If you’re a consumer, you’ve probably got some faulty products. However, a few defective products are so hazardous that many people file lawsuits against the manufacturer for not informing them about the potential problems.
Product liability cases have existed for centuries but became more prominent during the 20th century. The number of product liability cases was down during the COVID-19 crisis but has constantly increased since then. Per recent reports, the number of personal injury-product liability lawsuits went up in September 2021 to around 32,000.
In this article, we will explore some of the most famous product liability lawsuits in U.S. history and what kinds of products were involved in each case.
The Infamous McDonald’s Coffee Spill Case
The McDonald’s coffee spill case is one of history’s most famous product liability cases. The plaintiff, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck, sued McDonald’s after she spilled hot coffee on her lap while sitting in a parked car and sustained severe burns which required skin grafts.
The trial received national attention and became a public relations disaster for McDonald’s. It was considered frivolous litigation against an innocent corporation, resulting in some pretty great damages of $2.9 million. It is almost $5 million as per today’s valuation.
After the verdict was announced, several states passed laws making it more difficult for consumers to sue businesses over personal injury claims related to food products. However, many plaintiffs still file lawsuits against McDonald’s for various reasons.
The Ford Pinto Controversy
The Ford Pinto controversy refers to an automotive safety scandal in the 1970s involving the Ford Motor Company and its subcompact car, the Ford Pinto. The discussion centered around the design flaw that made the Pinto susceptible to fires and explosions in rear-end collisions.
The Ford Pinto was introduced in 1971 and was intended to be a fuel-efficient and affordable option for consumers. However, during its development, Ford engineers discovered a potential safety issue. The fuel tank was positioned to be punctured and leak fuel in the event of a rear-end collision at relatively low speeds. This was primarily due to the placement of the rear differential, which could be pushed into the fuel tank during an accident.
Internal documents later revealed that Ford was aware of this design flaw and its potential risks but decided not to make the necessary modifications to address the problem. Executives at Ford conducted a cost-benefit analysis. They concluded that paying for potential accident lawsuits would be cheaper than implementing design changes to improve the vehicle’s safety. This decision attracted significant criticism and outrage later on.
Pinto’s safety issues became public in 1977 when Mother Jones magazine published an article titled “Pinto Madness,” which shed light on Ford’s knowledge of the defects and refusal to take corrective action. This article sparked a wave of investigations, lawsuits, and public outcry.
Several high-profile lawsuits followed, and Ford was ultimately charged with criminal negligence. A famous case involved a 1972 accident where a Pinto burst into flames after being rear-ended, killing teenage girls. The court approved $2.516 million to the Grimshaw family and another $559,680 to the Gray family.
The Paragard IUD Lawsuits
The Paragard IUD is a type of birth control inserted into the uterus. It prevents sperm from reaching an egg, so you can’t get pregnant.
The IUD has been used in the US since 1988. Still, it came under fire after several lawsuits were filed against its manufacturer, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc., alleging that users suffered severe infections or other complications from using the device.
The company settled with some plaintiffs out-of-court for undisclosed amounts. However, other cases are still pending in courts today. If you or a loved one has ever used this IUD and faced health problems, you can file a Paragard IUD lawsuit against the manufacturer.
The number of lawsuits has increased so much that they are consolidated into a multidistrict lawsuit (MDL). According to TorHoerman Law, MDL is a federal legal procedure to speed up handling complicated cases in a single court. It helps plaintiffs by ensuring that justice is served quickly. It also simplifies the process of filing a lawsuit.
The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement
In 1998, the tobacco industry entered into a settlement with 46 states that required them to pay $206 billion over 25 years. The agreement was reached after decades of litigation and was considered one of the largest settlements in history.
The settlement included restrictions on advertising and marketing and payments to state governments for health care costs related to smoking-related illnesses. It also required that cigarette manufacturers make more information about their products available publicly.
Johnson & Johnson’s Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder is a cosmetic product that has been in use for many years. The company claims it absorbs moisture and prevents rashes, but some lawsuits allege that the product causes cancer and other health problems.
Talcum powder may contain asbestos, which can cause mesothelioma if inhaled or ingested over time. Some studies have found a link between talc use and ovarian cancer; however, insufficient evidence supports this claim.
The Toyota Unintended Acceleration Lawsuits
Toyota’s sudden acceleration problem, which led to several lawsuits and resulted in the most significant product liability settlement in history, started when Consumer Reports published an article about their findings that some vehicles were accelerating independently.
The report stated that an “electronic glitch” caused this issue. Several people sued Toyota because they claimed their cars suddenly accelerated while driving them, causing accidents or injuries. In 2012, Toyota agreed to pay $1.2 billion as part of its settlement with owners who had filed lawsuits against them for damages related to unintended acceleration problems.
The Roundup Weed Killer Lawsuits
Roundup is a famous weed killer used for decades but has recently come under fire for its potential links to cancer.
Monsanto created the product, and it has been sold since 1974. It’s one of the most commonly used herbicides in the United States and worldwide, with over 500 million pounds applied annually on more than 100 crops in over 160 countries.
In March 2019, Monsanto agreed to pay $80 million in settlement fees after being sued by federal regulators who accused them of covering up evidence that their weed killer causes cancer.
Conclusion
These cases demonstrate the importance of product liability law and its role in protecting consumers from dangerous or defective products. It’s also important to note that many of these lawsuits were not only successful in winning compensation for injured individuals but also helped improve safety standards across industries by shining a spotlight on the need for better testing methods when it comes to making sure new products don’t have any hidden dangers before they go on sale.