Fabric Softener Maker – Wrongful Death

Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro (HBSS) obtained a multi-million dollar settlement for the family of a woman who died from severe burns. HBSS partner Tony Shapiro filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against a manufacturer of a popular liquid fabric softener, claiming the company failed to warn consumers of the dangers of its product. Extensive tests conducted by the nonprofit testing and information organization Consumers Union, publishers of Consumer Reports, showed that fabric treated with liquid fabric softeners is much more flammable, especially in cotton products.

In this case, a King County woman was severely burned when her fabric softener-treated clothing became engulfed in flames when she came close to an open flame.

According to the case presented by Shapiro, the manufacturer of the fabric softener knew of the dangers associated with its product and didn’t warn consumers or include warning notices on packaging. The lawsuit, filed July 27, 2007, accused the consumer-products company of violating sections of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act.

Hagens Berman attorney Tony Shapiro reached the multi-million dollar settlement after prolonged negotiations and prior to a scheduled jury trial.