Remington Protected From Rifle Design-Flaw Suit by Louisiana Law

Louisiana law bars design-defect claims against gunmakers, a Fifth Circuit majority said, vacating a $500,000 judgment against Remington in a suit by a woman who was shot in the hip when her father’s rifle accidentally discharged.

At issue is an amendment to the Louisiana Product Liability Act that immunizes firearms manufacturers and sellers from liability resulting from shooting injuries “unless the claimant proves and shows that such injury, damage, or death was proximately caused by the unreasonably dangerous construction or composition of the product.”

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana determined that the provision didn’t bar ...