Final answer:
Individuals injured by the defective automobile and the families of those who died can claim product liability against the manufacturer who knew of the brake system defects yet chose to sell the vehicles. These claims can be rooted in negligence or breach of warranty in product liability law.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario provided, individuals who have been injured due to the brake failures of the defective automobile model can claim product liability against the manufacturer. This is because the manufacturer proceeded with the production and sale of the vehicles with prior knowledge of the defect. Additionally, the families of individuals who died as a result of the accidents caused by the brake failure can also pursue claims for wrongful death. Product liability law typically holds manufacturers, distributors, or retailers accountable for providing defective and unsafe products to consumers.
Lawsuits involving product liability may also consider whether there has been negligence or a breach of warranty. In the given example, there was clear negligence on the part of the manufacturer due to the knowledge of potential harm but choosing to proceed with the sale of the defective automobiles. Thus, the manufacturer could be held liable for injuries, deaths, and any consequences arising from the defect.