Dorothy L. Payne, App. v. Medtronic Inc. Medtronic Xomed, Inc., Res.

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DOROTHY L. PAYNE, Individually and No. 71411-2-1
as the personal representative of the o~
Estate of BECKY S. ANDERSON, DIVISION ONE
deceased,
Appellant,
v.
DONALD R. PAUGH; WENATCHEE
VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER, P.S.;
LINDA K. SCHATZ; WENATCHEE
ANESTHESIA ASSOCIATES; LASER PUBLISHED OPINION
ENGINEERING, INC., a foreign
corporation; MEDTRONIC, INC.;
MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.; and
UNKNOWN JOHN DOES,
Respondents,
CENTRAL WASHINGTON HEALTH
SERVICES ASSOCIATION d/b/a
CENTRAL WASHINGTON HOSPITAL,
a Washington Corporation;
Nonparty Defendant. FILED: September 28, 2015
Schindler, J. — Becky S. Anderson was seriously injured during elective throat
surgery. Anderson filed a negligence lawsuit against otolaryngologist Dr. Donald Paugh
and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center PS, anesthesiologist Dr. Linda Schatz and
Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates, Central Washington Hospital, and medical device
No. 71411-2-1/2
manufacturer Medtronic Inc. and Medtronic Xomed Inc. (Medtronic). Following a seven-
week trial, the jury found Dr. Paugh and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, Dr. Schatz
and Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates, and nonparty Central Washington Hospital
negligent and that the negligence was a proximate cause of the injury to Anderson. The
jury found medical device manufacturer Medtronic was not negligent. The jury awarded
Anderson $18 million in damages. The jury attributed 42.5 percent of the negligence to
Dr. Paugh and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, 52.5 percent to Dr. Schatz and
Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates, and 5 percent to the hospital. The court entered a
judgment on the jury verdict against Dr. Paugh and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center,
and Dr. Schatz and Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates. Anderson appeals the jury
verdict in favor of Medtronic. Anderson concedes a negligence standard applies to the
design defect claim against medical device manufacturer Medtronic under Restatement
(Second) of Torts section 402A comment k (1965). Nonetheless, Anderson claims the
court erred in refusing to give a proposed supplemental jury instruction that is used for a
strict liability design defect claim to define the duty of a medical device manufacturer
under Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A comment k. We disagree, and
affirm the jury verdict.
FACTS
The Surgery
In January 2012, Becky S. Anderson went to see otolaryngologist Dr. Donald
Paugh about "[a] cough and some hoarseness." Dr. Paugh diagnosed a benign vocal
cord polyp and recommended tracheal laser surgery. Anderson decided to proceed
No. 71411-2-1/3
with the elective tracheal laser surgery. Dr. Paugh scheduled the surgery for February
3, 2012 at Central Washington Hospital.
Before the surgery began, the hospital operating room staff mistakenly told Dr.
Paugh and anesthesiologist Dr. Linda Schatz that only the single-cuff "Laser-Shield II"
endotracheal tube manufactured by Medtronic was available.
The Laser-Shield II is designed for endotracheal intubation during laser surgeries
and has "a laser resistant overwrap on the main shaft." However, the "Instructions for
Use" state the inflatable cuff that seals the airway and prevents oxygen and other
flammable gas from reaching the surgical field is not laser resistant. The Instructions for
Use warn users that contacting the cuff with a laser "may cause deflation of the cuff and
result in combustion and fire." The instructions tell users to place wet cotton gauze
around the cuff to protect from laser strike. To alert users to a rupture, the Laser-Shield
II cuff-inflation valve is equipped with blue methylene dye that stains the cotton gauze if
the cuff is punctured. The Instructions for Use warn of the risk of fire due to "elevated
oxygen levels or other flammable gases" and recommend using a "30% oxygen / 70%
helium, or 30% oxygen / 70% room air" combination.
Neither Dr. Paugh nor Dr. Schatz had ever used the Laser-Shield II. Dr. Paugh
had used only a double-cuff endotracheal tube manufactured by Mallinckrodt Inc. The
double-cuff tube has a lower cuff that seals the airway to prevent oxygen from leaking
out and an upper cuff that shields the lower cuff from damage from the laser.
Nonetheless, Dr. Paugh and Dr. Schatz decided to proceed with the surgery and
use the Laser-Shield II. Neither Dr. Paugh nor Dr. Schatz read the Laser-Shield II
Instructions for Use. Contrary to the Instructions for Use, Dr. Schatz administered 100
No. 71411-2-1/4
percent oxygen, not the recommended 30 percent. During the surgery, Dr. Paugh
perforated the inflatable cuff of the tube with the laser causing oxygen to leak into the
surgical site and ignite. The airway fire caused serious burns to Anderson's trachea
and lungs.
The Lawsuit
Anderson filed a complaint against Central Washington Hospital, Dr. Paugh and
Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, and Dr. Schatz and Wenatchee Anesthesia
Associates alleging medical negligence, and alleging product liability against medical
device manufacturer Medtronic Inc. and Medtronic Xomed Inc. (Medtronic). Anderson
alleged Dr. Paugh and Dr. Schatz breached the standard of care resulting in the injuries
to Anderson. Anderson alleged Medtronic was "liable under the Washington Products
Liability Act R.C.W. Chapter 7.72" for defect in production or construction. In the
amended complaint, Anderson alleged Medtronic was liable under the Washington
product liability act, chapter 7.72 RCW.
Summary Judgment
Anderson filed a motion for partial summary judgment arguing there was no
dispute Dr. Schatz was negligent in administering 100 percent oxygen. Anderson also
argued Dr. Schatz acted as an agent of the hospital. The court granted the motion in
part, ruling Dr. Schatz and Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates were negligent as a
matter of law.
Following discovery, Medtronic filed a motion for summary judgment dismissal of
claims alleging design defect, failure to warn, and manufacturing or production defect.
Medtronic argued the Laser-Shield II is a prescription medical device governed by the
No. 71411-2-1/5
negligence standard under Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A comment k
(1965), and there was no evidence of defective design. Medtronic argued that because
the Laser-Shield II warnings "were adequate as a matter of law," it was entitled to
dismissal of the failure to warn claim. Medtronic also argued Anderson could not show
that "any allegedly deficient warnings or instructions proximately caused her injuries."
