Facts

Decedent Jennifer Dobrinski was in her 1996 Toyota Corolla, in the exit lane of a freeway. Her car was rear-ended by Grant Sargeant, and the impact pushed her car into the car in front of her, which then hit the car in front of it. No one else sustained major injury, but Dobrinski was killed instantly. The plaintiffs, her husband and son, sued Toyota Motors Sales USA Inc., and Toyota Motor Corp. for product liability.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiffs contended that the rear structure of the Corolla was not stiff enough, which allowed the car's B-pillar to bend and strike decedent. They suggested that the fact no one else was seriously injured supported their claim that the Corolla was unsafe.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
The defendants denied any design defect or structural inadequacy. They claimed the collision would have been fatal for the driver of any car, and all fault lay with Sargeant.

Damages

The plaintiffs sought damages for loss of support, loss of household services and loss of society. They requested $2- to- $3 million in addition to unspecified non-economic damages.

Injuries

Death.

Result

The jury found no defect.

Other Information

The driver, Sargeant, was charged with vehicular manslaughter. He was sentenced to five months of house arrest and to pay restitution.

Deliberation

one hour

Length

one month