Products Liability Research Paper

Products Liability Research Paper

Sheryl Medford-Mark

Professor Ellen Kapalko

Law and Ethics in the Business Environment

March 11, 2013

Introduction

Product safety is defined as being a standard relating to the design and manufacturing of consumer products to ensure they do not represent harm or hazards to consumers (Halbert & Ingulli, 2012). This standard is not only a protective measure for the public, but also serves as a venue for product flaws and other safety concerns to be exposed. This exposure can be seen as a wake up for many companies and a downfall for many others. In this paper we will examine Bridgestone’s subsidiary Firestone and their tire recall safety issues. The legal theories will be explained and lawsuits that resulted from this product safety issue. While examining the case of the recall, the changes that Firestone has made as well as the end results will be discusses. Finally, the involvement of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and future recommendations of Firestone will be analyzed.

1. Describe the company and the product safety issue that led to the lawsuit.

Firestone Tire and Rubber Company were originally established in 1900 in Akron Ohio by Harvey Firestone. The Firestone Company started off as a small business that fastened rubber to a steel carriage wheels in the early 1900’s. The company was so small that it did not even manufacture its own rubber till years later. It wasn’t until 1905 when Firestone made its mark in history as it placed its first order for tires from Henry Ford. By the year 1910, Firestone had manufactured over one million tires. Firestone left a lasting legacy as it was one of the first innovators in tire design, which allowed automobiles to travel faster and more safely (O’Rourke, 2001). In 1988 Firestone was sold to the Japanese company Bridgestone for $2.65 billion. This merger gave Bridgestone a strong foothold in the United States market and strengthens its...