When a company releases a product, people trust it is safe. But what happens when that product is faulty and causes harm?
That’s where product liability comes in.
Over the years, several significant cases have changed how businesses handle safety and consumer rights.
In Arizona, defective products have caused serious injuries and even deaths. These cases highlight why companies must be held accountable, whether it’s a faulty car part or a dangerous household product.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective product, experienced product liability attorneys in Phoenix can help seek justice.
Understanding past cases can also highlight the importance of strict product safety laws.
1. The McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case (1992)
One of the most well-known product liability cases is Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants. In 1992, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck spilled a cup of McDonald’s coffee on her lap, suffering third-degree burns. The coffee was served at 180–190°F, which was dangerously hot. Liebeck needed skin grafts and was in pain for weeks.
The jury awarded her $2.86 million, though the amount was later reduced. This case changed how fast-food chains label hot drinks, adding stronger warnings to prevent similar injuries.
2. The Ford Pinto Case (1978)
The Ford Pinto, a small car made in the 1970s, had a serious design flaw. The fuel tank was placed in a way that made it prone to explosions in rear-end crashes. Ford knew about the risk but chose not to fix it because it would cost too much.
In Grimshaw v. Ford Motor Co., a person died, and another suffered severe burns when their Pinto exploded. The jury awarded $125 million in punitive damages, later reduced to $3.5 million. This case forced car companies to prioritize safety over profits.
3. Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Cases
For decades, Johnson & Johnson sold talc-based baby powder. However, some users developed ovarian cancer after long-term use. They claimed the company failed to warn them about the possible dangers.
Thousands of lawsuits followed, and juries awarded billions in damages. In one case, 22 people won $4.7 billion after proving the product contained asbestos, a known carcinogen. This case raised awareness about hidden dangers in everyday products.
4. General Motors Ignition Switch Defect (2014)
General Motors (GM) sold cars with faulty ignition switches for years. These switches could shut off the engine while driving, disabling airbags and power steering. The defect led to 124 deaths and 275 injuries.
GM knew about the problem but delayed a recall. When the truth emerged, the company faced lawsuits and paid $900 million in settlements. This case showed why companies must act quickly when safety issues arise.
5. Dow Corning Silicone Breast Implants (1990s)
Dow Corning, a major medical supplier, produced silicone breast implants that caused serious health problems. Users reported issues like pain, fatigue, and immune system disorders.
The lawsuits revealed that Dow Corning ignored early warning signs. Eventually, Dow Corning agreed to a $4.25 billion settlement, one of the largest in history. The case led to stricter medical product regulations.
6. Volkswagen Emissions Scandal (2015)
In 2015, Volkswagen (VW) admitted to installing software that cheated emissions tests. The software made cars appear cleaner than they were. The truth? These vehicles emitted up to 40 times the legal pollution limit.
The scandal affected 11 million cars worldwide. VW paid over $30 billion in fines and settlements. This case proved that companies cannot deceive customers without facing significant consequences.
Conclusion
These cases remind us that safety should always come first. When companies cut corners, people get hurt. Fortunately, product liability laws help hold them accountable. As history has shown, when justice is served, industries improve, and lives are protected.
