Transwestern Pipeline Co. v. Monsanto Co.

Opinion

JOHNSON, J.

Plaintiff, whose business is the interstate transportation of natural gas, contaminated the Southern California Gas Company’s pipeline with gas containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s). After settling the gas company’s damage claim, plaintiff sought equitable indemnity from the PCB manufacturer on several theories including strict liability for design defect and negligent failure to warn of the environmental hazards of PCB’s. A jury found the manufacturer 37.5 percent responsible for the PCB contamination and awarded plaintiff damages accordingly.

We conclude the PCB…