Greenman V. Yuba Power Products Inc Summary

Facts: In the Case of Greenman v. Yuba Power Products, Inc., Greenman was injured while on the job due to one of Yuba’s Shopsmith combination power tools. Greenman had seen the combination tool demonstration before using it and had also read the manual/brochure that was put together by the manufacturer. He then purchased all the required pieces/equipment to use the combination tool as a lathe. While working, the power tool in question, threw a large piece of wood. After the piece of wood was released, it struck Greenman in the head causing severe injuries. After 10 ½ months would pass, Greenman finally gave notice to the manufacturer and retailer of claims about the breach in warranties. Yuba Power Products, Inc. would try and defend themselves from the fact that this accident occurred 10 ½ months earlier, and that his untimely notice was now negligible.

History:

The jury also decided that the retailer did not violate the express warranty associated with the Shopsmith tool. They would go on to rule that the manufacturer wasn’t liable for any breach in or breakdown of warranty. The courts submitted to the jury only the cause of action alleging breach of implied warranties against the retailer and the causes of action alleging negligence and breach of express warranties against the manufacturer. Eventually the verdict would come out in favor of the retailer instead of Greenman. That verdict would be reversed in the Greenman v. Manufacturer. The manufacture would then go on to appeal on the fact that it took so long for Greenman to give notice. After giving notice so long after the incident occurred, the warranty is barred according to Section 1769 of the civil