Maryland Product Liability Law
Second Edition
Table of Contents
Part I: The Legal Ground
Rules
Chapter One
Strict
Liability in Tort: The Dominant Theory
I.
[§ 1.1]
MARYLAND
LAW: THE ELEMENTS OF STRICT
LIABILITY ................................................................................... 3
A.
[§ 1.2]
The
Sale of a Product......................................................................
4
B.
[§ 1.3]
In
a Defective Condition..................................................................
6
1.
[§ 1.4]
Manufacture
............................................................................. 7
2.
[§ 1.5]
Design
...................................................................................... 7
a.
[§ 1.6] Consumer expectations test................................................................... 10
b.
[§ 1.7] Risk/utility
test........................................................................... 13
3.
[§ 1.8]
Warnings
................................................................................ 15
C.
[§ 1.9]
Which
is Unreasonably Dangerous.................................................
16
D.
[§ 1.10]
When
It Leaves the Hands of the Defendant...................................
18
E.
[§ 1.11]
Which
is the Proximate Cause........................................................
19
F.
[§ 1.12]
Of
the Plaintiff’s Injury...................................................................
20
II.
[§ 1.13]
STRICT
LIABILITY FOR MISREPRESENTATION .............. 21
III.
[§ 1.14]
STRICT
LIABILITY FOR NON-DEFECTIVE
PRODUCTS ................................................................................ 22
IV.
[§ 1.15]
RESTATEMENT
(THIRD) OF TORTS: PRODUCTS
LIABILITY ................................................................................. 22
A.
[§ 1.16]
The
Sale of a Product....................................................................
24
B.
[§ 1.17]
Product
Defect..............................................................................
25
C.
[§ 1.18]
Post-Sale
Duty to Warn.................................................................
26
D.
[§ 1.19]
The
Plaintiff’s Injury.......................................................................
26
E.
[§ 1.20]
Misrepresentation..........................................................................
26
Chapter Two
Other
Theories of Liability
I.
[§ 2.1]
NEGLIGENCE
............................................................................ 29
A.
[§ 2.2]
Duty..............................................................................................
29
B.
[§ 2.3]
The
Latent-Patent Distinction.........................................................
33
C.
[§ 2.4]
Res
Ipsa Loquitur..........................................................................
34
II.
[§ 2.5]
WARRANTIES
........................................................................... 37
A.
[§ 2.6]
Sales
v. Service.............................................................................
39
1.
[§ 2.7]
Maryland
law ......................................................................... 39
2.
[§ 2.8]
Express
warranty .................................................................... 44
B.
[§ 2.9]
Implied
Warranty of Merchantability..............................................
46
1.
[§ 2.10]
Merchant
of goods ................................................................. 46
2.
[§ 2.11]
Merchantable
at time of sale ................................................... 47
3.
[§ 2.12]
Injury
..................................................................................... 48
4.
[§ 2.13]
Proximate
cause ..................................................................... 48
5.
[§ 2.14]
Notice
to seller ....................................................................... 49
C.
[§ 2.15]
Implied
Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose......................
49
III.
[§ 2.16]
FAILURE
TO WARN ................................................................. 52
A.
[§ 2.17]
Strict
Liability................................................................................
55
1.
[§ 2.18]
Causation
............................................................................... 56
2.
[§ 2.19]
Latent-patent
distinction .......................................................... 57
3.
[§ 2.20]
Knowledge
of the defendant ................................................... 58
4.
[§ 2.21]
Comparison
with negligence .................................................... 60
B.
[§ 2.22]
Negligence....................................................................................
62
1.
[§ 2.23]
Supplier’s
knowledge of danger .............................................. 63
2.
[§ 2.24]
Latent
danger ......................................................................... 64
3.
[§ 2.25]
Reasonable
care ..................................................................... 64
4.
[§ 2.26]
Causation
............................................................................... 66
C.
[§ 2.27]
Warranties.....................................................................................
66
D.
Special Rules..............................................................................................
68
1.
[§ 2.28]
The
learned intermediary ......................................................... 68
2.
[§ 2.29]
Bulk
supplier/sophisticated user .............................................. 69
3.
[§ 2.30]
Statutes
.................................................................................. 72
IV.
STATUTORY
CAUSES OF ACTION ................................................... 72
A.
Federal.......................................................................................................
72
1.
[§ 2.31]
Federal
Trade Commission Improvement Act
(“Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act”) ......................................... 72
2.
[§ 2.32]
Consumer
Product Safety Act (“CPSA”) ................................ 73
B.
[§ 2.33]
Maryland.......................................................................................
75
V.
[§ 2.34]
MISREPRESENTATION
........................................................... 76
A.
[§ 2.35]
Negligent
Misrepresentation...........................................................
77
B.
[§ 2.36]
Fraud............................................................................................
78
1.
[§ 2.37]
Deceit
.................................................................................... 78
2.
[§ 2.38]
Concealment
.......................................................................... 78
VI.
NON-IDENTIFICATION
THEORIES ................................................. 79
A.
