Bostwick v. Ballard Marine, Inc.

¶1 At issue in this lawsuit is whether Ballard Marine, Inc., was “in the business of leasing” for purposes of the Washington products liability act (WPLA) at the time a sandblasting pot injured Gregory Bostwick. We also decide whether the WPLA preempts a negligence claim against one who is not a “product seller” under the WPLA.

Cox, C.J. —

¶2 We hold that the trial court properly granted summary dismissal of the products liability claim against Ballard Marine. It was not “in the business of leasing” and thus was not a “product seller” for purposes of the WPLA. Because it was not a “product…