Taking steps to improve mistakes made in the past is not only an important practice among individuals but also crucial for big companies. Changes to long-standing policies and conduct can improve the life and well-being of Americans.
The American Association for Justice (AAJ), the world’s largest trial bar organization, issued a report detailing the worst corporate conduct of 2018. The events in the report received widespread coverage this past year and speak to the concerning continuity of corporations prioritizing profit and reputation over people. Although each issue is different, collectively, they impact the safety, justice, and rights of Americans.
Some of the noteworthy examples of 2018’s worst corporate conduct include:
- General Motors/Takata – Worldwide, vehicles equipped with Takata airbags have been linked to 24 deaths and 266 incidents of injury. The fourth biggest vehicle manufacturer, General Motors (GM)is refusing to recall their vehicles and in fact, have filed three petitions in 2 years trying to get out of having to recall its vehicles, saying the Takata air bags in its vehicles are “not likely to pose an unreasonable risk to safety.”
- Monsanto – Monsanto is the biggest of four companies that dominate the US food chain. The agrochemical company has been working to influence scientific research concerning glyphosate, also known as their weedkiller, Roundup. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosphate as a “probable carcinogen.” – which means there is enough compelling evidence, although not to be felt conclusive, that this chemical can cause cancer in humans. Monsanto has spent millions of dollars on federal lobbying. This past August, a San Francisco jury ruled that Monsanto was liable for a terminally ill man’s cancer – this is just one of many cases that await trial.
- USA Gymnastics/MSU – Larry Nassar, the USA women’s gymnastics team and highly respected physician at Michigan State University, was exposed for decades of sexual assault. Not only were his horrendous crimes brought to light, but also the executives and coaches, who were supposed to protect the young people they represented allowed the abuse to go on for decades. Larry Nassar faces a minimum of 100 years in prison.
These are just a few instances of corporate misconduct in the past year. Aside from the other issues listed in the report, corporate misconduct and profit-driven motives continuously threaten the public and the civil justice system.
At The Potts Law Firm, our nation-wide trial lawyers are repeatedly at the front lines of these issues – representing consumers and victims who have been harmed by corporate greed and misconduct. We believe in informing the public on issues that can and should be changed. We are devoted to giving a voice to our clients when they need it most. We believe the true measure of our firm’s successes are the results we achieve that make a difference in our client’s lives. We strive to provide excellent legal representation by great legal practice and open communication.
If you have a potential case involving injuries or losses caused by corporate misconduct or negligence – whether those injuries were caused by a medical device, a defective product, an automobile defect, or others – our team of experienced attorneys are ready to stand by your side every step of the way. Contact us at any time for a free case consultation.