Scott v. Fruehauf Corporation

Gregory, Chief Justice:

This is a products liability case. The jury awarded respondent Scott $1,125,000 actual damages against appellant-respondent (Fruehauf) and respondent-appellant (Piedmont), and an additional $1,125,000 in punitive damages against Fruehauf alone. The jury found for Piedmont on its cross-claim against Fruehauf for indemnification. We affirm the damages award to Scott and reverse the judgment against Fruehauf on Piedmont’s crossclaim.

Scott was injured when he attempted to place a mounted wheel assembly on the axle of a trailer. The wheel rim and side ring explosively…