Fassett v. Sears Holdings Corp.

319 F.R.D. 143 (2017)

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Fassett v. Sears Holdings Corp.

United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
319 F.R.D. 143 (2017)

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Facts

Daniel Fassett (plaintiff) heard sputtering sounds coming from his lawnmower. Fassett turned off the mower and attempted to relieve pressure in the fuel tank by loosening the cap. Gasoline sprayed from the machine onto Fassett’s body, igniting in flames and seriously injuring Fassett. Fassett filed a products-liability lawsuit against Sears Holding Corp. and other entities involved in manufacturing the lawnmower (collectively, Sears) (defendants). Fassett alleged that the mower and the gas cap were defective. During discovery, Fassett requested information about alternative gas-cap and lawnmower designs as well as information about other, similar products made or sold by the defendants that were not involved in the incident. Sears objected to this discovery, arguing that only information about the gas cap and lawnmower directly involved in the incident was discoverable. Fassett moved to compel Sears to provide the discovery. Fassett’s motion included evidence that the requested alternative gas-cap designs contained several features that made them interchangeable with the allegedly defective cap. The district court considered Fassett’s motion to compel.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Brann, J.)

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