Massive Taurus Safety Settlement Could Include 100,000 Pistols

By Bob Owens

Though it seems to largely be flying under the radar, a $39 million class action settlement by Taurus Firearms could impact up to 100,000 handguns with alleged safety design issues:

Brazil-based handgun maker Forjas Taurus SA has agreed to a $39 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging some of the company’s most popular semi-automatic handguns can discharge when dropped and have a defective safety that allows the gun to fire even when it’s engaged.

According to court documents filed May 15 in a U.S. District Court in Florida, the company has agreed to pay up to $30 million to owners of nine separate handgun models who opt to send their pistols back, with owners receiving anywhere from $150 to $200 for their pistols depending on how many choose that option.

The agreement also will extend the warranty for the nine handgun models, allowing gun owners to send the pistols back to have the handguns inspected by Taurus technicians and address the “safety defects” alleged in the suit. Documents show the settlement could include as many as 100,000 handguns.

The settlement also calls for a maximum $9 million in attorney’s fees.

A Taurus official confirmed the settlement agreement, arguing the company does …read more

Source:: Bearing Arms