Product Liability
Practice Areas

When a defective product causes a serious injury, the victim can pursue a product liability claim. Product liability cases can be tough, pitting lawyers against big businesses who want to fiercely protect their products. Our experienced lawyers frequently go to trial in product liability cases, winning up to multi-million dollar verdicts against big name opponents like Louisville Slugger and Troy-Bilt (MTD).

Recalled Products

If a product has already been recalled, there is less need to prove that it is defective. However, we frequently handle cases in which the product hasn’t been recalled. We are prepared to scour the company's documents to discover evidence of overlooked design or manufacturing defects. In some cases, the defect is simply a failure to provide proper warning to consumers of the dangers that come with using a product.

When necessary, we take great care to bring in trusted experts who are not only recognized in their industries, but who can communicate complex concepts to the jury if the case goes to trial. We are meticulous in our trial preparation, ensuring no avenue of the case is neglected.

Hayward Industries, Inc./Hayward Pool Products, Inc.’s Pool Filters

White & Weddle is taking cases involving certain cartridge type pool filters manufactured by Hayward.  These include the SwimClear and Smartfilter series (C5020 and C5520BH), and those manufactured exclusively for Blue Haven Pools as the 450 & 550 Series Smartfilters.  These filters use a one-piece band or belly clamp.

These filters can unexpectedly separate or explode shortly after the system is energized or turned on by the user.  The accidents usually occur when the filters were being “primed,” or re-started after completion of routine maintenance by the user.  In each incident, pneumatic (instantaneous and uncontrolled) separation of the filter head from the filter body occurred, producing severe, often permanent, head injuries to the user.  Often times, the one-piece band or belly clamp breaks. 

Prior to 2003, Hayward was aware that the original bands or belly clamps were breaking -- causing pneumatic separations (were exploding) and seriously injuring users.  Hayward has discontinued (not recalled) the original band or belly clamp from the market.  Instead of warning and recalling the dangerous one-piece band or belly clamp, Hayward simply redesigned it and has not warned the public to stop using the original.  The redesigned band or belly clamp is thicker or larger.  White and Weddle believes the primary purpose of the discontinuance of the original band or belly clamp from the marketplace and Hayward’s decision to redesign it was because it is unreasonably dangerous or defective.