Products Liability Newsletters
Bioengineered Foods
Biotechnology refers to scientific techniques that allow DNA to be modified. DNA is the genetic material of all living things.
Breach of Warranty
Products liability law covers personal injury and property damage that occurs when a defective product is used. A product is defective if its design makes it dangerous, if it was improperly manufactured or if the manufacturer failed to warn of the product's dangers. You may be able to recover damages if you are injured while using a defective product. There are three theories of products liability: strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty. This article covers a manufacturer's liability for breach of warranty.
Household Chemical Litigation
Almost any household chemical can be dangerous if swallowed or spilled. It is estimated that the average home in America contains over 60 toxic chemicals. Some of the commonly used household products that can be dangerous are air fresheners, ammonia, bleach, carpet and upholstery shampoos, dishwasher detergents, drain cleaners, furniture polishes, mold and mildew cleaners, oven cleaners, antibacterial cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners. The injuries that these products can cause range from mild skin irritation to death.
Proving Damages in Product Liability Cases
Proof of damages is an important element in a products liability lawsuit. The plaintiff (the person suing) has the burden of proving any damages that were caused by using a defective product. Products are defective when they have an inherent flaw or are improperly manufactured. If the defective product causes personal injuries or property damage when used by a consumer, the consumer can sue the manufacturer to recover damages.
The Bioterrorism Act of 2002
After the terrorist acts that caused the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001, the U.S. Congress passed The Bioterrorism Act of 2002. The full name of the law is the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act of 2002. The main goal of the law is to protect the food supply from bioterrorism. The law also covers drinking water security and controls on dangerous biological agents and toxins. The main provisions of The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 are discussed below.