[§ 2.39]
Introduction...................................................................................
79
B.
[§ 2.40]
Maryland’s
Response....................................................................
79
VII.
[§ 2.41]
THE
ENHANCED INJURY CASE ............................................ 82
A.
[§ 2.42]
Development
of the Crashworthiness Doctrine................................
83
B.
[§ 2.43]
Scope
of Legal Duty in Maryland...................................................
84
C.
[§ 2.44]
Duty
to Bystanders........................................................................
86
D.
[§ 2.45]
The
Use of Seatbelts......................................................................
86
E.
[§ 2.46]
Unique
Proof Requirements...........................................................
88
VIII.
[§ 2.47]
CHOOSING
THE RIGHT THEORY ........................................ 92
Chapter Three
The
Plaintiffs
I.
[§ 3.1]
STRICT
LIABILITY IN TORT ................................................. 95
II.
[§ 3.2]
STRICT
LIABILITY FOR MISREPRESENTATION .............. 95
III.
[§ 3.3]
NEGLIGENCE
............................................................................ 95
IV.
[§ 3.4]
MISREPRESENTATION
........................................................... 96
V.
[§ 3.5]
WARRANTY
............................................................................... 96
VI.
STATUTORY
CAUSES OF ACTION ................................................... 97
A.
[§ 3.6]
Magnuson-Moss
Warranty Act......................................................
97
B.
[§ 3.7]
Consumer
Product Safety Act (CPSA)..........................................
98
C.
[§ 3.8]
Maryland
Consumer Protection Act (MCPA)................................
98
D.
[§ 3.9]
Maryland
Consumer Product Guaranty Act (MCPGA)..................
98
Chapter Four
The
Defendants
I.
[§ 4.1]
MANUFACTURER
.................................................................. 101
II.
[§ 4.2]
COMPONENT
MANUFACTURER ........................................ 102
III.
[§ 4.3]
SELLER
OF USED PRODUCTS ............................................. 103
IV.
[§ 4.4]
SELLER
OF RECONDITIONED PRODUCTS ...................... 103
V.
[§ 4.5]
REPAIRERS
............................................................................. 104
VI.
[§ 4.6]
IMPORTER
.............................................................................. 104
VII.
[§ 4.7]
WHOLESALER,
DISTRIBUTORS & RETAILERS .............. 105
VIII.
[§ 4.8]
LESSORS
AND BAILORS ....................................................... 106
IX.
[§ 4.9]
LICENSOR/FRANCHISOR
..................................................... 107
X.
[§ 4.10]
PUTATIVE
OWNER ................................................................ 109
XI.
[§ 4.11]
ENDORSER
.............................................................................. 109
XII.
[§ 4.12]
COMMERCIAL
PURCHASER ............................................... 110
XIII.
[§ 4.13]
SUCCESSOR
MANUFACTURER ........................................... 111
XIV.
[§ 4.14]
THE
DUAL CAPACITY DOCTRINE ..................................... 112
Chapter Five
Universal
Elements of Proof
I.
[§ 5.1]
IDENTITY
OF SELLER OR MANUFACTURER .................. 117
II.
[§ 5.2]
TYING
DEFECT TO TIME OF SALE OR DISTRIBUTION 117
III.
EVIDENCE
OF DEFECT ..................................................................... 118
A.
[§ 5.3]
Direct
Evidence of Precise Defect Usually Required.....................
118
B.
[§ 5.4]
When
Circumstantial Evidence of Defect May Suffice...................
122
C.
[§ 5.5]
Potential
Sources of Proof of Defect............................................
123
1.
[§ 5.6]
Physical
and chemical qualities .............................................. 123
2.
[§ 5.7]
Surrounding
circumstances .................................................... 124
3.
[§ 5.8]
Standards,
regulations and statutory compliance .................... 125
4.
[§ 5.9]
Modifications
and repairs ...................................................... 126
5.
[§ 5.10]
Recall
data ........................................................................... 127
IV.
[§ 5.11]
CAUSATION
............................................................................ 127
A.
[§ 5.12]
In
Fact........................................................................................
128
B.
[§ 5.13]
In
Law........................................................................................
131
C.
[§ 5.14]
Intervening,
Superseding Cause....................................................
132
Chapter Six
Defenses
Raised on Preliminary Motion
I.
[§ 6.1]
PERSONAL
JURISDICTION .................................................. 139
A.
Constitutional Considerations....................................................................
140
1.
[§ 6.2]
Personal
jurisdiction in products liability before
World-Wide Volkswagen ..................................................... 140
2.
[§ 6.3]
World-Wide
Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson ....................... 141
3.
[§ 6.4]
General
jurisdiction v. specific jurisdiction .............................. 142
4.
[§ 6.5]
Asahi
................................................................................... 143
B.
[§ 6.6]
Maryland
State Law....................................................................
145
C.
[§ 6.7]
Maryland
Federal Cases..............................................................
148
II.
SUBJECT
MATTER JURISDICTION ............................................... 149
A.