Medtronic submitted the deposition testimony of Dr. Paugh and Dr. Schatz admitting
they did not read the Laser-Shield II Instructions for Use before the surgery.
In response, Anderson did not dispute that the negligence standard under
Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A comment k applied to the design defect
claim. Relying on the Washington Pattern Jury Instruction 110.02.01, "Manufacturer's
Duty—Design—Unavoidably Unsafe Products—Negligence—Comment K," Anderson
argued there were material issues of fact as to Medtronic's breach of the duty to use
reasonable care to design a product that was reasonably safe and on proximate cause.1
6 Washington Practice: Washington Pattern Jury Instructions: Civil 110.02.01, at
1The brief in opposition to summary judgment states, in pertinent part:
For comment k products, this standard is modified to the extent that negligence is
included within the legal standard. WPI 110.02.01 has modified the jury instruction as
follows:
A medical product manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care to design
medical products that are reasonably safe. "Reasonable care" means the care
that a reasonably prudent medical product manufacturer would exercise in the
same or similar circumstances. A failure to use reasonable care is negligence.
The question of whether a manufacturer exercised reasonable care is to be
determined by what the manufacturer knew or reasonably should have known at
the time of the plaintiffs injury.
In determining what a manufacturer reasonably should have known in regard to
designing its product, you should consider the following:
A medical product manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care to test,
analyze, and inspect the products it sells, and is presumed to know what such
tests would have revealed.
A medical product manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care to keep
abreast of scientific knowledge, discoveries, advances, and research in the field,
and is presumed to know what is imparted thereby.
No. 71411-2-1/6
635 (6th ed. 2012) (WPI). Anderson also argued that because the information on the
Laser-Shield II box was inadequate and deceptive, there were material issues of fact on
failure to warn.
At the summary judgment hearing, Anderson's attorney confirmed that the
comment k negligence standard under Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A
applied to the design defect claim against Medtronic and withdrew any alleged claims
for breach of warranty and construction or manufacturing defect.
The court granted in part and denied in part Medtronic's motion for summary
judgment. The court granted Medtronic's motion to dismiss the failure to warn claim.
The court denied the motion to dismiss the negligent design claim.
The Court hereby ORDERS that Medtronic, Inc. and Medtronic,
Xomed, Inc.'s Motion for Summary Judgment is hereby GRANTED IN
PART and DENIED IN PART.
The Medtronic Defendants' Motion is GRANTED as to Plaintiff's
claims for failure to warn or inadequate warnings. All such claims are
hereby dismissed with prejudice and without fees or costs to any party.
Plaintiff has withdrawn her claims for breach of warranty and
unsafe construction or manufacturing defect, to the extent such claims
were stated in the Complaint.
The Medtronic Defendants' motion is DENIED and Plaintiff may
proceed against the Medtronic Defendants as to her claim for negligent
design.
Before trial, Central Washington Hospital settled with Anderson for $12 million.
The court entered an agreed order dismissing the hospital but granted Anderson's
motion to identify the hospital as a nonparty defendant at trial for purposes of allocating
fault.
No. 71411-2-1/7
Trial
At the beginning of the seven-week jury trial and before opening statements, the
court agreed to read a number of instructions on the law to the jury including the "Pre-
Instruction" Anderson submitted on the negligent design claim, Medtronic's duty, and
the standard of care that applies to the manufacturer of an unavoidably unsafe product
under comment k, Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A. The Pre-lnstruction
Anderson submitted is based on WPI 110.02.01, Manufacturer's Duty—Design—
Unavoidably Unsafe Products—Negligence—Comment K.
The court told the jury the instructions "will apply throughout the trial."
Now I'm going to instruct you on the law, which will guide your decision
making in this case. We will reinstruct you at the end of the trial. There
may be additional instructions, but these instructions will apply throughout
the trial.
The Pre-lnstruction on the duty of medical device manufacturer Medtronic states:
A medical product manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care
to design medical products that are reasonably safe. "Reasonable care"
means the care that a reasonably prudent medical product manufacturer
would exercise in the same or similar circumstances. A failure to use
reasonable care is negligence.
The question of whether a medical product manufacturer exercised
reasonable care is to be determined by what the manufacturer knew or
reasonably should have known at the time the product left the defendant's
control.
In determining what a medical product manufacturer reasonably
should have known in regard to designing its product, you should consider
the following:
A medical product manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care
to test, analyze, and inspect the products it sells, and is presumed to know
what such tests would have revealed.
A medical product manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care
to keep abreast of scientific knowledge, discoveries, advances, and
research in the field, and is presumed to know what is imparted thereby.
No. 71411-2-1/8
During opening statement, Anderson argued Dr. Paugh breached the standard of
care by failing to adequately protect the Laser-Shield II cuff, failing to make sure the
oxygen was at a safe level, and failing to inform Anderson of the risk of fire. Anderson
argued Dr. Schatz violated the standard of care by administering 100 percent oxygen
during the laser procedure. Anderson also argued Dr. Paugh and Dr. Schatz violated
the standard of care by proceeding with the surgery despite being unfamiliar with the
Laser-Shield II, not reading the Instructions for Use, and failing to have a plan in place
in the event of a fire.
Anderson argued Medtronic was negligent in using a single-cuff instead of a
double-cuff design for the Laser-Shield II. Anderson also argued Medtronic was aware
of problems with the Laser-Shield II, including a number of other airway fires, but did
nothing to make the device safer. Anderson argued the negligence of each of the
defendants was a proximate cause of injury.
More than 30 witnesses testified during the seven-week jury trial including a
number of expert witnesses.
Anderson's experts testified that the fire occurred because Dr. Paugh perforated
the cuff with the laser causing the extremely flammable 100 percent oxygen
administered by Dr. Schatz to enter the surgical field and ignite. Anderson's experts
testified that the fire would not have occurred if Dr. Schatz had administered a lower
oxygen concentration or if Dr. Paugh had properly protected the cuff. Dr. James Reibel
testified that Dr. Paugh violated the standard of care for a surgeon by failing to inform
Anderson of the risk of fire before the laser surgery, proceeding with the surgery despite
being unfamiliar with the Laser-Shield II endotracheal tube, not communicating with Dr.
