This is what was supposed, or so the story goes, and the gun was a custom build, so the builder didn't have "deep pockets". The fellow's insurance provider went after the barrel company because they did have some liability insurance, and some minor assets, and the fellow in the accident lost some fingers or some such result.
Today, I'm told, due to the Douglas Barrel result which also caused premiums for liability insurance for barrel makers to go way up..., that small companies that make gun barrels, or car parts necessary to vehicle control and safety, and etc. insulate themselves by locating in states unfavorable to "money hunting" lawsuits, and also own very little of the equipment, etc. in their production facilities.
The machinery, and the building(s), are all now leased from another company. All that the company making the item owns is several dozen of that part in various stages of completion. So..., sue them and the only assets that can be attached are the unfinished products as the machinery and building are not "owned" by the company. In a state where one must prove the company officers knew they had a defective product that might fail..., very tough to do..., the plaintiff isn't going to be successful.
LD