How to Hold a Company Liable for a Faulty Washing Machine

 Posted on February 27, 2024 in Personal Injury

You have legal rights if you purchase a defective washing machine that damages your home or causes injury. Under Illinois product liability law, both manufacturing defect claims and failure to warn claims can provide grounds for holding appliance makers financially accountable through litigation. An Illinois attorney can assist you in gathering the evidence you have and building a strong case.

Proving a Manufacturing Defect

A manufacturing defect indicates that a washing machine error arose during production rather than from the intended design. For example, incorrectly installed wiring could cause a fire risk. A faulty assembly could cause the machine drums to become loose and damage internal components.

To prove this type of defect existed, you would need to show physical evidence and have documentation detailing issues from a technician. It also requires demonstrating that the defect caused damages, like fire, flooding, or property destruction. Photos, repair invoices, medical bills, and other documentation help substantiate losses. You could also search online and see if anyone else is having similar issues with the same washing machine model as yours. If so, print out that information as more proof.

Illinois follows a strict liability doctrine regarding manufacturing issues. So, even reasonable care from the company regarding production and inspection processes does not exempt them from liability if a defect injures consumers during standard use.

Failure to Warn

Even well-designed products can carry inherent dangers that warrant consumer warnings. In a failure to warn claim, you would allege that the manufacturer did not provide adequate cautions, labels, instructions, or notices about potential hazards or proper product usage.

For example, a lack of posted warnings about tip-over risks could make a company liable if their top-heavy machine falls onto a small child. Similarly, they may be responsible for fire damage if they fail to warn against using certain aftermarket parts.

To demonstrate negligent failure to warn, collecting the original product manuals, materials, and packaging helps reveal what guidance the company provided. Comparing similar products’ warnings also builds a case. Like manufacturing defect claims, failure to warn also falls under strict liability in Illinois.

Contact an Elmhurst, IL Product Liability Attorney

You may recover substantial compensation for economic and non-economic losses from a washing machine defect with diligent investigation and litigation. An Elk Grove, IL product liability lawyer can help you take the necessary steps to ensure your voice is heard. Call Kaiser Law at 630-274-4400 for a free consultation.