Judge Dismisses Miami-Dade’s Gun Lawsuit
A judge dismissed Miami-Dade County’s lawsuit against gun makers Monday, agreeing with the industry that the county has no standing because it has not suffered any direct injuries from guns.
Mayor Alex Penelas said he will appeal. “This is not unlike what happened in the early stages of tobacco legislation,” he said. “And we know where that stands now.”
Penelas filed the suit on behalf of Miami-Dade County in hopes of holding the industry responsible for the police and medical costs of gun-related deaths and injuries. The lawsuit alleged that manufacturers negligently design their guns, failing to employ safety devices.
The suit sought unspecified damages from 26 companies that make, distribute or sell firearms, and three trade associations.
But Circuit Judge Amy Dean ruled said that under Florida’s product liability law, such suits should be filed by individuals who were injured by a specific defective product.
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