No. 71411-2-1/9
Schatz about the level of oxygen being administered, and not adequately protecting the
cuff.
Dr. Barry Swerdlow and Dr. Vladimir Nekhedzy testified that Dr. Schatz violated
the standard of care for an anesthesiologist by administering 100 percent oxygen to
Anderson during the procedure and not telling Dr. Paugh about the high oxygen level.
Anderson's medical device expert Dr. George Samaras testified Medtronic failed
to act as a "reasonably prudent medical product company" in not using a double-cuff
design for the Laser-Shield II. Dr. Samaras testified that in his opinion, the single-cuff
design is "inherently less safe than the double cuff." Dr. Samaras stated a double-cuff
design is safer because it provides a "redundant safety system." Ifthe upper cuff is
punctured, the lower cuff continues to seal the airway to prevent oxygen from leaking
into the surgical field and coming into contact with the laser. Dr. Samaras testified that
since 2000, there had been eight reported airway fires involving the Laser-Shield II.
According to Dr. Samaras, during that same time, there had been only one reported
airway fire involving the double-cuff endotracheal tube manufactured by Mallinckrodt.
Dr. Jonathan Benumof, an anesthesiologist and consultant for endotracheal tube
manufacturers, testified that in his opinion, the fire would not have occurred if Dr. Schatz
and Dr. Paugh had used a double-cuff endotracheal tube. However, on cross-
examination, Dr. Benumof testified that the Laser-Shield II could be used safely. Dr.
Benumof also said that surgeons and anesthesiologists in his hospital had used the
Laser-Shield II for years without incident and continued to use the Laser-Shield II. In
response to a juror question, Dr. Benumof stated he "personally and successfully" used
the Laser-Shield II.
No. 71411-2-1/10
Dr. Paugh testified he decided to proceed with the laser surgery and use the
Laser-Shield II because it "seemed like a very reasonable substitute" to the
endotracheal tube he typically used and he had "no reason ... to question the safety of
that device." Dr. Paugh admitted he did not read the Laser-Shield II Instructions for
Use. Dr. Paugh testified he knew the cuff of an endotracheal tube is "susceptible to a
laser strike" but believed he "adequately protected the cuff" during the surgery. Dr.
Paugh denied perforating the cuff of the Laser-Shield II with the laser. Dr. Paugh
testified he did not know what role the cuff played in the fire but he believed the fire
would have been "[v]ery unlikely" to occur if he and Dr. Schatz had used the double-cuff
tube he had previously used for laser surgeries.
Dr. Barry Wenig testified as an expert witness on behalf of Dr. Paugh. Dr. Wenig
testified that in his opinion, Dr. Paugh "met the standard of care of a reasonably prudent
otolaryngologist in his care and treatment of Ms. Anderson." In Dr. Wenig's opinion, the
presence of oxygen "in the space between the cuff and the vocal cords" and the
"likelihood" of oxygen passing from "the area below the cuff to the area above the cuff
caused the fire. On cross-examination, Dr. Wenig testified that since 2003, he has used
the Laser-Shield II "almost exclusively" and did not have any safety concerns with the
device.
Dr. Schatz testified that she did not read the Laser-Shield II Instructions for Use
because she had "used lots of different endotracheal tubes" and the Laser-Shield II
"was not different in form or function than any other endotracheal tube." Dr. Schatz
testified she knew that the cuff was not laser resistant and that a 30 percent oxygen
concentration was recommended in laser procedures. Dr. Schatz admitted she made a
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No. 71411-2-1/11
"mistake" by leaving "the oxygen on 100 percent" but testified she was more than "99
percent" sure she "got a proper, adequate seal of the cuff' to prevent oxygen from
leaking into the surgical field. Dr. Schatz testified the first indication that there was a
problem during surgery was when she "heard a pop" and "heard Dr. Paugh ask for
saline." Dr. Schatz testified she did not know what caused the fire.
Medtronic called a number of witnesses to testify at trial including James
Hissong, the mechanical engineer responsible for the design and testing of the Laser-
Shield II; medical device design expert Dr. Samsun Lampotang; and otolaryngologist
Dr. Paul Flint. Medtronic also presented evidence regarding compliance with United
States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, medical device reporting, and
corrective and preventive actions related to the Laser-Shield II.
Hissong testified that in 1989, Medtronic initially considered using a double-cuff
design but ultimately decided to use a single-cuff design for the Laser-Shield II.
Hissong testified a double-cuff design can give users a "false sense of security" in
continuing the procedure even though the lower cuff and tube are vulnerable to
puncture. Hissong also testified the double cuff can prevent the user from realizing that
the upper cuff is damaged.
Hissong testified that Medtronic modified the Laser-Shield II in 1999 to prevent
"inadvertent cuff rupture" by "extending] the wrapping" underneath the cuff and adding
a section "that would be more laser resistant," making "the Laser-Shield II the most
laser-resistant tube on the market." Hissong testified Medtronic investigated each of the
reports of airway fires and concluded that in seven of the eight reports, the surgeon or
anesthesiologist was responsible for the airway fire.
11
No. 71411-2-1/12
Mechanical engineer and medical device design expert Dr. Samsun Lampotang
is a professor of anesthesiology, affiliate professor of mechanical engineering and
aerospace engineering, and affiliate professor of biomedical engineering at the
University of Florida. Dr. Lampotang testified that in his opinion, Medtronic exercised
the care that a reasonably prudent medical device manufacturer would exercise in
designing and testing the Laser-Shield II and the device was reasonably safe. Dr.
Lampotang disagreed with Dr. Samaras that the double-cuff design is a "redundant
safety system." Dr. Lampotang testified the two cuffs perform different functions: the
upper cuff acts as a barrier, protecting the cuff below from laser strike, while the lower
cuff seals the trachea and prevents oxygen from leaking out. Dr. Lampotang testified
that in his opinion, the single "lay flat" cuff on the Laser-Shield II "provides a better seal"
than the "preshaped" cuff used in the double-cuff design. Dr. Lampotang also testified
that it was more difficult to detect quickly a leak in a double-cuff endotracheal tube.
