768.1256 Government rules defense. - Florida Statutes

768.1256 Government rules defense.

   (1) In a product liability action brought against a manufacturer or seller for harm allegedly caused by a product, there is a rebuttable presumption that the product is not defective or unreasonably dangerous and the manufacturer or seller is not liable if, at the time the specific unit of the product was sold or delivered to the initial purchaser or user, the aspect of the product that allegedly caused the harm:

   (a) Complied with federal or state codes, statutes, rules, regulations, or standards relevant to the event causing the death or injury;

   (b) The codes, statutes, rules, regulations, or standards are designed to prevent the type of harm that allegedly occurred; and

   (c) Compliance with the codes, statutes, rules, regulations, or standards is required as a condition for selling or distributing the product.

   (2) In a product liability action as described in subsection (1), there is a rebuttable presumption that the product is defective or unreasonably dangerous and the manufacturer or seller is liable if the manufacturer or seller did not comply with the federal or state codes, statutes, rules, regulations, or standards which:

   (a) Were relevant to the event causing the death or injury;

   (b) Are designed to prevent the type of harm that allegedly occurred; and

   (c) Require compliance as a condition for selling or distributing the product.

   (3) This section does not apply to an action brought for harm allegedly caused by a drug that is ordered off the market or seized by the Federal Food and Drug Administration.

History. s. 15, ch. 99-225.