Question:

Legal Principles:
1. When the negligent act of two or more person results in the same damage, it is called composite negligence. The liability in such a case is joint and several of the tort-feasers.
2. A person is liable if he can reasonably foresee that his acts would be likely to injure someone.
3. The foreseeability of the type of damage is a pre-requisite of liability.
4. The claimant must prove that harm would not have occurred but for the negligence of the defendant.
Facts: Zara filed a civil suit against five drug manufacturing companies. Zara's mother took synthetic estrogen while pregnant with her. As a result of receiving the drug in-utero, Zara developed cancer as an adult. The drug was manufactured by the Defendants, five major drug companies and by about 195 other companies not named in the suit. The Defendants together produced 90% of the drug. Zara is unable to identify which company produced the actual drug her mother took. Decide whether the Defendants only can be held liable for Zara's cancer.

  • No, as the industry responsible for the production of this drug is large, so holding only the defendants responsible is not correct.
  • Yes, as defendants joins a substantial share of the manufactures into the lawsuit, the chances of the actual tort-feasor escaping liability is greatly reduced.
  • No, as defendants can be made liable if he can reasonably foresee that his acts would be likely to injure someone.
  • No, Zara is not entitled to any damages as the drugs her mother was administered were needed at that time and her mother had taken the medicines voluntarily. Zara developed cancer after so many years and she must prove that harm would not have occurred 'but for the negligence of the defendants.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The correct option is (B):Yes, as defendants joins a substantial share of the manufactures into the lawsuit, the chances of the actual tort-feasor escaping liability is greatly reduced.
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