Hilary Connolly v. Sturm, Ruger and Company, Inc.
Published: Dec. 4, 1993 | Result Date: Sep. 2, 1993 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: N51414 – $0
Judge
Court
San Diego Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
Robert Greenleaf
(technical)
Lance T. Martini
(technical)
Defendant
Harry Sefried
(technical)
Facts
On May 20, 1990, Brian Connolly and Plaintiff Hilary Connolly and two relatives were target shooting at the Escondido Fish and Gun Club range. One of the relatives chambered a round and unsuccessfully tried to fire it. She returned the pistol to Mr. Connolly, stating that she had pulled the trigger, but that nothing had happened. Mr. Connolly put a rod down the barrel of the pistol, as if to clear an obstruction. He pounded the rod on the shooting bench. He then chambered a round and fired. Upon firing, the cartridge case burst from extreme over-pressure. The extractor separated from the P-85 pistol and injured Mrs. Connolly's left eye. The Defendant Sturm, Ruger designed, manufactured, and sold the 9 millimeter model P-85 pistol and extractor. At the time of the incident, Plaintiff Hilary Connolly was a 35-year-old real estate agent, but had already decided to be a homemaker before the accident occurred.
Settlement Discussions
Defendant contends they made no offers and Plaintiff demanded $300,000.
Specials in Evidence
$50,000
Injuries
Left eye injury requiring surgical removal of the natural lens in order to repair and restore 20/20 vision, with the assistance of contact lens; residual permanent loss of some peripheral vision and probable future problem susceptibility.
Deliberation
6 hours
Poll
9-3 (no defect)
Length
6 days
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