[§ 6.8]
Maryland
Law.............................................................................
149
B.
[§ 6.9]
Federal
Law................................................................................
149
III.
SERVICE
OF PROCESS ...................................................................... 150
IV.
VENUE
................................................................................................... 151
A.
[§ 6.10]
Maryland
Law.............................................................................
151
V.
FORUM
NON CONVENIENS ............................................................ 152
A.
[§ 6.11]
Maryland
Law.............................................................................
153
B.
[§ 6.12]
Federal
Applications....................................................................
153
VI.
REMOVAL
............................................................................................ 155
A.
[§ 6.13]
Maryland‑Removal
from County to County..................................
155
B.
Removal from State to Federal Court........................................................
156
1.
[§ 6.14]
Generally
.............................................................................. 156
2.
[§ 6.15]
Removal
procedure .............................................................. 156
3.
[§ 6.16]
Right
to removal ................................................................... 158
VII.
[§ 6.17]
CHOICE
OF LAW .................................................................... 160
A.
[§ 6.18]
Constitutional
Restraints on Choice of Law...................................
160
B.
Maryland Choice of Law Provisions..........................................................
161
1.
[§ 6.19]
Tort
causes of action ............................................................ 161
2.
[§ 6.20]
Contract
causes of action and breach of warranty .................. 163
3.
[§ 6.21]
Renvoi
................................................................................. 163
Chapter Seven
Substantive
Defenses
I.
[§ 7.1]
ASSUMPTION
OF RISK ......................................................... 167
A.
[§ 7.2]
The
Defense Generally.................................................................
167
B.
[§ 7.3]
Compared
with Contributory Negligence......................................
168
C.
[§ 7.4]
The
Primary/Secondary Categories Rejected................................
169
D.
[§ 7.5]
The
Elements of the Defense........................................................
170
1.
[§ 7.6]
Knowledge
of the risk .......................................................... 170
2.
[§ 7.7]
Appreciation
of the risk ........................................................ 171
3.
[§ 7.8]
Voluntarily
confronting the risk .............................................. 171
E.
[§ 7.9]
The
Defense in Products Liability Actions.....................................
172
II.
CONTRIBUTORY
NEGLIGENCE ..................................................... 174
A.
[§ 7.10]
Generally.....................................................................................
174
B.
[§ 7.11]
Elements
of the Contributory Negligence Defense.........................
175
C.
[§ 7.12]
Exception....................................................................................
175
D.
Application to Maryland Products Liability Actions.................................... 176
1.
[§ 7.13]
Negligence
theory ................................................................. 176
2.
[§ 7.14]
Strict
liability theory .............................................................. 177
3.
[§ 7.15]
Breach
of warranty theory .................................................... 177
III.
[§ 7.16]
MISUSE
..................................................................................... 178
IV.
[§ 7.17]
ALTERATION
.......................................................................... 182
V.
SPOLIATION
........................................................................................ 184
A.
[§ 7.18]
Maryland
State Cases..................................................................
184
B.
[§ 7.19]
Federal
Cases.............................................................................
186
VI.
[§ 7.20]
GOVERNMENT
CONTRACTOR DEFENSE ......................... 188
A.
[§ 7.21]
Elements......................................................................................
188
1.
[§ 7.22]
Government‑approved,
reasonably precise specifications ...... 190
2.
[§ 7.23]
Compliance
with specifications .............................................. 192
3.
[§ 7.24]
Relative
knowledge of danger ............................................... 193
B.
[§ 7.25]
Application
of the Defense...........................................................
193
C.
[§ 7.26]
Rationale
for the Defense.............................................................
194
VII.
[§ 7.27]
BLOOD
SHIELD STATUTES ................................................. 195
VIII.
[§ 7.28]
UNAVOIDABLY
UNSAFE PRODUCTS ................................. 195
IX.
[§ 7.29]
SEALED
CONTAINER DEFENSE .......................................... 197
X.
[§ 7.30]
STATE
OF THE ART ............................................................... 198
XI.
PREEMPTION
...................................................................................... 202
A.
[§ 7.31]
In
General...................................................................................
202
B.
[§ 7.32]
Maryland
State Cases..................................................................
203
C.
[§ 7.33]
Federal
Cases.............................................................................
204
XI.
[§ 7.34]
ALLERGY/IDIOSYNCRASY
................................................... 208
Chapter Eight
Technical
Defenses
I.
UNIFORM
COMMERCIAL CODE ................................................... 213
A.
[§ 8.1]
Notice
of Breach ........................................................................ 213
1.
[§ 8.2]
By
whom ............................................................................. 213
2.
[§ 8.3]
To
Whom ............................................................................ 214
3.
[§ 8.4]
Timeliness
............................................................................ 214
4.
[§ 8.5]
Form/content/sufficiency
....................................................... 215
B.
[§ 8.6]
Wrongful
Death Applicability.......................................................
215
C.
Disclaimer of Liability................................................................................
216
1.
[§ 8.7]
Generally
.............................................................................. 216
2.
