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  • November 1994
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Dow Corning and the Breast Implant Controversy (A)

By: Willis M. Emmons III, Monica Brand and Greg Keller
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:21
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Abstract

In early 1994, Dow Corning Corp. debates whether to participate in a proposed $4.2 billion product liability settlement. Specifically, the firm must decide whether to contribute $2 billion to end a class action suit filed by women suffering from connective tissue diseases, autoimmune disorders, and other medical conditions, allegedly as a result of defective silicone breast implants. Although denying any impropriety, Dow Corning stands accused of intentionally withholding information on health risks associated with its implants over several decades.

Keywords

Safety; Ethics; Health Disorders; Government Legislation; Crime and Corruption; Legal Liability; Risk and Uncertainty; Business Strategy; Communication Strategy; Lawsuits and Litigation; Health Industry; Beauty and Cosmetics Industry

Citation

Emmons, Willis M., III, Monica Brand, and Greg Keller. "Dow Corning and the Breast Implant Controversy (A)." Harvard Business School Case 795-047, November 1994.
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About The Author

Willis M. Emmons

→More Publications

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    • June 2006 (Revised July 2009)
    • Faculty Research

    MassMEDIC: The Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council

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    Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique (CSEM)

    By: Michael E. Porter, Willis M. Emmons III and Christian Fenner
    • February 2003 (Revised March 2006)
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    Asociacion Colombiana de Industrias Plasticas (Acoplasticos)

    By: Michael E. Porter and Willis M. Emmons III
More from the Authors
  • MassMEDIC: The Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council By: Willis M. Emmons III, Michael E. Porter and Spencer Wallace
  • Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique (CSEM) By: Michael E. Porter, Willis M. Emmons III and Christian Fenner
  • Asociacion Colombiana de Industrias Plasticas (Acoplasticos) By: Michael E. Porter and Willis M. Emmons III
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