Next time someone mentions gun rights

[BainsBane]

94. whether it is frivolous or not

Is for the courts to decide, in most cases. Only congress has exempted the gun industry from liability, so no case can move forward. Americans do not have the right to sue gun companies as they do other industries. For example, detergent companies modified their packaging so as not to make it so attractive to children. Gun companies might do the same, but they won't since they are shielded from most lawsuits.

Toy companies are liable for injuries if products are not properly labeled or defective in ways that cause harm. That's why you see age guidelines on toy packaging. If a company sells a small product that can be swallowed and labels it for an infant, they indeed are negligent. But if you as a parent give a toy meant for a 10 year old to a toddler, it's no one's fault but your own. Toys are far safer today because of law suits that resulted in packaging that recommends age ranges. Think of all the toys kids get as gifts. Not everyone buying toys knows what is suitable for kids of a certain age. Because of age guidelines, I as an aunt don't buy my nephews toys that could kill them. That would not be possible if not for lawsuits that resulted in those guidelines on the packaging.

If not for lawsuits, cars would still be death traps and automakers would still be calculating deaths vs. profit margin.

I'm not saying you should sue. That's not the point. I'm saying it's wrong that parents whose children are killed by guns don't have the same right to seek redress as those harmed by other products. That is one of many ways the gun industry usurps our rights. Others include restricting doctors' rights to free speech by prohibiting them from asking patients about guns in the home. There are a whole series of ways that the gun industry limits our rights as Americans. The only purpose is their unfettered profit, unique among all industries. It is a function of their buying politicians and it's just wrong. It also means the gun companies have no incentive to develop safer products, trigger locks, etc... that could save lives.