[sgift]

> I find it interesting that there's a disproportionately large amount of these kinds of stories that come out of the US (compared to other western countries).

From what I gathered this is rooted in the difference between the regulatory principles of the US and most other Western countries. In Europe you usually have to proof first that whatever you do will be reasonably safe, then you can do it. In the US you can do many things without someone checking first, but if it's later shown that you harmed someone you have to pay damages and/or people will be send to prison.