the history and development of product liability law; specifics of proving defective design, manufacturing defects, breach of warranty, failure to warn/instruct, and the role of consumer expectations and risk utility in determining liability. It includes review of the proof and consequences of strict liability as well as the defenses available in a product liability action. The course also examines comparative fault and the distribution and apportionment of fault between manufacturer, seller, and non-party entities as well as issues pertaining to causation.