In Re Coordinated Latex Glove Litigation

Opinion

HUFFMAN, J.

In this opinion we discuss the two-pronged test for a strict liability manufacturing defect as applied to the production of latex gloves. (Barker v. Lull Engineering Co. (1978) 20 Cal.3d 413, 432 [143 Cal.Rptr. 225, 573 P.2d 443, 96 A.L.R.3d 1] (Barker).) This products liability action filed by plaintiff Christine McGinnis was the first to go to trial in a group of cases in coordinated proceedings involving allegations against various defendants who manufactured or distributed latex gloves, used by the plaintiffs at their work, that contained natural or artificial substances…