Lunsford v. Saberhagen Holdings, Inc.

¶1 — This case requires us to decide whether strict product liability applies retroactively to a claim arising out of asbestos exposure occurring prior to our adoption of strict product liability. “ ‘Ordinarily, a decision of a court of last resort overruling a former decision is retrospective as well as prospective in its operation, unless specifically declared by the opinion to have prospective effect only.’ ” State ex rel. Wash. State Fin. Comm. v. Martin, 62 Wn.2d 645, 671, 384 P.2d 833 (1963) (quoting Fla. Forest & Park Serv. v. Strickland, 154 Fla. 472, 476, 18 So. 2d 251 (1944)). An…