Consumer Law

Michigan Moving Forward to End Drug Industry Immunity

By Amanda

Yesterday, for the second year in a row, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a package of bills that would effectively end the drug industry immunity in Michigan.  Since 1996, Michigan has been the only state in the nation that has a law on their books that prevents it's residents harmed by dangerous drug from being compensated for injuries caused by reckless drug companies.

Yet we know industry immunity isn?t a good idea.  Even the recent Weyth vs. Levine ruling the court said, in part:

State tort suits uncover unknown drug hazards and provide incentives for drug manufacturers to disclose safety risks promptly.  The also serve a distinct compensatory function that may motivate injured persons to come forward with information.

So now the legislation moves to the State Senate, which let last year?s bills die without ever coming to a vote.  According to MIRS, internal politics may once again affect the outcome of this legislation, but hopefully with groups like D.I.I.M.E. working hard to repeal the legislation, Michigan residents will have the same access to the courts - just like everyone else.

UPDATE:  Michigan Lawyers Weekly is conducting a web poll on this issue.  Click here to voice your opinion if the state's drug industry immunity law should be repealed.

Full post as published by ThePopTort on March 27, 2009 (boomark / email).