[§ 8.8]
Consumer
sales .................................................................... 217
3.
[§ 8.9]
Commercial
sales ................................................................. 218
4.
[§ 8.10]
“As
is” ................................................................................. 219
D.
[§ 8.11]
Privity..........................................................................................
220
1.
[§ 8.12]
Corporate
defendants ........................................................... 221
2.
[§ 8.13]
Economic
losses ................................................................... 221
E.
[§ 8.14]
Limitation
of Remedy...................................................................
222
1.
[§ 8.15]
Consumer
applications .......................................................... 222
2.
[§ 8.16]
Non-consumer applications ................................................. 223
II.
STATUTES
OF LIMITATIONS .......................................................... 224
A.
[§ 8.17]
U.C.C.
— Warranty....................................................................
224
1.
[§ 8.18]
Accrual
................................................................................ 225
2.
[§ 8.19]
Section
2-725(3) .................................................................. 226
3.
[§ 8.20]
Future
performance .............................................................. 226
B.
[§ 8.21]
Torts...........................................................................................
226
1.
[§ 8.22]
Applicable
statutes of limitation ............................................. 227
2.
[§ 8.23]
Tolling
provisions .................................................................. 228
3.
[§ 8.24]
Denial
of limitations defense .................................................. 228
4.
[§ 8.25]
Accrual:
Maturation of harm, continuing events and the
discovery rule ....................................................................... 229
5.
[§ 8.26]
Forum
shopping curtailed ...................................................... 233
C.
[§ 8.27]
Statutes
of Repose.......................................................................
234
III.
[§ 8.28]
COLLATERAL
ESTOPPEL .................................................... 234
Chapter Nine
Class
Action Litigation
I.
[§ 9.1]
THE
CONCEPT OF THE MODERN CLASS ACTION ......... 239
II.
[§ 9.2]
PREREQUISITES
TO A CLASS ACTION ............................. 239
A.
[§ 9.3]
Numerosity..................................................................................
241
B.
[§ 9.4]
Commonality...............................................................................
242
C.
[§ 9.5]
Typicality.....................................................................................
244
D.
[§ 9.6]
Adequacy
of Representation........................................................
245
III.
[§ 9.7]
CLASS
ACTIONS MAINTAINABLE ..................................... 246
A.
[§ 9.8]
Md.
Rule 2-231(b)(1) — Effect on Parties if a Class Were
Not Certified...............................................................................
246
B.
[§ 9.9]
Md.
Rule 2-231(b)(2) — Class Actions for Injunctive Relief........ 247
C.
[§ 9.10]
Md.
Rule 2-231(b)(3) — Where Common Issues Predominate
and Class Action is Superior Method of Adjudication .................. 248
D.
[§ 9.11]
Important
Differences between (b)(3) Classes and
Other Categories.........................................................................
251
IV.
[§ 9.12]
CERTIFICATION
.................................................................... 251
V.
[§ 9.13]
PARTIAL
CLASS ACTIONS; SUBCLASSES ......................... 252
VI.
[§ 9.14]
NOTICE
.................................................................................... 253
VII.
[§ 9.15]
ORDERS
IN CONDUCT OF ACTIONS ................................. 254
VIII.
[§ 9.16]
DISCOVERY
............................................................................. 254
IX.
[§ 9.17]
DISMISSAL
OR COMPROMISE ........................................... 255
X.
[§ 9.18]
JUDGMENT
............................................................................. 256
XI.
[§ 9.19]
APPEAL
OF CLASS ACTION DECISIONS ........................... 256
Chapter Ten
Damages
I.
[§ 10.1]
COMPENSATORY
DAMAGES .............................................. 261
II.
[§ 10.2]
ECONOMIC
LOSS vs. PERSONAL INJURY/PROPERTY
DAMAGE .................................................................................. 265
III.
DAMAGES
FOR NON-PHYSICAL OR NOT YET
MANIFEST INJURIES ........................................................................ 270
A.
[§ 10.3]
General
Principles........................................................................
270
B.
[§ 10.4]
Damages
in Products Liability Actions..........................................
271
1.
[§ 10.5]
Increased
risk of future injury ................................................ 272
2.
[§ 10.6]
Fear
of future injury .............................................................. 272
3.
[§ 10.7]
Medical
monitoring ............................................................... 273
IV.
PUNITIVE
DAMAGES ........................................................................ 275
A.
[§ 10.8]
The
Purpose of Punitive Damages................................................
275
B.
[§ 10.9]
Requests
for Punitive Damage Awards.........................................
276
C.
[§ 10.10]
Size
of the Award........................................................................
277
D.
[§ 10.11]
Governing
Standard.....................................................................
280
E.
Constitutional Challenges to Punitive Damages Awards.............................. 283
1.
[§ 10.12]
Federal
constitutional standard and related
Maryland decisions ............................................................. 283
2.
[§ 10.13]
Fourth
Circuit opinions citing BMW ..................................... 294
F.
