Facts

Kenneth Shinedling and Addison Shinedling, as well as Alexia Shinedling and Ava Shinedling by and through their guardian ad litem, Kenneth Shinedling sued Sunbeam Products Inc., the County of San Bernardino, and the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District, in connection with a fatal fire that killed Amy Shinedling.

Plaintiffs are decedent's husband Kenneth and their three minor children.

The government defendants successfully demurred and were let out of the case. The matter proceeded against Sunbeam only.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff Kenneth and his wife, Amy Shinedling, were sleeping in their bedroom when a fire broke out in the room. Plaintiffs contended that the fire was caused by a heater manufactured by defendant Sunbeam. Plaintiffs asserted claims for defective design and warning.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Sunbeam denied plaintiffs' allegations and contended that the heater met standards. Sunbeam maintained the heater's safety. Further, Sunbeam contended that Kenneth's negligent conduct, placing combustibles within three feet of the heater against the product's warnings, caused the fire. Sunbeam also blamed Kenneth for his wife's death.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiffs demanded $9.75 million in settlement. Sunbeam offered $5,000.

Damages

Plaintiffs sought recovery for wrongful death damages, direct injury, and bystander damages.

Injuries

The decedent ultimately died from her injuries.

Result

Ultimately, the jury found Sunbeam liable for the decedent's death and awarded plaintiffs $58.65 million in damages, which included $9.995 million for Kenneth, $15.959 million for Addison, $16.105 million for Alexia, and $16.955 million for Ava. The jury apportioned 20 percent of fault to Kenneth and 80 percent to Sunbeam, thereby reducing the family's award to $46.92 million.

Deliberation

two days

Length

six days