Criminal Sanctions against Companies for Defrauding the Government and Selling Adulterated Foods and Drugs

Federal law prohibits a company, its officers, or its management from making false statements to the federal government or defrauding the government. In addition, various laws allow federal agencies to ask the U.S. Attorney General to bring criminal prosecutions against companies, their officers, or their management.

Drug Manufacturer Voluntarily Withdraws Vioxxr from the Market

In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vioxx(r), an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat osteoarthritis symptoms, pain in adults, and menstrual symptoms. The FDA subsequently approved Vioxx(r) for rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children. The drug was widely prescribed for pain relief, accounting for $2.5 billion in yearly sales for Merck & Co., the manufacturer of the drug. It is estimated that more than 20 million U.S. patients had taken Vioxx(r) since it was approved.

Jury Instructions in Products Liability Lawsuits

The judge gives instructions to the jury (also called the jury charge) after both sides present their evidence at trial. The instructions tell the jury the law it must follow in reaching a verdict. The jury's function is to consider all the evidence and decide what happened. There are three separate types of claims in products liability lawsuits: strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty.

Common Elements of Products Liability Cases

Products liability law covers personal injury and property damage that occurs when a defective product is used. There are several elements that are common to products liability cases. First, an injured person must prove that the product was defective or harmful. Second, it is necessary to show that the product was defective when it was purchased or delivered. Third, the injured person must show that the defective product caused the injury or accident.

Product Liability and Microbial Foodborne Illness

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 76 million people suffer foodborne illnesses each year in the U.S., accounting for 325,000 hospitalizations and more than 5,000 deaths. As a result, those afflicted with food-borne illnesses have sought redress in the legal system against food manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and restaurants.