Dr. Paul Flint, the chair of otolaryngology, head, and neck surgery at Oregon
Health and Science University, testified about the double-cuff and single-cuff
endotracheal tubes manufactured by Mallinckrodt and Medtronic. Dr. Flint testified that
he had used the Mallinckrodt double-cuff endotracheal tube in approximately 50
surgeries and the Medtronic Laser-Shield II in approximately 200 surgeries. Dr. Flint
testified the Laser-Shield II provided "better laser resistance" and additional protection.
Dr. Flint also testified about a 1994 study published by Dr. Mitchell Sosis. Dr. Flint
testified that it was the only study that compared the Mallinckrodt double-cuff
endotracheal tube and the single-cuff Laser-Shield II endotracheal tube. Dr. Flint said
the study showed that "under extreme conditions," the Mallinckrodt dual-cuff tube
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No. 71411-2-1/13
combusted but the Laser-Shield II did not. Dr. Flint also testified about Medtronic's
investigation of each of the eight "adverse events" involving the Laser-Shield II and
agreed with the conclusion that "user error" on the part of the surgeon or
anesthesiologist was involved in seven of the eight events.
Timothy Ulatowski is the vice president of a consulting company for medical
device manufacturers. Ulatowski testified about the design of the Laser-Shield II and
the FDA regulations, procedures, and policies. Ulatowski testified that as designed, the
Laser-Shield II "is reasonably safe and effective." Ulatowski testified that the FDA also
determined that the Laser-Shield II was reasonably safe as designed.
The evidentiary portion of the trial concluded the day before Thanksgiving on
Wednesday, November 27. Anderson had submitted "Amended Proposed Instructions"
that included the same jury instruction the court read to the jury at the start of the case
defining the duty of care that applies to the manufacturer of an unavoidably unsafe
medical device based on WPI 110.02.01.
The court scheduled closing arguments for Tuesday, December 3. Before
adjourning for the Thanksgiving recess, the court provided the parties with a packet of
proposed jury instructions. The court stated it compared the instructions the parties
proposed "to the preinstructions to try to be consistent." The court stated the jury
instruction on the duty of care of Medtronic as a medical device manufacturer was
consistent with the "agreed" Pre-lnstruction.
On Monday, December 2, Anderson filed "Supplemental Amended Proposed
Instructions." The supplemental instructions included a jury instruction on adherence to
governmental standards, an instruction informing the jury that Medtronic did not claim a
13
No. 71411-2-1/14
patent prevented "incorporating a double-cuff into their product," and a jury instruction
that sets forth the tests that are used to determine the duty of a manufacturer in a strict
liability design defect case.
On December 3, Anderson filed written "Objections and Exceptions to Jury
Instructions." Anderson argued that because the "negligence instruction to be given by
the Court refers to the duty of the manufacturer to use reasonable care 'to design
medical devices that are reasonably safe'" and the instruction "taken from WPI
110.02.01 . . . defines 'reasonable care' but it does not define 'reasonably safe' or
instruct the jury as to the factors to be considered in determining whether or not a
product is reasonably safe," the "instructions for the jury in determining whether a
product is not reasonably safe are found in WPI 110.02."2 Anderson claimed the
"proposed instructions are based upon WPI 110.02, and should be given in addition to
those in WPI 11[0].02.01, which define the reasonable care."
The court refused to give the proposed supplemental jury instruction based on
WP1110.02. The court decided to use the Amended Proposed Instruction Anderson
previously submitted on November 27 to instruct the jury on the negligent design defect
claim against Medtronic based on WPI 110.02.01, Manufacturer's Duty—Design—
Unavoidably Unsafe Products—Negligence—Comment K, to instruct the jury on the
duty of a medical device manufacturer of an unavoidably unsafe product under
comment k of Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A.
In closing argument, Anderson argued the hospital was negligent in giving the
doctors the "wrong tube." Anderson argued Dr. Paugh violated the standard of care by
"hitting the cuff and deflating the cuff with the laser" causing the airway fire. Anderson
Emphasis in original.
14
No. 71411-2-1/15
also argued Dr. Paugh did not obtain Anderson's informed consent to use the Laser-
Shield II. Anderson asserted Dr. Schatz violated the standard of care and caused the
airway fire by administering "100 percent oxygen." Anderson argued Medtronic did not
design the "safest device possible for all reasonably foreseeable circumstances" and did
not "test and analyze [the] product to make it safer." Anderson argued Medtronic knew
of problems with the Laser-Shield II and failed to act to make its product safer by
incorporating a double-cuff design.
I would like you to think about this question as you listen to counsel for
Medtronic talk. Since September of 2000, when the Laser-Shield II
enhanced was launched, what did you do to test and analyze your product
to try to make it safer? What did they do? Just listen to the evidence.
What did they do?
One thing we know is that including [Anderson's] case, that there
were ten adverse events. Four of those events were life-threatening.
Four of those events were life-threatening before [Anderson]. What we do
know is that the company has told you that they didn't do anything since
September of 2000. They have no plans to do anything in the future. No
testing. No study. No analysis. They're just going to blame the doctors
and the hospitals and the users for what's gone on out there with this
product.
I wanted to say that first because I think that's the single most
important thing in terms of Medtronic's case that you're here to decide.
Well, what did they do? Did they take actions to try and make their
product safer or did they close their eyes?
In terms of reasonable care, ifyou could turn to exhibit number 20,
the next exhibit. This defines what reasonable care is. And reasonable
care, pardon me if Idon't read it all, is basically to design the medical
devices that are reasonably safe, and their obligation and duty is to act as
a reasonably prudent medical device company.
So when you answer this question, since September of 2000, what
did you do to test and analyze your product to make it safer, this is the
standard that would apply. Were they trying to make the best and safest
device possible for all reasonable foreseeable circumstances in the ten to
twelve years between the launch of this product and when [Anderson] got
burned?
15
No. 71411-2-1/16
If you'd go back to . . . the burden of proof instruction, it gives you a
guide. If you go back to instruction number 19, we're claiming that they
did not — they did not meet their burden to make the safest and best
device possible because they didn't test and analyze their product. They
didn't incorporate into their product a known safety feature, which is the
double cuff.
