00-3464 Hensler, et al. v. Ford Motor Company, et al.

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This is a products liability action in which Sandra Hensler claims that Ford Motor Company was negligent and strictly liable with respect to defects in the design of her 1987 Aerostar van; this negligence and the defects, she claims, were a cause of the serious injuries she sustained when her vehicle was hit from behind. The jury found that Ford was negligent in the design and testing of the driver’s seat and the warning, but this negligence did not cause Hensler’s injuries in the accident. It also found the seat was not defective and unreasonably dangerous. Hensler appeals the judgment entered on the verdict, contending that the jury instructions on strict product liability and enhanced injury were in error, and the court erred in denying modifications and instructions she proposed. We conclude that, as to those issues Hensler has properly preserved for appeal, the court either did not err in instructing the jury or the error did not affect her substantial rights.

We therefore affirm.

Not recommended for publication in the official reports.

Dist IV, Jefferson County, Erwin, J., Vergeront, P.J.

Attorneys:

For Appellant: Alan E. Gesler, Waukesha; Robert A. Slattery, Waukesha; Darryl J. Lee, Waukesha; Gregory J. Meeker, Madison

For Respondent: Donald Dawson, Detroit, MI; Kathleen A. Clark, Detroit, MI; Randy S. Parlee, Milwaukee