Torts and Product Liability

Select two of the scenarios given below and explain the best solution to each. Include comments related to any ethical issues that arise. Support your responses with appropriate cases, laws and other relevant examples by using at least one scholarly source from the SUO Library in addition to your textbook for each scenario.Important : make sure to show cite and reference all of the information that you provide. . Example on cite and references is shown in attachment

. A tort is a legal proceeding in a civil court as opposed to a criminal court. Torts are different from crimes in that crimes are normally brought or prosecuted by the state whereas a tort or civil case has a plaintiff and the defendant. In a tort or civil case the only remedy that can be sought is money, unlike a criminal trial where we could be placed in jail if found guilty

Scenario I—Torts and Product Liability

On his way home from work, Andy Earl stopped at Mad Beach Pub. After leaving the pub, Earl drove his car into a house at a speed of approximately 30 miles per hour. When the car struck the house, the passenger compartment collapsed and Earl was seriously injured. His blood alcohol content was 0.08%. The investigation also discovered that he had been texting at the time of the accident. Earl brought a strict product liability action against the car manufacturer on the grounds that the car was not crashworthy. He also filed suit against the pub for selling him the alcohol.

Summarize the statutes from your state related to driving under the influence (DUI) and texting while driving.
Provide the arguments that each party (Earl, the car manufacturer, and the pub) will make at trial.
Explain how the court should rule. Provide support for your decision.
Scenario II—Torts

After the extraction of two teeth, Yolanda’s dentist, Dr. Harris, wrote a prescription for pain medication and cautioned her not to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking the medication. Yolanda took the prescription to the drive-in window at the local Walgreens pharmacy. The pharmacy was busy and understaffed at the time, and the technician failed to include information about adverse reactions associated with taking the medication. Yolanda took a pill upon leaving the pharmacy and made another stop at the grocery store. After leaving the store, Yolanda failed to stop at a stop sign, and hit another car, injuring the driver of the other car and a passenger.

Using the textbook, the laws of Florida, and other scholarly sources, explain the potential lawsuits and the probable outcomes for the lawsuits filed by the injured driver against Yolanda, Dr. Harris, and Walgreens.

Scenario III—Employment

Little Rock Catering, located in western Arkansas, provides food for special events and wedding consulting services. The business is privately owned and has seven employees. Sam, a 45-year-old lesbian, applied for the position of event services coordinator and was denied the position. Sam was highly qualified, with 10 years of experience in event planning. Mary Beth, a 21-year-old recent college graduate and member of the owner's church, was hired.

Research the state laws on nondiscrimination in Arkansas and your state.

On the basis of Arkansas state law and federal law, what is the probable outcome of a lawsuit based on sexual orientation discrimination?
On the basis of Arkansas state law and federal law, what is the probable outcome of a lawsuit based on age discrimination?
Would the outcome of a lawsuit based on sexual orientation discrimination be different if the catering company was located in your state?
Scenario IV: Product Liability

Shenzhen Limited manufactures electric hair dryers. Julie purchases a Shenzhen Limited dryer from her local Sally’s Beauty Supply. Frances, a friend and guest in Julie’s home, has taken a shower and wants to dry her hair. Julie tells Frances to use the new Shenzhen Limited hair dryer that she has just purchased. As Frances plugs in the dryer, sparks fly out from the motor, and sparks continue to fly as she operates it. Despite this, Frances begins drying her hair. Suddenly, the entire dryer ignites into flames, severely burning Frances’ scalp. Frances sues Shenzhen Limited on the basis of negligence and strict liability in tort. Shenzhen Limited admits that the dryer was defective but denies liability, particularly because Frances was not the person who purchased the dryer. In other words, Frances had no contractual relationship with Shenzhen Limited.