Dr. Paugh argued the fire occurred because oxygen leaked out around the cuff of
the Laser-Shield II "without the laser striking the cuff at all." Dr. Paugh also argued he
did not have a duty to warn Anderson of the risk of airway fire during a laser procedure
because it was an "incredibly rare event."
Dr. Schatz argued the high oxygen level was not a proximate cause of the fire.
According to Dr. Schatz, "there was no leak with that cuff and there were a number of
other ways the fire could have occurred, including laser strike and perforation of the
cuff.
Medtronic argued the only witness Anderson called to testify about the design of
the Laser-Shield II was not qualified and the overwhelming evidence presented by the
other witnesses established it was not negligent. Medtronic described the testimony of
the design engineers and medical experts to show the Laser-Shield II was reasonably
safe as designed and Medtronic met the standard of care.
[W]hat about all these standard, regulations, guidances, information, all
the parties brought before you.
. . . [I]f you are going to use these endotracheal tubes, which can
be lit on fire, can be caught on fire unfortunately, you know, then use one
with a cuff. Use one that's laser resistant. Which ours meets both those
qualifications. It doesn't say use a dual cuff or a triple cuff or a quadruple
cuff. It says cuffed. Cuffed. That's what this standard says.
. . . And so what is the literature? Well, you know, you heard Dr.
Flint, and I used this also with Dr. Benumof, the Sosis article. You hear
Sosis' name. He's written quite a bit on airway fires. And he did a study
and you heard, remember Dr. Flint said, this is the only study that
compares the two, in terms of peer-reviewed literature, Dr. Flint says, and
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No. 71411-2-1/17
I believe based on this and everything else, my use, my clinical use, the
single cuff laser is safer. But if you look at this with the application of a
liability there was immediate combustion in all four Mallinckrodt LaserFlex
tubes, and it ultimately said this is the Xomed Laser Shield II endotracheal
tubes provides good protection. Reasonably safe design. Standards say
so. Regulations say so. Vast majority of witnesses say so.
Medtronic also pointed to the evidence that showed it met the standard of care to
test, analyze, and inspect and to keep abreast of scientific knowledge and research.
[T]he manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care to test and analyze
and inspect. As had been described by Mr. Hissong, and Mr. Ulatowski
with submissions, and Dr. Lampotang, Dr. Flint. And then also the
manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care to keep abreast of
scientific knowledge, discoveries, advances, and researches in the field.
Well, you will remember that, on this point, what was the evidence
on this? On testing, analyzing and inspecting? Well, you received
testimony from Mr. Hissong, Mr. Ulatowski, Dr. Lampotang. They all
reviewed the extensive testings, including on the cuff and the area below.
. . . The FDA reviewed testing and they didn't request anymore. They
asked questions.. .. You will see all that.
The testing that's listed right on the [Instructions for Use], which is
Exhibit 503, that you will have in evidence. Years of clinical results.
Thousands and thousands of patients. Feedback from the physicians, the
leaders at the conferences. And remember that testimony that was every
single cuff is tested one last time. And in addition he said, worst case
scenario testing is conducted. ... So all that testing was described to you.
And what about keeping abreast of the scientific, knowledge,
discoveries, advances, and research of the field? Well, remember the
slide in his testimony? I had Mr. Hissong on the stand. And I went
through all this because I thought this would be important one day. This is
all the information, and you will remember this, you will have your notes.
He attends conferences. His team is looking at all the data. Keeping
abreast. They get monthly reports of all the literature. They have a
clinical affairs department. Their marketing department is monitoring. The
quality assurance and customer loyalty is looking at adverse events, and
doing testing on each returned device, and all the — they have a one eight
hundred number to take information. They are attending regulatory
conferences.
There is so much information coming in and they are monitoring
this. It's not like they put this on the market and that's it. No. Look at all
the different departments that are set up out of Jacksonville, out of Xomed
keeping abreast of scientific, knowledge, discoveries, advantages of the
research of the field. And that's how it's done. That's how they meet this.
And [Anderson] didn't present a shred of evidence to counter this.
17
No. 71411-2-1/18
By special verdict form, the jury found Dr. Schatz and Wenatchee Anesthesia
Associates, Dr. Paugh and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, and nonparty Central
Washington Hospital were negligent and proximately caused Anderson's damages in
the amount of $18 million. The jury found Dr. Paugh did not fail to obtain the informed
consent of Anderson. The jury found Medtronic was not negligent. The jury attributed
52.5 percent of the fault to Dr. Schatz and Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates, 42.5
percent to Dr. Paugh and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, and 5 percent to the
hospital. The court reduced the judgment by $900,000 to account for the fault attributed
to the nonparty hospital. The court entered a judgment of $17.1 million against Dr.
Schatz and Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates, and Dr. Paugh and Wenatchee Valley
Medical Center.
Appeal
Dr. Paugh and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, and Dr. Schatz and
Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates appealed entry of the judgment on the jury verdict.
Anderson appealed the order granting Medtronic's motion for summary judgment on
failure to warn, the judgment on the verdict in favor of Medtronic, and the award of
costs.3 In July 2014, Dr. Schatz and Wenatchee Anesthesia Associates, and Dr. Paugh
and Wenatchee Valley Medical Center filed a motion to withdraw their appeals and
dismiss the appeals with prejudice. We granted the motion.
In September 2014, Anderson withdrew her assignment of error as to the
summary judgment dismissal of the failure to warn claim against Medtronic. On
September 17, we granted the motion to substitute Dorothy L. Payne as the personal
3 This court consolidated the defendants' appeals and linked Anderson's appeal.
18
No. 71411-2-1/19
representative of the Estate of Becky S. Anderson, deceased, and amend the caption.
ANALYSIS
Refusal to Give Proposed Jury Instruction
Anderson contends the court erred in refusing to give the supplemental proposed
instruction based on the WPI used for a strict liability design defect claim, WPI 110.02,
"Manufacturer's Duty—Design," to define "reasonably safe" as used in the WPI for a
negligent design comment k claim against Medtronic, WPI 110.02.01, Manufacturer's
Duty—Design—Unavoidably Unsafe Products—Negligence—Comment K.
