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

In the world of handguns, many popular models are designed without an external safety mechanism, leaving them prone to unintentional discharges when dropped or under the influence of inertia. Manufactured by various brands, these firearms share a similar internal safety design, holding the gun in a fully cocked position for ease of use and self-defense. Unfortunately, these design flaws have led to numerous injuries and fatalities.

A recent article published by a popular news outlet highlighted the dangers of one such handgun, the Sig Sauer P320, which features an internal safety mechanism similar to those found in other defective designs. The article revealed that at least 80 individuals have suffered injuries due to accidental discharges from the Sig Sauer P320 alone.

Notably, firearms are among the few products exempt from federal consumer product safety regulations, meaning there are no government investigations or recalls for defective guns.

Florida has recently made headlines with an amendment to its firearm-related employment regulations (FL HB 543), effective July 1, 2023. Under the new law, employers cannot base employment decisions on an individual’s authorization to carry a concealed weapon or firearm. Employees or prospective employees can now be authorized to carry a concealed weapon if they have a valid license or meet specific legal criteria while carrying proper identification with the weapon. The legislation also upholds the prohibition against employers conditioning employment on agreements preventing employees from storing a legally owned firearm in a locked private vehicle within a parking lot for lawful purposes.

Clark Fountain based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has successfully represented clients in cases involving serious injuries caused by defective firearms. The Firm attorneys emphasize the importance of firearm manufacturers ensuring the safety of their products, stating, “Firearm safety is life or death – there is no in-between.”

With a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for clients and their families, Clark Fountain attorneys are a highly respected legal professional in the field of defective firearm cases. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective firearm, do not hesitate to contact Clark Fountain to discuss your case and embark on the path to recovery.