Lee v. Crookston Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Minnesota Supreme Court
188 N.W.2d 426 (1971)
Relevant factsFree
Lee (plaintiff), a waitress, was injured when a Coca-Cola (defendant) bottle exploded in her hand, with no evidence the bottle struck anything or was exposed to extreme temperatures. She brought negligence, strict liability, and warranty claims, but the trial court didn't let the jury hear her strict liability claim, and the jury found for Coca-Cola on the remaining claims; Lee appealed the exclusion of her strict liability theory.
IssueFree
Whether circumstantial evidence alone is sufficient to submit the issue of strict liability for a manufacturing defect to a jury.