Standard of Review
We review the decision not to give a jury instruction for abuse of discretion.
Ferqen v. Sestero, 182 Wash. 2d 794, 802, 346 P.3d 708 (2015). The language of jury
instructions are matters left to the trial court's discretion. Young v. Key
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 130 Wash. 2d 160, 176, 922 P.2d 59 (1996). " 'Jury instructions are
sufficient when they allow counsel to argue their theory of the case, are not misleading,
and when read as a whole properly inform the trier of fact of the applicable law.'" Keller
v. City of Spokane, 146 Wash. 2d 237, 249, 44 P.3d 845 (2002) (quoting Bodin v. City of
Stanwood. 130 Wash. 2d 726, 732, 927 P.2d 240 (1996)). "[A] 'trial court need never give
a requested instruction that is erroneous in any respect.'" Crossen v. Skagit County,
100 Wash. 2d 355, 360-61, 669 P.2d 1244 (1983) (quoting Voqel v. Alaska S.S. Co., 69
Wash. 2d 497, 503, 419 P.2d 141 (1966)).4
"Here, unlike in Hub Clothing Co. v. City of Seattle. 117 Wash. 251, 253-54, 201 P. 6 (1921), and
Barrett v. Lucky Seven Saloon, Inc., 152 Wash. 2d 259, 274-75, 96 P.3d 386 (2004), the instructions
correctly informed the jury of the applicable law, were not misleading, and permitted Anderson to argue
her theory of the case. Anderson's theory of the case was that Medtronic violated its duty of care to
design medical devices that are reasonably safe.
19
No. 71411-2-1/20
We review alleged errors of law in jury instructions de novo. Anfinson v. FedEx
Ground Package Svs., Inc., 174 Wash. 2d 851, 860, 281 P.3d 289 (2012). "An erroneous
instruction is reversible error only if it is prejudicial to a party." Fergen, 182 Wash. 2d at
803; Barrett v. Lucky Seven Saloon, Inc., 152 Wash. 2d 259, 267, 96 P.3d 386 (2004). If
the instruction contains a clear misstatement of law, prejudice is presumed and is
grounds for reversal unless it can be shown that the error was harmless. Fergen, 182
Wash. 2d at 803. The party challenging an instruction bears the burden of establishing
prejudice. Griffin v. W. RS. Inc., 143 Wash. 2d 81, 91, 18 P.3d 558 (2001).
Strict Liability Design Defect Claim Restatement (Second) of Torts Section 402A
The Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A addresses design defect
claims. Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A states, in pertinent part, "One who
sells any product in a defective condition unreasonably dangerous to the user or
consumer or to his property is subject to liability for physical harm thereby caused to the
ultimate user." §402A(1).
In 1969, the Washington Supreme Court adopted Restatement (Second) of Torts
section 402A and strict liability for design defect claims against manufacturers. Ulmerv.
Ford Motor Co., 75 Wash. 2d 522, 532, 452 P.2d 729 (1969). In Seattle-First National
Bank v. Tabert. 86 Wash. 2d 145, 154, 542 P.2d 774 (1975), the court held that "[i]f a
product is unreasonably dangerous, it is necessarily defective. The plaintiff may, but
should not be required to prove defectiveness as a separate matter." For purposes of
defining "unreasonably dangerous," the Washington Supreme Court used the consumer
expectations standard of "reasonably safe" adopted in Tabert. Falkv. KeeneCorp., 113
Wash. 2d 645, 649, 782 P.2d 974 (1989) (citing Tabert, 86 Wash. 2d at 154); see also
20
No. 71411-2-1/21
Lenhardtv. Ford Motor Co.. 102 Wash. 2d 208, 212, 683 P.2d 1097 (1984) ("our rule of
strict liability focuses attention upon the product and not upon the actions of the seller or
manufacturer").
After examining a number of possible formulations for "consumer
expectations," we held that liability is imposed if the product is
"unsafe to an extent beyond that which would be reasonably
contemplated by the ordinary consumer. . . .
In determining the reasonable expectations of the ordinary
consumer, a number of factors must be considered. The relative
cost of the product, the gravity of the potential harm from the
claimed defect and the cost and feasibility of eliminating or
minimizing the risk may be relevant in a particular case. In other
instances the nature of the product or the nature of the claimed
defect may make other factors relevant to the issue."
Falk. 113 Wash. 2d at 6495 (quoting Tabert. 86 Wash. 2d at 154).
Restatement (Second) of Torts Section 402A Comment K
The Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A comment k establishes an
exception to strict liability for "unavoidably unsafe products" such as prescription drugs
and medical devices. Ruiz-Guzman v. Amvac Chem. Corp., 141 Wash. 2d 493, 505-06, 7
P.3d 795 (2000) (citing Terhune v. A. H. Robins Co.. 90 Wash. 2d 9, 12, 577 P.2d 975
(1978)). The comment k exception applies to medical devices that have a high risk of
possible harmful effects but are "necessary regardless of the risks involved to the user."
Rogers v. Miles Labs.. Inc.. 116 Wash. 2d 195, 204, 802 P.2d 1346 (1991).
Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A comment k states:
Unavoidably unsafe products. There are some products which, in the
present state of human knowledge, are quite incapable of being made
safe for their intended and ordinary use. These are especially common in
the field of drugs. An outstanding example is the vaccine for the Pasteur
treatment of rabies, which not uncommonly leads to very serious and
damaging consequences when it is injected. Since the disease itself
1Alteration in original.
21
No. 71411-2-1/22
invariably leads to a dreadful death, both the marketing and the use of the
vaccine are fully justified, notwithstanding the unavoidable high degree of
risk which they involve. Such a product, properly prepared, and
accompanied by proper directions and warning, is not defective, nor is it
unreasonably dangerous. The same is true of many other drugs,
vaccines, and the like, many of which for this very reason cannot legally
be sold except to physicians, or under the prescription of a physician. It is
also true in particular of many new or experimental drugs as to which,
because of lack of time and opportunity for sufficient medical experience,
there can be no assurance of safety, or perhaps even of purity of
ingredients, but such experience as there is justifies the marketing and
use of the drug notwithstanding a medically recognizable risk. The seller
of such products, again with the qualification that they are properly
prepared and marketed, and proper warning is given, where the situation
calls for it, is not to be held to strict liability for unfortunate consequences
attending their use, merely because he has undertaken to supply the
public with an apparently useful and desirable product, attended with a
known but apparently reasonable risk.[6]
The rationale underlying the comment k exception is that the social utility of
having certain products available outweighs the risk posed by their use.
