A lack of transparency in many product liability and wrongful death lawsuits needs to be addressed to improve consumer safety. At this time, many court judgments and case settlements are sealed and must remain confidential, per the manufacturer’s stipulations, but why should we continue to allow this to happen? If a product is dangerous, that information shouldn’t be concealed or hidden from consumers. The public needs to be warned about potentially dangerous medications, automobile parts or other unsafe products.
NHTSA’s Recommendation for Improving Safety and Transparency
Even if you can understand that corporations are willing to go to great and dangerous lengths to protect and increase shareholder profits, you have to wonder why there is no communication with regulatory agencies to improve safety where faulty or defective products are involved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is getting ready to recommend that “all parties include a provision in any protective order or settlement agreement- despite whatever other restrictions or confidentiality are imposed…- [that] specifically allows for disclosure of relevant motor vehicle safety information to NHTSA and other applicable authorities.
Improving Consumer Safety on Automobiles, Drugs and Other Products
Improving transparency in wrongful death and defective product lawsuits would help to prevent future injuries, deaths and lawsuits. The more information that can be provided to consumers and regulatory safety agencies, the less likely we are to have additional injuries and deaths associated with those products. If that cuts in to quarterly earnings, so be it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) needs to make similar recommendations. How often do we see lives put at risk for years, even when drug manufacturers know about the unnecessary and unlawful dangers associated with their products. Consumers deserve to be informed about the drugs they’re taking and the cars they’re driving.
When to Call a Product Liability Lawyer
Sadly, at this time, even if manufacturers know about their faulty and defective products, it can take years for that information to reach consumers. If you suspect a faulty or defective product caused your injury or the injury or death of a loved one, contact the team at Alexander Law Group, LLP at 888.777.1776 for a free case consultation today.
