Petitpas
Petitpas v. Ford Motor Co.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Collins, J.
*266 Plaintiffs Marline Petitpas 1 and Joseph Petitpas sued Ford Motor Company, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Rossmoor Corporation, 2 and others, alleging that exposure to asbestos caused by these defendants resulted in Marline's mesothelioma. Motions for summary adjudication were granted before trial, narrowing the claims against Exxon and Ford. During trial, the court granted nonsuit for Rossmoor. The jury returned defense verdicts for Exxon and Ford.
Plaintiffs assert five contentions on appeal. First, they argue that the trial court erred by granting summary adjudication in favor of Exxon as to strict product liability and secondary, or "take home," exposure. Second, they contend that the trial court erred by granting nonsuit for Rossmoor as to both direct and secondary exposure. Third, plaintiffs maintain that the trial court failed to properly instruct the jury regarding design defect issues involving Ford. Fourth, plaintiffs argue that the trial court erred by granting summary adjudication in favor of Ford as to plaintiffs' punitive damages claims. Finally, plaintiffs assert that the jury verdict in favor of Exxon was not supported by the evidence.