Product liability law holds manufacturers responsible when innocent consumers are injured by their defective products. When defective products cause serious injuries, the victims of those injuries and their families may be entitled to financial compensation. Recently, the Nevada legislature tried to change our laws regarding product liability cases, but the governor has vetoed those changes.
Proposed Changes in Product Liability Law
The bill that the governor vetoed is SB161. It would have added a new section to Nevada law to deal with product liability cases. If it had become law the bill would have regulated when sellers could be sued in product liability cases, severely limiting when the sellers of defective products could be held responsible for injuries caused by those products. One problem with this sort of legislation is that often times it is impossible to know whether the seller or the manufacturer is responsible for the product defect until well after a lawsuit has been filed, once the process of discovery has begun. Discovery is the process by which attorneys investigate claims. It includes steps such as depositions, document requests, and interrogatories (questions given to the other side). Preventing plaintiffs from filing suit unless they could say the seller modified the product, when there is no way of knowing whether the seller modified the product until after the suit has been filed, would prevent plaintiffs from obtaining justice.
Governor Explains Veto
Nevada law allows governors to explain in writing why it is that they are vetoing a piece of legislation passed by the state legislature. In the case of this bill, Governor Sandoval wrote:
“Senate Bill 161 limits important legal remedies for Nevada consumers who have been harmed by entities that sell defective products. This bill, as drafted, does not promote the interests of all Nevada consumers. Therefore, I veto this bill and return it without my signature or approval.”
The governor’s veto message captures the problem with this bill. The bill may be well intentioned in that it aims to limit the number of sellers who are sued who ultimately are not at fault. However, it would do so at the cost of the people most in need of protection–those who have been seriously injured by the fault of another. This is not the first time the legislature has passed this type of legislation, and it may not be the last.
Call Naqvi Injury Law
When you are injured by a defective product, the costs can be astounding. Medical bills and treatment, physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation, missed work, and lost earning capacity are only some of the damages you may experienced. You deserve an experienced Las Vegas product liability attorneys at Naqvi Injury Law, who will advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today at (702)553-1000 for a consultation on your case.