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by Arthur H. Bryant | The National Law Journal
(Editor’s notes: Opinion pieces are posted for discussion purposes only.)
Volkswagen’s timing is perfect. Just as the world’s wealthiest, most powerful corporations are asking the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress to change the law and protect them from what they’re calling “no injury” class actions, VW creates the perfect “no injury” class action and exposes the truth: These companies are seeking immunity for breaking the law, violating people’s rights, lying, cheating and causing very real injuries. They just don’t want to pay for what they’ve done.
The business community’s reaction to VW’s conduct, moreover, underscores the real problem here: a corporate mentality focused solely on maximizing profits. Not right and wrong. Not what the law requires. Not health and safety. Not even life or death. Just what will make the most money.
That mentality makes the types of lawsuits these companies are trying to eliminate essential. If corporations can’t be held accountable for breaking the law, we can all kiss our rights and our money goodbye.
Rose Law Group Chair of the Class Action Department Katie Honecker comments, “This is an excellent article that ties the VW scandal to a current hot topic at the U.S. Supreme Court – Are “no injury” class actions allowed? Said another way, what type of “injury” is needed to have standing to sue in federal court? There are three important class action cases currently before the Supreme Court and many people think the one that will resolve this question (Spokeo) is the most important.”
To further discuss class actions, Katie Honecker can be reached at khonecker@roselawgroupc.om
