Various industries have lobbied for legislative restrictions on tort liability. For instance, the nuclear power industry has long been protected by a statute that limits its upper-dollar liability in the event of a serious accident that is much lower than the potential losses from such an accident. Also, the industry cannot be held liable in tort for radiation releases so long as federal guidelines are not exceeded.
Many companies in other industries would like similar protection. Is it ethical to seek statutory limits on liability? Is it ethical for legislators to grant such protection? What limits would be acceptable?