Law, Business and Society 11th Edition by Tony McAdams

تمرين 9

Justice for Consumers and for Toyota
As we have seen, product liability law can sometimes be devastating to a company or industry. As harsh as the consequences may be, the law is often the only recourse for those wronged by defective products, and it is one of the most effective methods of curbing dangerous business practices. Toyota's massive product liability dispute has blemished the company's quality image while also apparently threatening the safety of many Toyota customers. Along with financial losses, Toyota has faced allegations of causing hundreds of injuries and deaths. Several safety problems have been raised, but the core allegation is that some Toyota vehicles accelerate suddenly and uncontrollably. The plaintiffs attribute the problem to defects in the electronic throttle control, but a federal study released in 2011, concluded that the likely culprits were mechanical defects in the accelerator system and floor mats that trapped the accelerator pedal. Plaintiffs also argue that Toyota failed to disclose what it knew about the acceleration problem, and that Toyota was negligent in failing to install a brake-override system that would automatically release the throttle if the brake is depressed. Toyota reportedly discussed the override system with the federal government in 2007 but did not begin installations until 2010. Toyota acknowledges some problems with floor mats, but argues that many of the incidents are attributable to operator error. In one case, a $10 million settlement was reached following the deaths of four in a California accident after the Lexus they were driving sped out of control in a sudden acceleration episode that apparently stemmed from an oversized floor mat trapping the accelerator.
In July 2013, Toyota settled a class-action lawsuit for financial losses for $1.6 billion. In October 2013, an Oklahoma jury found Toyota's electronic throttle system led to injury and death in a car crash. At this writing, Toyota is seeking to negotiate a settlement of hundreds of personal injury and wrongful death actions.
Question
Could the market alone protect us satisfactorily from dangerous products, or do you think the threat of very costly lawsuits is necessary to force American manufacturers to be fully responsible in monitoring the safety of the products they build Explain.