Comment k justifies an exception from strict liability by focusing on
the product and its relative value to society, rather than on the
manufacturer's position in the stream of commerce. Some products are
necessary regardless of the risk involved to the user. The alternative
would be that a product, essential to sustain the life of some individuals,
would not be available—thus resulting in a greater harm to the individual
than that risked through use of the product.
Rogers. 116 Wn.2d at204.7
Washington Product Liability Act
In 1981, the legislature adopted the Washington product liability act (WPLA),
chapter 7.72 RCW. Uws of 1981, ch. 27, § 1. Under RCW 7.72.030(1), "[a] product
manufacturer is subject to liability to a claimant if the claimant's harm was proximately
caused by the negligence of the manufacturer in that the product was not reasonably
6 Emphasis in original.
7 Italics omitted.
22
No. 71411-2-1/23
safe as designed or not reasonably safe because adequate warnings or instructions
were not provided." RCW 7.72.030(1 )(a) states a product "is not reasonably safe" if
at the time of manufacture, the likelihood that the product would cause the
claimant's harm or similar harms, and the seriousness of those harms,
outweighed the burden on the manufacturer to design a product that
would have prevented those harms and the adverse effect that an
alternative design that was practical and feasible would have on the
usefulness of the product.
The statute states that "[i]n determining whether a product was not reasonably safe
under this section, the trier of fact shall consider whether the product was unsafe to an
extent beyond that which would be contemplated by the ordinary consumer." RCW
7.72.030(3).
In Falk. the Washington Supreme Court held that although RCW 7.72.030(1)
uses the word "negligence," "ordinary negligence is not the standard for design defect
claims" under the WLPA. Falk. 113 Wash. 2d at 653. The court held that "because
consumer expectations are still to be considered by the trier of fact, the Legislature has
retained aspects of the buyer-oriented approach which existed before the tort reform act
of 1981." Falk, 113 Wash. 2d at 653.
Section (2) [of RCW 7.72.030] provides that a manufacturer is
"strictly liable" for harm caused by products not reasonably safe in
construction or in nonconformance with warranties. Significantly, there is
no risk-utility balancing test required for this type of product liability claim.
Because the Legislature thought that type of balancing to be "akin" to
negligence, but did not intend that it be undertaken for claims under
section (2), it is also not surprising that the term "strict liability" is used in
the section. Put simply, the Legislature evidently doubted that what we
termed "strict liability" in Tabert is, or should be called, "strict liability."
This semantic distinction does not alter the fact that the statute sets
forth the same type of design defect analysis which we adopted in Tabert.
Therefore, a design defect product liability claim is still a strict liability
claim, as the term is used in Tabert. Further, the focus is still on the
reasonable safety of the product. Moreover, because consumer
expectations are still to be considered by the trier of fact, the Legislature
23
No. 71411-2-1/24
has retained aspects of the buyer-oriented approach which existed before
the tort reform act of 1981. This is entirely consistent with the stated
purpose of the act "that the right of the consumer to recover for injuries
sustained as a result of an unsafe product not be unduly impaired." Laws
of 1981, ch. 27, §1.
Falk, 113Wn.2dat653.
The court held the WPLA allows the plaintiff to show the product is "not
reasonably safe as designed" under a risk utility test or, in the alternative, under the
consumer expectations test that requires the plaintiff to show the product was "unsafe to
an extent beyond that which would be contemplated by the ordinary consumer." RCW
7.72.030(1 )(a), (3); Fajk, 113 Wash. 2d at 653.
Consistent with the WPLA and case law, the WPI for a strict liability design defect
claim against a manufacturer, WPI 110.02, Manufacturer's Duty—Design (Strict Liability
Instruction), states the risk utility and consumer expectations tests are used to
determine whether a product is not reasonable safety as designed. The comment to the
Strict Liability Instruction states that "because the risk-utility test involves strict liability
principles," the instructions do not include the term "negligence."8 WPI 110.02, at 632.
The Strict Liability Instruction states:
A manufacturer has a duty to design products that are reasonably
safe as designed.
There are two tests for determining whether a product is not
reasonably safe as designed. The plaintiff may prove that the product was
not reasonably safe at the time it left the manufacturer's control using
either of these two tests.
The first test is a balancing test. Under that test, you should
determine whether, at the time the product was manufactured:
8 Further, neither of the burden of proof instructions, the Strict Liability Instruction nor WPI 110.21,
include the term "negligence." See Soproni v. Polygon Apartment Partners, 137 Wash. 2d 319, 326-30, 971
P.2d 500 (1999); Fa]k, 113 Wash. 2d at 657.
24
No. 71411-2-1/25
the likelihood that the product would cause
injury or damage similar to that claimed by the
plaintiff, and the seriousness of such injury or
damage
outweighed
the burden on the manufacturer to design a
product that would have prevented the injury or
damage, and the adverse effect that a practical
and feasible alternative design would have on
the usefulness of the product.
The second test is whether the product is unsafe to an extent
beyond that which would be contemplated by the ordinary user. In
determining what an ordinary user would reasonably expect, you should
consider the following:
a. The relative cost of the product;
b. The seriousness of the potential harm from the
claimed defect;
c. The cost and feasibility of eliminating or minimizing
the risk; and
d. Such [other] factors as the nature of the product and
the claimed defect indicate are appropriate.
[A product can be "not reasonably safe" even though the risk that it
would cause the plaintiff's harm or similar harms was not foreseeable by
the manufacturer at the time the product left the manufacturer's control.]
If you find that the product was not reasonably safe as designed at
the time it left the manufacturer's control and this was a proximate cause
of the plaintiff's [injury] [and] [or] [damage], then the manufacturer is
[subject to liability] [at fault].
