Austria v. Bike Athletic Co.

Richard Austria was severely injured by a blow to the head during football practice. Through his guardian ad litem, he sued the designer and manufacturer of the football helmet that he was wearing, alleging that its defective design was the cause of his injury. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiffs and defendants appeal, arguing, primarily, that the trial court erred in denying their motions for directed verdict, because there was insufficient evidence of causation. We affirm.

In September, 1985, Richard Austria was a sixteen year old high school junior. He was injured during football…