Wenzell v. MTD Products, Inc.

On June 18, 1968, Vincent WenzeH (plaintiff), a minor then 4 years old, was injured by a gasoline powered lawn mower, designed, manufactured and distributed by MTD Products, Inc. (defendant). Plaintiff’s second amended complaint was based upon strict tort liability, resulting from allegedly defective design and construction of the machine. After a jury trial, a verdict was rendered in favor of defendant. Usual post-trial motions were denied. Plaintiff appeals.

The lawn mower was owned by the family of Randy Riley who was then 7 years of age. The incident occurred on the famffy property. A…