Skinner v. Square D Co.
Michigan Supreme Court
516 N.W.2d 475 (1994)
Relevant factsFree
Chester Skinner died from electrocution while operating a tumbling machine controlled by a Square D (defendant) switch, and his estate (plaintiff) theorized the machine was on but its wires unconnected, making no noise and thus falsely suggesting to Skinner it was off, due to the switch's alleged defect in clearly indicating on/off status; the trial court found insufficient evidence to support this theory over other possibilities and granted Square D summary judgment.
IssueFree
Whether circumstantial evidence can establish but-for causation where it fails to support an inference that the defendant's conduct more likely than not caused the victim's injury.