How many of you have heard of a case called Grimshaw v. Ford Motor Co. I bet you have, except you know it as the Ford Pinto case. The case where Ford knew there was a problem with the Pinto and that it would blow up if it was rear-ended. Ford chose not to fix it. As a result of Ford's conduct people died and were seriously injured.
There was a trial and Ford was found to be at fault. Also, punitive damages were awarded against Ford in the amount of $125 million and later remitted (reduced) to $3.5 million by the judge. The verdict was sustained by the California Court of Appeals.
If you'd like to read more about it, here's a link to the opinion:
http://online.ceb.com/CalCases/CA3/119CA3d757.htm
You're safe in your cars -- and so are your kids -- partly due to the efforts of trial lawyers. The only way that your average person can hold a company like Ford or Merck accountable for their conduct is via a lawsuit, and possibly a trial. That is the only way.
So, if you are ever rear-ended and your car doesn't explode, thank a trial lawyer. And remember this, the current push for tort "reform" doesn't seek to protect your interests. It seeks to protect the interests of big business -- at your expense.
There was a trial and Ford was found to be at fault. Also, punitive damages were awarded against Ford in the amount of $125 million and later remitted (reduced) to $3.5 million by the judge. The verdict was sustained by the California Court of Appeals.
If you'd like to read more about it, here's a link to the opinion:
http://online.ceb.com/CalCases/CA3/119CA3d757.htm
You're safe in your cars -- and so are your kids -- partly due to the efforts of trial lawyers. The only way that your average person can hold a company like Ford or Merck accountable for their conduct is via a lawsuit, and possibly a trial. That is the only way.
So, if you are ever rear-ended and your car doesn't explode, thank a trial lawyer. And remember this, the current push for tort "reform" doesn't seek to protect your interests. It seeks to protect the interests of big business -- at your expense.
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