[§ 10.14]
Review
of Punitive Awards and Right to a Jury Trial:
Federal and Maryland Cases.......................................................
295
V.
[§ 10.15]
MARYLAND’S
DAMAGE CAP .............................................. 299
A.
[§ 10.16]
Constitutionality...........................................................................
301
B.
[§ 10.17]
Nature
and Applicability of Statutory Cap....................................
302
Chapter Eleven
Settlements/Joint Tortfeasors
I.
[§ 11.1]
PURPOSES
TO BE ACHIEVED IN A RELEASE .................. 307
A.
[§ 11.2]
Plaintiff........................................................................................
307
B.
[§ 11.3]
Defendant....................................................................................
307
C.
[§ 11.4]
Both
Parties.................................................................................
308
II.
[§ 11.5]
HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND — THE COMMON
LAW RULE ............................................................................... 308
III.
PARTIES
INVOLVED IN RELEASE ................................................. 309
A.
[§ 11.6]
“Persons”....................................................................................
309
B.
[§ 11.7]
Corporations...............................................................................
309
C.
[§ 11.8]
Minors........................................................................................
309
D.
[§ 11.9]
Incompetents...............................................................................
310
IV.
RELEASES
IN TORT CASES ............................................................. 310
A.
[§ 11.10]
Joint
— Tortfeasors Act (“Act”) ................................................. 310
B.
[§ 11.11]
What
is a “Release” Under the Act...............................................
312
C.
[§ 11.12]
What
Causes of Action Fall Under the Act...................................
313
D.
Joint Tortfeasor Status under the Act.........................................................
314
1.
[§ 11.13]
The
“Swigert problem” ........................................................ 314
2.
[§ 11.14]
A
partial solution — Jones v. Hurst ...................................... 315
3.
[§ 11.15]
Tactical
considerations ........................................................ 316
4.
[§ 11.16]
Effect
of no liability finding for settling defendant ................... 316
5.
[§ 11.17]
Vicarious
liability among settling defendants .......................... 318
6.
[§ 11.18]
Default
judgments ................................................................ 318
7.
[§ 11.19]
Effect
of defenses on joint tortfeasor status ........................... 319
8.
[§ 11.20]
Indemnity
............................................................................ 322
E.
[§ 11.21]
Meaning
of “Pro Rata Share” under the Act.................................
323
F.
[§ 11.22]
General
Releases under the Act....................................................
325
G.
[§ 11.23]
Separate
and Independent Torts under the Act.............................
326
H.
[§ 11.24]
Subsequent
Tortfeasors under the Act..........................................
328
I.
[§ 11.25]
“Known
and Unknown” Injuries Under the Act............................
331
J.
[§ 11.26]
Subrogation
Rights.......................................................................
332
K.
[§ 11.27]
Effect
of Satisfaction of Judgment.................................................
332
L.
[§ 11.28]
Punitive
Damages........................................................................
334
V.
[§ 11.29]
VALIDITY
OF RELEASES ...................................................... 335
VI.
PROCEDURE
FOR APPLYING JOINT-TORTFEASOR
CREDITS ............................................................................................... 337
A.
[§ 11.30]
Timing.........................................................................................
337
B.
[§ 11.31]
Motion
for Contribution — No Need for Cross-Claim.................
337
C.
[§ 11.32]
Discovery
of Confidential Settlement Agreements.........................
339
VII.
ADMISSIBILITY
OF SETTLEMENT AT TRIAL ............................ 341
A.
[§ 11.33]
Maryland
State Courts.................................................................
341
B.
[§ 11.34]
Maryland
Federal Courts.............................................................
342
C.
[§ 11.35]
Use
of Claim as Admission..........................................................
342
VIII.
[§ 11.36]
MARY
CARTER AGREEMENTS .......................................... 343
A.
[§ 11.37]
Elements
of a Mary Carter Agreement.........................................
343
B.
[§ 11.38]
Tactical
Considerations of Mary Carter Agreements.....................
346
Part II: Preparing Your
Case —
Investigation and Discovery
Chapter Twelve
The
Plaintiff’s Side
I.
[§ 12.1]
EVALUATING
THE CLAIM ................................................... 349
A.
[§ 12.2]
Interview
the Plaintiff:...................................................................
349
1.
[§ 12.3]
Evaluate
the plaintiff as a witness ........................................... 349
2.
[§ 12.4]
Understand
what happened in the occurrence, and why ......... 351
3.
[§ 12.5]
Learn
the history, usage and condition of the product ............. 352
4.
[§ 12.6]
Obtain
leads for pursuit of additional information ................... 354
B.
Obtain Information from Outside Sources..................................................
355
1.
[§ 12.7]
Government
sources ............................................................. 355
2.
[§ 12.8]
Other
counsel ....................................................................... 355
3.
[§ 12.9]
Secure
the product ............................................................... 356
4.
[§ 12.10]
Consult
with experts ............................................................ 357
5.
[§ 12.11]
Interview
key witnesses ....................................................... 357
6.
