Chavers v. Gatke Corp.

Opinion

SEPULVEDA, J.

This appeal requires us to consider the vitality of the idea of “group” or “collective” legal accountability in the products liability context. For well over a quarter century, courts across the nation have struggled with a variety of novel theories under which manufacturers of a defective product could assertedly be held liable in damages to plaintiffs injured by use of or exposure to it. Litigation involving asbestos, tobacco, and DES are prominent examples. Owing to circumstances, the plaintiffs in such cases often were unable to identify the specific manufacturer of…