In recent years, firearm manufacturer Sig Sauer has come under intense legal scrutiny over allegations that one of its most popular handguns, the P320, can fire without the trigger being pulled. Dozens of lawsuits across the United States allege that this design defect has led to unintentional discharges, many of which occurred while the gun was holstered or not being handled. These incidents have caused serious and sometimes permanent injuries.
Plaintiffs include everyday gun owners, law enforcement officers, and military personnel – all of whom trusted the P320 for its supposed reliability and safety. Victims of these unintended discharges are pursuing various types of damages in court, including compensatory, punitive, and economic damages.
At Kherkher Garcia, we believe that injured individuals deserve justice, especially when their injuries result from defective or dangerous products. In this article, our product liability attorneys will explore the kinds of damages available in Sig Sauer lawsuits, recent verdicts, and what victims need to know about pursuing legal action.
Recent Lawsuits Against Sig Sauer Over P320 Pistol Discharges
In recent years, Sig Sauer has faced a series of lawsuits alleging that its P320 pistol can discharge unintentionally, even when holstered and untouched. These cases have brought significant attention to the firearm’s design and safety features. Some of the more notable lawsuits include:
George Abrahams (Pennsylvania)
In November 2024, a jury awarded $11 million to U.S. Army veteran George Abrahams after his holstered P320 discharged while he was descending stairs, causing severe leg injuries. The verdict included $10 million in punitive damages, reflecting the jury’s finding of reckless conduct by Sig Sauer.
Robert Lang (Georgia)
In June 2024, Robert Lang received a $2.35 million verdict after his P320 discharged without trigger engagement, injuring his leg. The jury found Sig Sauer liable for selling a defective pistol and failing to provide adequate warnings.
Timothy Davis (Kentucky)
After his P320 discharged while he was exiting his truck in 2021, Davis’s case was initially dismissed. However, in January 2025, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the case, allowing expert testimony on the pistol’s design defects and the absence of external safety mechanisms.
Multi-Plaintiff Lawsuit
A federal lawsuit was filed in March on behalf of 22 individuals from 16 states, including law enforcement officers, alleging that their P320 pistols discharged without trigger engagement. The incidents resulted in various injuries, highlighting concerns about the pistol’s safety in both civilian and professional settings.
These cases underscore the ongoing legal challenges faced by Sig Sauer concerning the P320 model. Plaintiffs’ claims are based on negligence, product liability, and failure to warn. Lawsuits are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for injuries sustained. The outcomes of these lawsuits may have significant implications for firearm manufacturers and users alike.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are intended to reimburse plaintiffs for the actual losses they have suffered due to the defendant’s actions. In the context of Sig Sauer lawsuits, these damages often cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Medical Expenses. Plaintiffs have been awarded damages to cover both past and future medical costs resulting from their injuries. For instance, in a 2024 case, a Georgia man received $50,963.43 for past medical expenses after his P320 discharged while he was removing it from his belt, causing severe leg injuries.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity. Injuries from unintended discharges can lead to time away from work or even permanent disability. In the same Georgia case, the plaintiff was awarded $1.61 million for past damages and $690,000 for future damages, reflecting his lost earning capacity and ongoing challenges.
- Pain and Suffering. Courts have recognized the physical and emotional trauma associated with these incidents. In a Philadelphia case, a U.S. Army veteran was awarded $1 million in compensatory damages after his holstered P320 discharged, causing permanent leg injuries.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. In the Philadelphia case mentioned above, the jury awarded an additional $10 million in punitive damages, finding that Sig Sauer’s actions demonstrated “reckless indifference to the rights of others.”
Economic Damages
Beyond individual injury cases, economic damages have been sought in class-action lawsuits. In Ortiz v. Sig Sauer, Inc., plaintiffs alleged that the P320’s design defect reduced the firearm’s market value. An expert analysis estimated a 25.49% reduction in value for affected pistols, leading to a proposed $46 million in overpayment damages for the class.
Legal Grounds for Claims
Plaintiffs in these lawsuits have pursued various legal theories, including:
- Negligence: Alleging that Sig Sauer failed to exercise reasonable care in the design and manufacture of the P320.
- Strict Liability: Claiming that the P320 was defectively designed, making it unreasonably dangerous for consumers.
- Breach of Warranty: Asserting that Sig Sauer breached implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
- Failure to Warn: Arguing that the company did not provide adequate warnings about the potential for unintended discharges.
Company Response and Ongoing Litigation
Sig Sauer has consistently defended the safety of the P320, stating that it is “among the most tested, proven, and successful handguns in recent history.” The company has announced plans to appeal unfavorable verdicts and has settled at least one federal class-action lawsuit involving P320s made before 2017, offering refunds or replacement guns to purchasers.
Despite these actions, over 100 similar complaints have been filed, and litigation continues across the country. Notably, the military version of the P320 includes an external safety, which is absent in civilian models – a point of contention in many lawsuits.
Getting Help with a Sig Sauer Product Injury
Victims of unintended discharges from Sig Sauer’s P320 pistol are pursuing various damages through the legal system, including compensatory, punitive, and economic damages. These cases highlight the importance of product safety and corporate responsibility. As litigation continues, affected individuals should consult with a skilled legal team to understand their rights and potential remedies.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to an unintended discharge from a Sig Sauer P320 or another defective product, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At Kherkher Garcia, our experienced product liability attorneys have the resources, knowledge, and determination to take on powerful manufacturers and fight for the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you hold negligent companies accountable and pursue the full compensation you’re owed. To get started, call us at 713-333-1030, or submit our online contact form.
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