California Congressman Says Gun Violence Victims Should Have the Right to Sue

Newton. Aurora. Columbine. Who is responsible? According to one California Congressman, the notion that guns don't kill people, people kill people, is ludicrous, and he's introducing a bill to put the burden where it really belongs - on the gun industry. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA.), plans to introduce the Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act which will allow victims of gun violence to sue the gun industry "when it acts with negligence and disregard for public safety." If passed by Congress and signed by the President, this bill will essentially undo the 2005 law gun law which shields firearms manufacturers and dealers from liability lawsuits. The 2005 gun liability bill was the No. 1 legislative priority of the National Rifle Association and was aimed at ending a number of lawsuits by individuals and municipalities, such as New York City and Chicago, which sought to hold gun manufacturers and dealers liable for negligence when their weapons were used in crimes. The gun liability bill, which did not bar lawsuits which involved defective weapons or criminal behavior by a gun maker or dealer, was passed by Senate Republicans who held a strong majority in the Senate, and 58 Democrats and 223 Republicans in the House. Since the bill's passage, most of the lawsuits against the gun industry have been dismissed. Additionally, over 30 states adopted laws similar to the federal bill. "Good gun companies don't need special protection from the law, and bad companies don't deserve it," Schiff said in a statement. "Other industries across our country don't enjoy this protection under the law - from pharmaceutical firms to automotive manufacturers or even cigarette companies - and it's inexcusable for Congress to give the NRA and gun manufacturers a blank check." Immunity from civil liability would be stripped away in state and federal court for licensed manufacturers, distributors, and dealers of firearms, as well as their trade associations, in most negligence and products liability actions. If you or a family member have been a victim of gun violence, please contact Parker | Scheer LLP for a free consultation with one of our experienced Personal Injury Lawyers. Image may be NSFW.
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