CONCORD, N.H. — Following a recent significant federal jury verdict, the controversy surrounding the Sig Sauer P320 pistol intensifies as ten new victims have lodged federal lawsuits against the firearm manufacturer in New Hampshire. These new claims, focusing on product liability and negligence, come in the wake of a $2.35 million award to a plaintiff injured by the P320, which has been described as “dangerously defective” by litigants.
The fresh lawsuits spearheaded by the law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky argue that Sig Sauer knowingly produced an unsafe weapon. Among the ten new plaintiffs, half are law enforcement officers, including one officer who suffered injuries when their P320 discharged accidentally while on duty.
The P320, a pre-cocked, striker-fired pistol, is unique in that it is sold without any external safeties, a feature that plaintiffs claim contributes to its danger. The litigation highlights several incidents where the weapon reportedly discharged without trigger action, questioning the gun’s safety mechanisms.
Notably, five officers and five civilians make up the recent plaintiffs, each sharing harrowing accounts of injuries sustained from unintended discharges. These include severe wounds requiring surgeries, rehabilitation, and resulted in long-term debilitation.
The law enforcement plaintiffs include officers from various states and federal agencies who experienced these accidental discharges under different circumstances, but all involving holstered P320s. The civilians involved have faced similarly profound impacts, with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to severe pain and mobility issues due to lodged bullets.
In light of these events, attorneys representing the victims argue that the P320’s design is inherently flawed and poses a lethal risk to both users and bystanders. “This isn’t just about individual lawsuits; it’s about public safety and corporate accountability,” stated Robert W. Zimmerman, one of the attorneys handling the cases.
Litigator Larry Bendesky emphasized that each plaintiff deserves justice, which includes the opportunity to present the facts to a jury. The legal team asserts they continuously find evidence supporting their claims, further fueling their push for a recall and redesign of the P320.
To date, more than 65 similar cases have been filed against Sig Sauer, with each articulating the lack of essential safety features expected in firearms. Advocates and legal experts argue that such features are critical in preventing accidental discharges, a stark contrast to Sig Sauer’s current design standards.
As more plaintiffs come forward, the case against Sig Sauer escalates, raising pivotal questions about the balance between firearm innovation and user safety. The ongoing litigation underscores a growing concern over firearm safety standards, especially as related incidents continue to surface.
The cases continue to collect a mounting body of evidence and testimonials, and as the courtroom battles loom, all eyes will be on how Sig Sauer responds to the allegations and whether this will lead to significant changes in how they and other manufacturers approach gun safety technology.