Products Liability Newsletters

Does A Prescription Drug Company Have A Duty To Warn Consumers Of Oral Contraceptive Risks?

In the mid-1980s, a few cases in Massachusetts and Michigan recognized an exception to the learned intermediary doctrine for oral contraceptives. The courts concluded that birth control pills were significantly different from other prescription drugs in several ways.

Poison Prevention Packaging Act

The Poison Prevention Packaging Act (Act) was passed to prevent unintentional child poisonings. The Act requires special packaging to protect children from injury or illness as a result of handling, using, or ingesting certain drugs and household substances. The Act requires child-resistant packaging for such products. A child-resistant package is one that is significantly difficult for children under the age of five to open.

Product Liability Reform Legislation

Product liability laws were created to protect consumers from unreasonably dangerous and unsafe products. The strict liability, or no-fault, standard used in product liability actions imposes liability on manufacturers and sellers without any evidence of fault. This standard benefits consumers because it encourages manufacturers to take caution in designing and manufacturing products and encourages sellers to take caution in deciding what to sell.

Strict Liability in Aviation Accidents

According to the Aircraft Crashes Records Office, the year 2002 had the lowest number of aviation accident deaths since 1947. There were 154 plane crashes, which killed 1,379 people. While pilot error often plays a role in airplane accidents, the aircraft manufacturer or the company that produced an airplane part may also be liable for injuries or deaths caused by the accident.

What Is Being Done About Prozac and Other Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water?

Prozac(r), with an active ingredient called fluoxetine, is one of a class of prescription medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are used to treat depression. They are one of the most heavily prescribed medications in the U.S. As a group, chemicals from drugs, cosmetics, toiletries, and veterinary drugs are referred to as PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products). This article discusses the health and environmental concerns related to PPCPs.