This year's volume of the Comparative Law Yearbook of International Business deals with the subject of product liability law. This is a growing area in which manufacturers and supplies are finding themselves more and more responsible for the quality of their products and for the consequences flowing from any defect therein. This book discusses a wide variety of topics which come under the umbrella of product liability, ranging from liability for injuries caused by the use of asbestos and other toxic substances to the responsibility of air carriers in hijack situations.
There is a growing amount of litigation throughout the world tackling the problems arising from the safety of products. These laws take into account te manufacturing process, the transportation, storage and delivery of goods, the intended use of products, their fitness for such purpose, and any warnings or instructions as to use given to consumers and end users.
This publication also covers the question of jurisdiction in product-related litigation, particulary in crossborder transactions. In many instances, a plaintiff will attempt to bring his action in the United States due to the large amount of damages, especially punitive damages, awarded there by juries in civil actions. Defendants, on the other hand, seek to counter this by raising issues such forum non conveniens. There also is the question of state versus federal jurisdiction within the United States, as well as a discussion focusing on the possible growth of federalism within the European Union and its impact upon product liability nationally and at a European level.
Overall, therefore, product liability law is a vital part of the general law protecting consumers, both on a national and international basis, which makes this book a very interesting and useful read for anyone involved in this area
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