Suing a Gun Manufacturer

As you may have heard recently in the news, the parents of the children that were tragically killed in the Sandy Hook Shooting are now attempting to sue Freedom Group for the damage that their rifle caused while in the hands of Adam Lanza on December 14, 2012.

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Right off the bat, I'd like to say that few of us will EVER know the pain and suffering that the parents of these children are going through, and we hope we'll never have to. Whatever my opinion may be on this matter, those inflicted have my deepest sympathy. 

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I'll keep my opinion on the matter brief. The gun manufacturer (Bushmaster - whose parent company is Freedom Group) cannot, and shouldn't, be responsible for the actions of the individual who used their product to inflict harm. The shooter, Adam Lanza, is the only one who committed a crime and is the only one that should take responsibility for his actions. However, many say that his mother, if she were alive, would also take responsibility because she was the original owner of the rifle. But in my opinion, those who are filing the lawsuit are doing so because they believe that these weapons "should" be banned. As it stands today, an AR-15 is legal to own and legal to produce by manufacturers, like the one in question, who have the proper licensing.

A lawsuit will not succeed unless the company in question has done something illegal or if there was negligence with the production of the item. It is also stated everywhere and known by EVERYONE that an AR-15 should be handled with care and that any misuse of the firearm can result in severe injury or death. Bushmaster has complied with any and all regulations set forth by the U.S. Government. They would not be able to produce their products otherwise.

I feel strongly that the parents of the Sandy Hook victims are not satisfied, and cannot be satisfied, until they see someone being punished for their actions. However, since Adam took his own life along with his mothers', the parents are left with a sense of injustice. They feel that in order to move on with their lives, someone must be to blame; someone/something that is still alive. But the hard truth is, this lawsuit is absurd. This court case is like blaming Ford for the damage caused by their vehicle in the hands of a drunk driver. Anyone with half a brain can tell you that the person is to blame, not the car. How is this scenario any different? Cars cause many more fatalities in the United Sates than the AR-15 rifle. How about blaming the alcohol for getting a person drunk? This list goes on and on. The blame game will never cease until money is exchanged...and I hate saying that.

I have a small feeling of distrust with these parents. We've all seen it time and time again, where the affected attempt to profit off of their misfortune. I'm not saying that this is, in fact, the truth. But it's become so commonplace in America, I can't help but think that may be a reason for the lawsuit. Especially since this case is just now being brought to our attention - 3 years afterward. I apologize if this is not the truth. I am only speaking my mind.

I'd love to hear some opinions.