The Anatomy of Products Liability in Minnesota: The Theories of Recovery

Abstract

The law of products liability has undergone a dramatic evolution since MacPherson v. Buick Motor Co. As a result of this rapid development, substantial uncertainty as to the scope of liability of product manufacturers and sellers exists. The purpose of this Article is to eliminate some of that confusion. After tracing the history and development of the law of products liability in Minnesota, the author discusses the various elements and standards of strict Iiability. Finally, the author proposes several jury instructions that help clarify the relationship between strict liability and negligence. Throughout the Article, Minnesota is used as a model for analysis; however, the principles that are synthesized have extra-jurisdictional import.

Keywords: products liability, strict liability, Minnesota law