Discuss the validity of Shenzhen Limited’s defense.
Are there any other defenses that Shenzhen Limited might assert to avoid liability? Discuss fully

Full Answer Section

    Florida Texting While Driving Statute:
  • Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers.
  • Violations can result in fines and points on the driver's license.
Potential Arguments: Andy Earl:
  • The car was defective and not crashworthy, contributing to the severity of his injuries.
  • The pub negligently served him alcohol when he was already intoxicated, leading to his impaired driving.
Car Manufacturer:
  • Earl's injuries were primarily caused by his own negligence, including driving under the influence, speeding, and texting while driving.
  • The car met all safety standards and performed as intended in the accident.
Mad Beach Pub:
  • Earl was responsible for his own actions and chose to drive despite being intoxicated.
  • There is no evidence that the pub served Earl when he was visibly intoxicated or knew he was going to drive.
Court Ruling: The court's ruling will depend on the specific evidence presented at trial. However, based on the limited information provided, Earl's negligence likely contributed significantly to the accident. He was driving under the influence, speeding, and texting while driving, all of which increase the risk of accidents. The car manufacturer may be able to argue that the car met all safety standards and performed as intended in the accident. The pub may be able to argue that they did not serve Earl when he was visibly intoxicated and were not aware he was going to drive. Ethical Issues:
  • Earl's actions put not only himself but also others in danger.
  • The pub has a responsibility to serve alcohol responsibly and prevent intoxicated individuals from driving.
  • The car manufacturer has a responsibility to design and manufacture safe vehicles.
Additional Sources:
  • Florida Statutes Chapter 316 (Driving Under the Influence)
  • Florida Statutes Chapter 316.305 (Prohibition Against Texting While Driving)
Scenario II: Torts Potential Lawsuits:
  • Yolanda v. Dr. Harris: Yolanda could sue Dr. Harris for negligence for failing to warn her adequately about the adverse effects of the medication.
  • Yolanda v. Walgreens: Yolanda could sue Walgreens for negligence for failing to provide adequate warnings about the medication on the prescription label.
  • Injured Driver and Passenger v. Yolanda: The injured driver and passenger could sue Yolanda for negligence for causing the accident.
Probable Outcomes:
  • Yolanda v. Dr. Harris: Yolanda is likely to succeed in her lawsuit against Dr. Harris. He had a duty to warn her about the potential side effects of the medication, and his failure to do so may have contributed to the accident.
  • Yolanda v. Walgreens: Yolanda is also likely to succeed in her lawsuit against Walgreens. The pharmacy had a duty to provide adequate warnings on the prescription label, and its failure to do so may have contributed to the accident.
  • Injured Driver and Passenger v. Yolanda: The injured driver and passenger are likely to succeed in their lawsuit against Yolanda. She was negligent in driving while taking medication that could impair her judgment and coordination.
Florida Laws:
  • Florida Statute 458.331 (Negligence)
  • Florida Statute 458.332 (Duty of Pharmacies)
Additional Sources:
  • Florida Supreme Court Case Law on Negligence
  • Florida Board of Pharmacy Rules and Regulations
Scenario III: Employment Relevant Laws:
  • Arkansas Civil Rights Act: Prohibits discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and age.
  • Federal Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination in employment based on sex (which includes sexual orientation) and age.
Probable Outcomes:
  • Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Sam is likely to succeed in her lawsuit against Little Rock Catering for sexual orientation discrimination. The owner's preference for hiring a member of their church suggests that Sam was not hired because of her sexual orientation.
  • Age Discrimination: While Sam may have a weaker case for age discrimination, it is still possible that she could succeed. The owner's preference for a younger candidate could be seen as evidence of age discrimination.
Comparison to Other States: The outcome of a lawsuit based on sexual orientation discrimination would be different if the catering company was located in a state that does not have a law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. In that case, Sam would not have a legal claim against the company.  

Sample Answer

 

Analyzing Tort and Product Liability Scenarios

Scenario I: Torts and Product Liability

Summary of Relevant Statutes:

Florida DUI Statute:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
  • Penalties for DUI can include fines, jail time, driver's license suspension or revocation, and community service.