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For Immediate Release: April 23, 2008
Contact: Amaya Smith
202-965-3500 x369
AAJ Press Room
House Legislation Will Give Public Access to Life Saving Information
Washington, DC – Companies would be compelled
to disclose product defects, under legislation introduced today.
The Sunshine in Litigation Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler
(D-FL) and U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), would make settling lawsuits
with secrecy agreements more difficult; ensuring that life saving
information is not kept hidden.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has passed identical legislation with bipartisan support.
Currently, corporations can use secrecy agreements as a shield when their products or services have caused harm or death. This legislation would give judges additional discretion when considering settlements that keep secret important and life saving information.
"Sealed court records are hiding the dangers of prescription drugs, medical devices like insulin pumps, stroke inducing children's cough syrup, defective tires and numerous other cases that are important to public safety," said American Association for Justice CEO Jon Haber. "Americans have a right to know about these cases, especially when corporations put profits above the health and safety of the public."
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As the world's largest trial bar, AAJ promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, defends the constitutional right to trial by jury, and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. Serving members worldwide, AAJ provides attorneys with the information and professional assistance they need to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values of the civil justice system. Visit http://www.justice.org.
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