Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell Advocates for Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Authority Over Firearms, Highlighting the Urgent Need for Regulatory Oversight to Prevent Harm From Defective Guns
Legislation to Control Defective Firearms Returns to the Congressional Stage Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell continues her pursuit for the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s authority over firearms to be legislated, marking her fourth consecutive effort in Congress.
In an ongoing quest to bring regulatory oversight to firearms, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell from Michigan has once again presented a bill in Congress. This proposed legislation is aimed at enabling the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to exert control over firearms, a power that would include the investigation of potentially faulty guns and the enforcement of necessary recalls.
Representative Dingell issued a statement declaring, “The firearm sector remains the sole domestic consumer product manufacturer that stands exempt from federal health and safety regulations. This exemption presents serious public and household safety risks.”
Currently, there are no regulatory entities with the authority to delve into accusations of firearm defects or maintain records related to injuries resulting from malfunctioning firearms. This marks the fourth consecutive occasion on which Representative Dingell has tabled this bill.
The bill’s reintroduction was driven by an April exposé published by The Trace and The Washington Post, which delved into over a hundred claims that SIG Sauer’s P320 pistol had unintentionally discharged without trigger activation, leading to no less than 80 injuries. The consequences for victims have ranged from the loss of mobility and the inability to work, to narrowly escaping death as bullets grazed crucial arteries and spinal cords.
In the absence of regulatory safety protocols, victims have been forced to resort to expensive legal proceedings. At least 70 individuals have taken legal action against SIG Sauer, resulting in a minimum of five settlements. Meanwhile, SIG Sauer has managed to secure victories in at least three other cases via summary judgment and one through trial proceedings.
Historically, alleged firearm defects have been dealt with through the legal system. Firearms manufactured by Remington Arms and Taurus, for instance, led to dozens of injuries and deaths before class-action lawsuits compelled the companies to recall products and pay damages.
In the wake of the exposé’s publication, Dingell, along with other Congressional Democrats, publicly expressed their support for amending consumer product safety laws. This would allow the federal government to step in when a defective firearm enters the market. Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Robin Kelly from Illinois, as well as Representatives Katie Porter and Mark DeSaulnier from California, proposed that the CPSC be granted oversight of firearms. Kelly, like Dingell, has previously introduced legislation to instigate such a change and expressed plans to reintroduce it in the current Congress.
The bills proposed by both Kelly and Dingell suggest the repeal of an amendment in the CPSC’s founding charter that explicitly exempts firearms from the “consumer product” definition. Interestingly, this amendment was originally introduced by Dingell’s late husband, former Michigan representative John Dingell.
The bill is now under consideration by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Given the serious nature of injuries caused by defective firearms, victims may choose to pursue a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. In such cases, it’s crucial to select an attorney who is not only well-versed in product liability law, but also possesses a deep understanding of the nuances involved in cases related to defective firearms.
Parker Waichman LLP, with their vast experience and successful track record in product liability cases, is an excellent choice for victims seeking legal recourse. Their team is adept at navigating the complexities of such lawsuits and is committed to securing the best possible outcomes for their clients.
If you or a loved one have suffered due to a faulty firearm, don’t hesitate to take action. Reach out to Parker Waichman LLP at their national toll-free number 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a consultation today. You deserve justice, and Parker Waichman LLP can help you achieve it.
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