Court Weighs In On Component Parts Liability Dispute, Rules for Crane Co.

PHILADELPHIA -- A Pennsylvania appellate court has ruled that, under strict liability or failure theories, a manufacturer cannot be held liable for products it did not manufacture or supply. Schaffner, et al. v. Aesys Technologies, et al., No. 1901 EDA 2008; No. 1902 EDA 2008 (Pa. Super. Ct.).

In the Jan. 21 opinion, the Pennsylvania Superior Court affirmed an award of summary judgment to defendants Crane Co. and Kentile Floors, ruling that the trial court had correctly found that neither defendant owed a duty to the decedent.

The claims were asserted on behalf of Charles W. Schaffner, whose surviving …