Norwilton Murray v. Fairbanks Morse, Beloit Power Systems, Inc., in No. 78-2224. Cross Appeal of Norwilton Murray, in No. 78-2225

OPINION OF THE COURT

ROSENN, Circuit Judge

This appeal raises several issues, including novel and important questions as to whether a comparative negligence statute may be applied and, if so, to what extent, in an action for personal injuries brought under twin theories of strict products liability and common law principles of negligence. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, Norwilton Murray, in the sum of two million dollars against the manufacturer, Beloit Power Systems, Inc. (Beloit). The jury, in response to a special interrogatories, found that plaintiff’s negligence was…