Defective Firearms and Recent Florida Law Changes: A Cause for Concern

Many popular handgun models lack an external safety device, making them susceptible to accidental discharges if dropped or under inertia. These firearms, manufactured by different brands, all share the same internal safety mechanism, which holds the gun in an open position for self-defense and ease of use. These design flaws are responsible for numerous injuries and deaths.
A recent article by a popular media outlet exposed the dangers associated with Sig Sauer P320 handguns, which feature an internal safety system similar to other defective designs. According to the article, at least 80 people have been injured by accidental discharges of the Sig Sauer P320.
There are few products that are exempted from the federal regulations on consumer product safety, including firearms. This means there are no government recalls or investigations for defective guns.
Florida recently made headlines for an amendment to their firearm-related employment regulation (FL HB 543) that will be effective on July 1, 2023. The new law prohibits employers from basing employment decisions on a person’s ability to carry concealed weapons or firearms. An employee or prospective employee can be authorized to carry concealed weapons if they possess a valid license, meet certain legal criteria, and carry proper identification along with the weapon. The law also prohibits employers from conditioning employment on agreements that prevent employees from legally storing firearms in locked private vehicles within a parking area for lawful reasons.
W. Lee Clark & Associates, a law firm based in Lakewood Ranch in Florida, has represented clients who have suffered serious injuries due to defective firearms. The Firm’s attorneys stress the importance for firearm manufacturers to ensure the safety of their product, saying, “Firearm Safety is Life or Death – There is No In-between.”
W. Lee Clark & Associates’ attorneys have a track record for securing significant settlements in defective firearm cases. They are highly respected as legal professionals. Contact W. Lee Clark & Associates if you or someone close to you has been injured by a defective gun.
W. Lee Clark & Associates is a dedicated law firm based in Lakewood Ranch, FL, specializing in personal injury, slip and fall injury attorneys near you, mass torts, Tampa defective product lawyer, tobacco and vaping-related cases, and wrongful death attorney in Florida. With extensive experience and a client-first approach, the firm proudly serves clients throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Whether you’ve been injured due to a defective product or are seeking justice for the wrongful death of a loved one, W. Lee Clark & Associates provides the guidance and legal representation you need to protect your rights and pursue compensation. Schedule your consultation today!