[§ 12.12]
Consult
outside sources of information ................................. 357
7.
[§ 12.13]
Prepare
a list of target defendants, determine in advance
that they are viable entities, and ascertain all facts
necessary to securing the best possible venue ....................... 361
8.
[§ 12.14]
Make
a projection of the expected costs of proceeding ........ 362
C.
[§ 12.15]
The
Decision to Sue.....................................................................
362
D.
[§ 12.16]
Selecting
the Theory....................................................................
363
E.
[§ 12.17]
Which
Parties to Name as Defendants..........................................
364
F.
[§ 12.18]
Drafting
the Complaint.................................................................
365
Chapter Thirteen
The
Defendant’s Side
I.
[§ 13.1]
ANALYSIS
OF THE COMPLAINT ........................................ 369
II.
THE
RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT .......................................... 371
A.
[§ 13.2]
Preliminary
Motions.....................................................................
371
B.
[§ 13.3]
Selection
of Applicable Defenses.................................................
372
C.
[§ 13.4]
Drafting
an Answer......................................................................
373
D.
[§ 13.5]
Amendments...............................................................................
374
III.
CROSS-CLAIMS
AND THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS ........................... 375
A.
[§ 13.6]
Tactical
Considerations................................................................
375
B.
[§ 13.7]
The
Voucher Consideration.........................................................
375
IV.
[§ 13.8]
PLANNING
FOR DISCOVERY ............................................... 376
V.
[§ 13.9]
EDUCATING
YOURSELF ON YOUR CLIENT’S
PRODUCT ................................................................................ 378
A.
[§ 13.10]
Technical
Understanding of the Product........................................
378
B.
[§ 13.11]
Historical
Development of the Product.........................................
379
C.
[§ 13.12]
Claim
History..............................................................................
380
D.
[§ 13.13]
Applicable
Warranties and Warnings............................................
380
E.
[§ 13.14]
Chain
of Distribution....................................................................
380
Chapter Fourteen
Investigation
I.
REPORTS,
INTERVIEWS AND STATEMENTS ............................. 385
A.
[§ 14.1]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
385
B.
[§ 14.2]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
386
II.
PHOTOGRAPHS
AND DIAGRAMS ................................................. 388
A.
[§ 14.3]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
388
B.
[§ 14.4]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
388
III.
PRESERVING
THE EVIDENCE ........................................................ 389
A.
[§ 14.5]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
389
B.
[§ 14.6]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
392
Chapter Fifteen
The
Expert Witness
I.
[§ 15.1]
NEED
FOR EXPERT ................................................................ 401
II.
SELECTION
OF THE EXPERT .......................................................... 405
A.
[§ 15.2]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
405
B.
Plaintiff’s Perspective................................................................................
409
1.
[§ 15.3]
The
Paramount Consideration: The admissibility and
strength of the expert’s opinions necessary to prove the
case-in-chief and to respond to anticipated defenses .............. 409
2.
[§ 15.4]
Other
considerations ............................................................. 413
III.
RETENTION
OF THE EXPERT ......................................................... 414
A.
[§ 15.5]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
414
B.
[§ 15.6]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
416
IV.
EXPERT
REPORTS ............................................................................. 417
A.
[§ 15.7]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
417
B.
[§ 15.8]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
418
V.
[§ 15.9]
STANDARDS
GOVERNING THE ADMISSIBILITY OF
EXPERT TESTIMONY IN MARYLAND ............................... 419
A.
[§ 15.10]
State
Cases.................................................................................
419
1.
[§ 15.11]
Qualifications
...................................................................... 420
2.
[§ 15.12]
Basis
for opinion ................................................................. 422
3.
[§ 15.13]
Methodology
— The Frye-Reed Test .................................. 426
B.
Federal Cases..........................................................................................
430
1.
[§ 15.14]
Qualifications
...................................................................... 430
2.
[§ 15.15]
Relevance
and reliability ...................................................... 432
Chapter Sixteen
Discovery
I.
ITS
PROPER ROLE ............................................................................. 441
A.
Your Overall Plan.....................................................................................
441
1.
[§ 16.1]
Defendant’s
perspective ....................................................... 441
2.
[§ 16.2]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ............................................................ 441
B.
Interrogatories..........................................................................................
447
1.
[§ 16.3]
Defendant’s
perspective ....................................................... 447
2.
[§ 16.4]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ............................................................ 448
C.
Document Requests..................................................................................
455
1.
[§ 16.5]
Defendant’s
perspective ....................................................... 455
2.
[§ 16.6]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ............................................................ 456
D.
Requests for Admissions...........................................................................
461
1.
[§ 16.7]
Defendant’s
perspective ....................................................... 461
2.
[§ 16.8]
Plaintiff’s
perspective: Categories of requests ........................ 462
E.
[§ 16.9]
Protective
Orders........................................................................
462
1.
[§ 16.10]
Maryland
law ...................................................................... 463
2.
[§ 16.11]
Federal
rules ....................................................................... 466
3.
[§ 16.12]
Constitutional
implications .................................................... 467
F.
