Component Parts Doctrine Does not Shield Suppliers Where Injury Results from Intended Use of Product, Calif. Appellate Court Rules

LOS ANGELES — The component parts doctrine does not shield a supplier from liability when a plaintiff claims he suffered an injury after using a product as the supplier specifically intended, a California appeal court has ruled.

On March 21, the 2nd District California Court of Appeal disagreed with Maxton v. Western States Metals (2012, 203 Cal.App.4th 81), which states that the doctrine shields suppliers of raw materials, other than asbestos or other inherently dangerous substances, from negligence and strict liability claims brought by workers who are injured while using the raw materials during the manufacturing process.

During …