Sig Sauer Faces New Wave of Lawsuits as Michigan Man Is Injured by "Defective" P320 Pistol

P320Photo byThomas TuckeronUnsplash

In a dramatic escalation, ten more victims have filed federal lawsuits against New Hampshire-based gun manufacturer Sig Sauer, alleging that the company’s P320 pistols are dangerously defective. This new wave of litigation follows a landmark $2.35 million federal jury verdict against Sig Sauer, highlighting the severe and potentially life-threatening issues with the pre-cocked, striker-fired weapon.

Among the latest plaintiffs are five law enforcement officers, underscoring the widespread impact and concern over the P320’s safety. Notably, one officer was injured when his service pistol discharged while still holstered, a phenomenon known as “drop-firing.”

A Pattern of Negligence?

The lawsuits, filed by the Philadelphia-based law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, assert that Sig Sauer's P320 pistols are inherently unsafe due to their unique design. Unlike other pistols on the market, the P320 lacks any form of external safety. Plaintiffs’ attorney Robert W. Zimmerman argues that this design choice poses a lethal risk to users and bystanders alike. “Sig Sauer is the only company to sell pre-cocked, striker-fired pistols without any external safeties,” said Zimmerman. “The gun, which is supposed to protect its users, poses a lethal danger.”

The mounting cases have shed light on a troubling pattern of injuries. From Puerto Rico to New Jersey, law enforcement officers have reported incidents where their P320s discharged without warning. Civilian users have also suffered, with reports of the pistol firing unexpectedly, causing significant injuries.

Michigan Victim Among Plaintiffs

Photo bySaltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky

Among the latest group of plaintiffs is Michigan resident John Mazur-Baker. Mazur-Baker was wounded on August 10, 2022, when his P320 discharged, injuring his right leg, kneecap, and left ankle. His case adds a local dimension to the growing controversy, drawing attention from Michigan gun owners and law enforcement agencies concerned about the safety of their equipment.

A Call for Action

The legal team representing the plaintiffs continues to push for Sig Sauer to recall and redesign the P320. Attorney Larry Bendesky emphasized the importance of holding Sig Sauer accountable, stating, “Every injured Sig Sauer P320 owner is entitled to justice, including having the facts about what makes the gun unsafe, presented to a jury.”

Despite the growing number of lawsuits and mounting evidence, Sig Sauer has yet to issue a recall for the P320. The company has faced scrutiny for years over the pistol’s safety, but the recent jury verdict and subsequent lawsuits may signal a turning point.

For Michigan readers, the unfolding legal battle against Sig Sauer is a stark reminder of the importance of firearm safety and manufacturer accountability. As more details emerge, it remains to be seen how the gun giant will respond to the increasing pressure to address the alleged defects in its widely-used P320 pistols.