Coffman v. Keene Corp.
New Jersey Supreme Court
628 A.2d 710 (1993)
- Written by Emily Laird, JD
Facts
George Coffman (plaintiff) was exposed to asbestos during his career as a naval electrician. Coffman sued Keene Corp. (defendant), claiming that he developed injuries due to asbestos exposure while working on naval vessels. At trial, Coffman argued that Keene Corp. failed to warn consumers of the health hazards associated with asbestos products. Keene Corp. asserted that Coffman could not prove the absence of a warning was the cause of his injuries. The judge instructed the jury on the heeding presumption, which would allow the jury to presume Coffman would have followed a warning had one been provided. The jury found in favor of Coffman, awarding damages. The trial court denied Keene Corp.’s motion for a new trial and motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. Keene Corp appealed to the state appellate court, which affirmed the trial court’s ruling.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Handler, J.)
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