Right to Inspect Property, Conduct Physical and
Medical
Examinations............................................................................................
469
1.
[§ 16.13]
Defendant’s
perspective ...................................................... 469
2.
[§ 16.14]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ........................................................... 470
II.
PREPARING
YOUR CLIENT FOR DEPOSITION .......................... 470
A.
[§ 16.15]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
470
B.
[§ 16.16]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
471
1.
[§ 16.17]
General
............................................................................... 471
2.
[§ 16.18]
The
product, claims and defenses ........................................ 474
III.
[§ 16.19]
PREPARING
YOUR EXPERT FOR DEPOSITION ............... 475
A.
[§ 16.20]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
475
B.
[§ 16.21]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
476
IV.
DEPOSING
YOUR OPPONENT’S EXPERT ..................................... 478
A.
[§ 16.22]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
478
1.
[§ 16.23]
Preparation
of the deposition notice — generally .................. 478
2.
[§ 16.24]
Taking
the deposition .......................................................... 479
B.
Plaintiff’s Perspective................................................................................
485
1.
[§ 16.25]
Prior
to the deposition ......................................................... 485
2.
[§ 16.26]
Notice
of Deposition Duces Tecum ..................................... 487
3.
[§ 16.27]
Taking
the deposition .......................................................... 488
Part III: The Product on
Trial
Chapter Seventeen
The
Pretrial Phase
I.
FINAL
ANALYSIS ................................................................................ 497
A.
[§ 17.1]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
497
B.
[§ 17.2]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective: The Final Checklist....................................
497
II.
STIPULATIONS
OF FACT, REQUESTS FOR ADMISSIONS ....... 499
A.
[§ 17.3]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
499
B.
Plaintiff’s Perspective................................................................................
500
1.
[§ 17.4]
Are
any stipulations mandatory? ............................................ 500
2.
[§ 17.5]
Plaintiff’s
requested stipulations ............................................. 502
III.
PRETRIAL
CONFERENCES AND ORDERS .................................. 502
A.
[§ 17.6]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
502
1.
[§ 17.7]
State
rule .............................................................................. 503
2.
[§ 17.8]
Federal
rule .......................................................................... 503
B.
[§ 17.9]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
504
IV.
THE
LEGAL BRIEF ............................................................................. 504
A.
[§ 17.10]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
504
B.
[§ 17.11]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
505
V.
CONSOLIDATION
.............................................................................. 506
A.
Defendant’s Perspective...........................................................................
506
1.
[§ 17.12]
For
trial ............................................................................... 506
2.
[§ 17.13]
For
pretrial proceedings ...................................................... 507
B.
[§ 17.14]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
508
VI.
BIFURCATION
.................................................................................... 508
A.
[§ 17.15]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
508
1.
[§ 17.16]
Maryland
state courts .......................................................... 509
2.
[§ 17.17]
Federal
courts ..................................................................... 509
B.
[§ 17.18]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
511
1.
[§ 17.19]
Class
action issue separation ................................................ 512
Chapter Eighteen
Motions
in Limine
I.
STRATEGY
AND TIMING ................................................................. 517
A.
[§ 18.1]
Introduction
— Plaintiff’s Perspective...........................................
517
B.
[§ 18.2]
Introduction
— Defense Perspective............................................
517
C.
[§ 18.3]
Maryland
State Courts.................................................................
518
D.
[§ 18.4]
Maryland
Federal Courts.............................................................
518
II.
“TOP
TEN” IN LIMINE ISSUES ....................................................... 518
A.
Speculative or Unqualified Expert Opinions...............................................
518
1.
[§ 18.5]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ............................................................ 518
2.
[§ 18.6]
Defendant’s
perspective ....................................................... 522
B.
Other Complaints or Events......................................................................
545
1.
[§ 18.7]
Admissibility
of other complaints or events —
Plaintiff’s perspective ............................................................ 545
2.
[§ 18.8]
Admissibility
of other complaints or events —
Defense perspective ............................................................. 555
3.
[§ 18.9]
Absence
of other complaints — Plaintiff’s perspective ........... 559
4.
[§ 18.10]
Absence
of other complaints — Defense perspective ........... 562
C.
Government or Agency Reports................................................................
564
1.
[§ 18.11]
Plantiff’s
perspective ........................................................... 564
2.
[§ 18.12]
Defense
perspective ............................................................ 573
D.
Subsequent Remedial Measures/Recalls/ Design Changes.......................... 579
1.
[§ 18.13]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ........................................................... 579
2.
[§ 18.14]
Defense
perspective ............................................................ 593
E.
Testing, in Court Demonstrations, or Other
Demonstrative Evidence Relied on by Experts
598
1.
[§ 18.15]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ........................................................... 598
2.
[§ 18.16]
Defense
perspective ............................................................ 601
F.
Compliance with Government Standards or Regulations............................. 613
1.
[§ 18.17]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ........................................................... 613
2.
[§ 18.18]
Defense
perspective ............................................................ 619
G.
