Defective Vehicle Gas Tanks

Vehicle gas tank explosions are responsible for numerous deaths in the United States. Product liability actions involving gas tank explosions generally allege that the injuries the plaintiffs incurred in an accident were made worse because the defective design of the gas tank made it more likely that the gas tank would explode. Actions alleging defective gas tanks usually allege that the gas tank was improperly designed, that it was improperly located on the vehicle, or that the manufacturer failed to warn vehicle owners of the dangers associated with the gas tank or its placement. However, vehicle manufacturers are not required to produce a gas tank that is incapable of exploding.

The FDA Modernization Act of 1997

In 1997, Congress passed legislation amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to the regulation of food, drugs, devices, and biological products. The new legislation, called the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act, reduces the approval time for drugs and medical devices while maintaining patient safety. In addition, the Modernization Act provides the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with additional resources to devote to expediting the drug and medical device review process.

Power Window Accidents

Because deaths from power window accidents are relatively rare, car manufacturers argue that the cost using the more expensive switches is not justified by the small number of deaths and injuries. Further, they claim that parents and caregivers are ultimately responsible for supervising their children in cars. Consumer safety groups argue that because the injuries and deaths are readily preventable, the change should be made even if the impact is not broad. Further, they claim that children can be injured even with parental supervision.

Intrauterine Device Litigation

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control that became popular in the 1960s. An IUD is a device that is inserted into a woman's body. It prevents a fertilized egg from implanting.

Pharmacists' Defenses to Negligence Lawsuits

Pharmacists have a duty to store, prepare, and dispense prescription drugs properly. If the dispensing pharmacist fails to perform any of these duties, the patient could have a claim against the pharmacist. If the pharmacist's actions caused the injuries, he/she could be held liable for the patient's drug-related injuries. This article examines the defenses that are available to a pharmacist if a patient files a negligence lawsuit against the dispensing pharmacist.