Sears, Roebuck and Co. v. Menegay

OPINION

LIVINGSTON, Justice.

Michael Menegay (“Mike”) incurred burns over 27% of his body when a propane tank stored under his gas grill exploded. The gas grill was sold by Sears, Roebuck and Company (“Sears”) and manufactured by Sunbeam Corporation (“Sunbeam”). Mike and his wife sued both Sears and Sunbeam on a variety of theories, and the jury returned a verdict in their favor. The jury also found the conduct of Sears and Sunbeam constituted gross negligence. The jury assessed exemplary damages of $140,000 against Sears and $35,000 against Sunbeam. On appeal, Sears and Sunbeam challenge only…