Publicity/Media Reports............................................................................
621
1.
[§ 18.19]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ........................................................... 621
2.
[§ 18.20]
Defense
perspective ............................................................ 622
H.
Parties’ Testimony/Admissions in Other
Cases/Statements of
Related Non-Parties.................................................................................
624
1.
[§ 18.21]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ........................................................... 624
2.
[§ 18.22]
Defense
perspective ............................................................ 624
I.
Testing by Non-Parties, Patents or Articles “Relied
on” by Experts............ 626
1.
[§ 18.23]
Defense
perspective ............................................................ 626
J.
Inflammatory and Prejudicial Exhibits........................................................
632
1.
[§ 18.24]
Plaintiff’s
perspective ........................................................... 632
2.
[§ 18.25]
Defendant’s
perspective ...................................................... 636
Chapter Nineteen
The
Trial
I.
INTRODUCTION
................................................................................. 641
A.
[§ 19.1]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
641
B.
[§ 19.2]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
641
II.
VOIR
DIRE ........................................................................................... 641
A.
Legal Parameters......................................................................................
641
1.
[§ 19.3]
Types
of challenges .............................................................. 641
2.
[§ 19.4]
The
conduct of voir dire ........................................................ 643
3.
[§ 19.5]
Federal
rule .......................................................................... 646
B.
[§ 19.6]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
646
C.
[§ 19.7]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
650
1.
[§ 19.8]
Facts
of case ........................................................................ 651
2.
[§ 19.9]
Bias,
prejudice, sympathy, pre-formed opinions .................... 652
3.
[§ 19.10]
The
nature of the injuries sustained ....................................... 654
4.
[§ 19.11]
Legal
issues/defenses/burdens of proof ................................ 655
III.
OPENING
STATEMENT .................................................................... 655
A.
[§ 19.12]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
655
B.
[§ 19.13]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
657
1.
[§ 19.14]
Prior
to opening .................................................................. 657
2.
[§ 19.15]
The
opening ........................................................................ 658
IV.
PLAINTIFF’S
EVIDENCE ................................................................... 662
A.
Plaintiff’s Perspective................................................................................
662
1.
[§ 19.16]
Making
sure there is a case: Holding the experts in ............... 662
2.
[§ 19.17]
Making
sure that key evidence will come in .......................... 662
3.
[§ 19.18]
Order
witnesses and evidence effectively ............................. 663
B.
[§ 19.19]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
664
V.
DEFENDANT’S
CASE ......................................................................... 666
A.
[§ 19.20]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
666
B.
[§ 19.21]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
666
VI.
DIRECT
EXAMINATION OF YOUR EXPERT ................................ 667
A.
[§ 19.22]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
667
B.
[§ 19.23]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
669
VII.
CROSS-EXAMINATION
OF OPPONENT’S EXPERT .................... 672
A.
Defendant’s Perspective...........................................................................
672
1.
[§ 19.24]
Voir
dire on qualifications .................................................... 672
2.
[§ 19.25]
Objectives
of cross-examination .......................................... 672
B.
[§ 19.26]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
674
VIII.
[§ 19.27]
DEMONSTRATIVE
EVIDENCE ............................................ 674
A.
[§ 19.28]
Documents..................................................................................
676
B.
[§ 19.29]
Photographs................................................................................
676
C.
[§ 19.30]
Charts.........................................................................................
678
D.
[§ 19.31]
Diagrams.....................................................................................
678
E.
[§ 19.32]
Videotapes..................................................................................
679
F.
[§ 19.33]
Exemplar
Components.................................................................
680
G.
[§ 19.34]
Models........................................................................................
680
H.
[§ 19.35]
Demonstrations............................................................................
681
I.
[§ 19.36]
Computer-Generated
Evidence....................................................
681
J.
[§ 19.37]
Jury
View....................................................................................
684
IX.
REBUTTAL
EVIDENCE ..................................................................... 685
A.
[§ 19.38]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
685
B.
[§ 19.39]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
689
X.
CLOSING
ARGUMENT ...................................................................... 690
A.
[§ 19.40]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
690
B.
[§ 19.41]
Plaintiff’s
Perspective...................................................................
692
XI.
JURY
INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................... 697
A.
[§ 19.42]
Defendant’s
Perspective..............................................................
697
B.
Plaintiff’s Perspective................................................................................
698
1.
[§ 19.43]
Early
preparation ................................................................. 698
2.
[§ 19.44]
General
rules ....................................................................... 698
3.
[§ 19.45]
Substantive
law: plaintiff’s perspective .................................. 699
4.
[§ 19.46]
Arguing
jury instructions ...................................................... 702
XII.
POST-TRIAL
ANALYSIS .................................................................... 703
A.
[§ 19.47]
Post-Trial
Motions and the Noting of Appeal...............................
703
B.
[§ 19.48]
Post-Trial
Interviews With Jurors.................................................
704
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES.................................................................................... 707
TABLE OF CASES......................................................................................... 711
INDEX............................................................................................................. 765