Pruitt
Pruitt v. General Motors Corp.
Opinion
Opinion
Gilbert, J.
An automobile air bag deploys in a low-impact collision injuring plaintiff driver. In her jury trial against defendant respondent General Motors Corporation (GMC), appellant and plaintiff, Norma E. Pruitt introduced evidence of a design defect in the air bag of her car. The trial court instructed the jury on theories of risk-benefit and failure to warn. It refused an instruction on the consumer expectations test. The trial court also excluded evidence of postmanufacture warnings. The jury rendered judgment for GMC. We affirm.
Facts
On March 22, 1995, Pruitt was driving her 1991 Chevrolet Beretta manufactured by GMC. The seat belt and shoulder harness were buckled. She turned left at an intersection and collided with an oncoming car. The driver’s side air bag deployed within an instant of impact.
Pruitt suffered three fractures of her lower mandible which required surgery. She sustained medical expenses of $66,224.
In her product liability cause of action against GMC, Pruitt alleged that the air bag deployed in a low-speed collision causing her injuries.
At trial, the court granted Pruitt’s motion to exclude expert testimony offered by GMC regarding the expectations…