WANGEN v. FORD MOTOR CO.

Nos. 77-893, 77-894.

97 Wis.2d 260 (1980)

294 N.W.2d 437

Terri WANGEN, a minor, by her guardian, Charles R. Wangen, Charles R. Wangen, Special Administrator of the Estate of Christopher DuVall, deceased, Charles R. Wangen, Special Administrator of the Estate of Kip Wangen, deceased, Charles R. Wangen, individually and Ramona M. Wangen, Plaintiffs-Respondents, v. FORD MOTOR COMPANY, Defendant-Appellant-Petitioner, and Robin DUVALL, Patrick J. Hawley, Allstate Insurance Company, American Family Mutual Insurance Co., Thomas J. Curran, Milwaukee Mutual Insurance Co., and Republic National Life Insurance Co., Defendants. Robin DUVALL, Plaintiff-Respondent, v. FORD MOTOR COMPANY, Defendant-Appellant-Petitioner, and Patrick HAWLEY, Allstate Insurance Company, Thomas Curran and Milwaukee Mutual Insurance Co., Defendants.

Supreme Court of Wisconsin.

Decided June 27, 1980.


Attorney(s) appearing for the Case

For the appellant there were briefs by Walter L. Merten, Paul E. Schwemer and Merten & Schwemer, S.C., of Milwaukee, and oral argument by Walter L. Merten and Paul E. Schwemer.

For respondents, Terri Wangen, Charles R. Wangen and Ramona M. Wangen, there was a brief by D. G. Graff Law Offices, S.C., of Madison, and oral argument by D. G. Graff; Johnson, Swingen & Sandell and Easton & Harms, S.C., of counsel, all of Madison, for respondent, Robin DuVall, join in the brief.


Originally reported in 91 Wis.2d 848, 284 N.W.2d 120.

SHIRLEY S. ABRAHAMSON, J.

The central question on appeal is whether punitive damages are recoverable in a product liability suit based on negligence or strict liability in tort (sometimes referred to as strict products liability). We conclude that they are recoverable.

I.

This appeal involves two lawsuits which were commenced against Ford Motor Company and others as a result of an automobile...

Let's get started

Leagle.com

Welcome to the leading source of independent legal reporting
Sign on now to see your case.
Or view more than 10 million decisions and orders.

  • Updated daily.
  • Uncompromising quality.
  • Complete, Accurate, Current.

Listed below are the cases that are cited in this Featured Case. Click the citation to see the full text of the cited case. Citations are also linked in the body of the Featured Case.

Cited Cases

  • No Cases Found

Listed below are those cases in which this Featured Case is cited. Click on the case name to see the full text of the citing case.

Citing Cases