James L. Norton, Cross-Appellee v. Snapper Power Equipment, a Division of Fuqua Industries, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, Cross-Appellant

CLARK, Circuit Judge:

Plaintiff James L. Norton was injured while using a riding lawn mower manufactured by defendant Snapper Power Equipment. The issue on appeal is whether the district court erred in granting a judgment notwithstanding the verdict to Snapper on Norton’s strict liability claim. We reverse.

FACTS

Norton was, and still is, in the commercial lawn mowing business. He bought a Snapper riding mower in July 1981. On January 24, 1983, Norton was using this mower to clear leaves from a yard which was adjacent to a creek. At the end of his third circular route through the yard, he drove…