Gun firms pay out over US snipers

BBC ^

[politicalvanguard.com]

Victims of the sniper shootings in Washington DC and their families have settled a lawsuit they brought against a gun company and a gun dealer. They had sued the two companies for negligent distribution of weapons.

Lawyers representing the victims' families described the settlement as historic. They believe it could change practices across the firearms industry.

Bull's Eye Shooter Supply, who sold the rifle used in the shootings, agreed to pay the families $2m.

Bushmaster Firearms, who made the gun, settled on a half-a-million dollar payout.

The deal with Bushmaster is the first time a gun manufacturer in the United States has agreed to pay damages for negligent distribution of weapons.

The sniper shootings terrorised areas around Washington DC two years ago.

Ten people were shot dead with a Bushmaster rifle.

John Allen Muhammad and his teenage accomplice, Lee Malvo, have so far been found guilty on one count of murder.

Lawyers representing Bushmaster said they had decided to settle to avoid rising legal costs and stressed there was no admission of liability on their part.

But as part of the settlement, the company has agreed to educate its dealers on gun safety.

[need_a_screen_name]

"As a Bushmaster customer this makes me furious."

See post number 16. Even the staunchest 2nd Amendment supporters I know can see the reasoning behind the settlement.

[need_a_screen_name]

Please read post #16. It helps to have all the facts.

[Durus]

Ok...what does this change?

[TexasGunLover]

See post number 16. Even the staunchest 2nd Amendment supporters I know can see the reasoning behind the settlement.

Not many here in the TSRA can, including me.

[7.62 x 51mm]

The toothpaste is out of the tube; no going back, now. Dammit, Bushmaster! (I have their Ar-10s and Class III AR-15s)

[7.62 x 51mm]

The toothpaste is out of the tube; no going back, now. Dammit, Bushmaster! (I have their Ar-10s and Class III AR-15s)

[need_a_screen_name]

Did you guys read what I posted? I'm a TSRA member. Well, my membership has lapsed, but I will be renewing soon. I agree that this sets a bad precedent, but under the circumstances, what else could Bushmaster have done? Would the TSRA have been willing to foot the bills for an extended court fight? Bushmaster only had 500,000 dollars left of insurance coverage to pay expenses and any judgments that might have been forthcoming. Rather than fatten the wallets of attorneys and take a chance on losing, they paid the remaining money to the victims and their families. Nobody else got a dime...

[TexasGunLover]

Did you guys read what I posted?

Word for word.

I'm supposing you think that the Bush/Cheney campaign should have not fought the Florida recount litigation of they hadn't had enough money?

Or perhaps if you were accused of a crime that you didn't commit you would just plead guilty because you didn't want to spend the money on a court battle?

You're entitled to your opinion, I just repectfully disagree.

Bushmaster was in no way involved in the sniper shootings, bore no responsibility for anything relating to the shootings and therefore should not have had anything to do with any litigation. They should have fought the litigation to the bitter end, which might have by insolvency, but at least they would have some self respect.

Regardless of what in reality happened, Bushmaster has created the impression that they were responsible to many outsiders. It's like blood in the water and it sets a precedent. In cases like this perception is everything.

I have no doubt this was not their intention, but it is however the outcome.