The comment k exception for unavoidably unsafe products continues to apply to
a negligent design defect claim against a manufacturer even though not expressly
provided for in the WPLA. The Washington Supreme Court in Ruiz-Guzman holds
"[t]here is no debate" the comment k exception to the Restatement (Second) of Torts
25
No. 71411-2-1/26
section 402A "has been expressly adopted by this court." Ruiz-Guzman, 141 Wash. 2d at
506 (citing Terhune, 90 Wash. 2d at 9). The court states that although "the comment k
exception to strict liability was not expressly provided for by the Legislature in adopting
the WPLA, ... it is implicit that products that are 'unavoidably unsafe' are not products
that ever could be 'reasonably safe as designed.'" Ruiz-Guzman, 141 Wash. 2d at 5069
(quoting RCW 7.72.030(1)). The exception "recognize[s] the unique protection provided
to the consumers of such products by the prescribing physician (and/or pharmacist)
intermediary." Ruiz-Guzman. 141 Wash. 2d at 508. Because an unavoidably unsafe
product such as a medical device is incapable of being made completely safe, the court
adopted a negligence standard for design defect claims involving comment k products.
Ruiz-Guzman. 141 Wash. 2d at 507-08.
Accordingly, the WPI for a design defect claim against a medical device
manufacturer of an unavoidably unsafe product under comment k, WPI 110.02.01
(Comment K Negligence Instruction), makes clear that the standard is negligence and
the focus is on the conduct of the manufacturer to use reasonable care to design a
medical product that is reasonably safe. "Reasonable care is to be determined by what
the manufacturer knew or reasonably should have known at the time of the plaintiffs
injury." WPI 110.02.01, at 635. The Comment K Negligence Instruction states:
A [pharmaceutical] [medical product] manufacturer has a duty to
use reasonable care to design [drugs] [medical products] that are
reasonably safe. "Reasonable care" means the care that a reasonably
prudent [pharmaceutical] [medical product] manufacturer would exercise
in the same or similar circumstances. A failure to use reasonable care is
negligence.
9 Italics omitted, emphasis in original.
26
No. 71411-2-1/27
The question of whether a manufacturer exercised reasonable care
is to be determined by what the manufacturer knew or reasonably should
have known at the time of the plaintiff's injury.
In determining what a manufacturer reasonably should have known
in regard to designing its product, you should consider the following:
A [pharmaceutical] [medical product] manufacturer has a duty to
use reasonable care to test, analyze, and inspect the products it sells, and
is presumed to know what such tests would have revealed.
A [pharmaceutical] [medical product] manufacturer has a duty to
use reasonable care to keep abreast of scientific knowledge, discoveries,
advances, and research in the field, and is presumed to know what is
imparted thereby.
Here, the court used Anderson's proposed Comment K Negligence Instruction to
instruct the jury. Jury instruction 20 states:
As to the plaintiff's claim against the Medtronic Defendants, a
medical device manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care to design
medical devices that are reasonably safe. "Reasonable care" means the
care that a reasonably prudent medical device manufacturer would
exercise in the same or similar circumstances. A failure to use reasonable
care is negligence.
The question of whether a medical device manufacturer exercised
reasonable care is to be determined by what the manufacturer knew or
reasonably should have known at the time the device left its control.
In determining what a medical device manufacturer reasonably
should have known in regard to designing its device, you should consider
the following:
A medical device manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care
to test, analyze, and inspect the products it sells, and is presumed to know
what such tests would have revealed.
A medical device manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care
to keep abreast of scientific knowledge, discoveries, advances, and
research in the field, and is presumed to know what is imparted thereby.
But Anderson asserts the court erred in refusing to give her supplemental jury
instruction on the risk utility and consumer expectations tests to define whether a
medical device is reasonably safe. The proposed supplemental instruction deletes the
clearly inapplicable language of the Strict Liability Instruction that states, "A
27
No. 71411-2-1/28
manufacturer has a duty to design products that are reasonably safe as designed," but
otherwise sets forth verbatim the tests used in determining a strict liability design defect
claim: the risk utility and consumer expectations tests.10
To prove a strict liability claim against a manufacturer, the WPLA and case law
make clear the plaintiff can show the product is not reasonably safe two different ways:
the risk utility and consumer expectations tests. Anderson claims that because the
Comment K Negligence Instruction does not define "reasonably safe," the court must
instruct the jury to use the risk utility and consumer expectations tests. We disagree.
Under the WPLA and case law, the risk utility and consumer expectations tests
are used to determine whether a manufacturer is strictly liable and do not apply to a
negligence design defect claim under comment k. And contrary to the assertion of
Anderson, the Comment K Negligence Instruction addresses the factors the jury should
consider in determining whether a medical device manufacturer used reasonable care
10 Anderson's proposed supplemental jury instruction states:
There are two tests for determining whether a medical product is not reasonably
safe as designed. The plaintiff may prove that the medical product was not reasonably
safe using either of these two tests.
The first test is a balancing test. Under that test, you should determine whether,
at the time the product was manufactured:
the likelihood that the product would cause injury or damage similar to
that claimed by the plaintiff, and the seriousness of such injury or
damage
outweighed
the burden on the manufacturer to design a product that would have
prevented the injury or damage, and the adverse effect that a practical
and feasible alternative design would have on the usefulness of the
product.
The second test is whether the product is unsafe to an extent beyond that which
would be contemplated by the ordinary health care provider user. In determining what an
ordinary health care provider user would reasonably expect, you should consider the
following:
a. The relative cost of the product;
b. The seriousness of the potential harm from the claimed defect;
c. The cost and feasibility of eliminating or minimizing the risk; and
d. Such [other] factors as the nature of the product and the claimed
defect indicate are appropriate.
28
No. 71411-2-1/29
to design a medical device that is reasonably safe. Specifically, "[i]n determining what a
medical device manufacturer reasonably should have known in regard to designing its
device," the jury must consider:
A medical device manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care
to test, analyze, and inspect the products it sells, and is presumed to know
what such tests would have revealed.
A medical device manufacturer has a duty to use reasonable care
to keep abreast of scientific knowledge, discoveries, advances, and
research in the field, and is presumed to know what is imparted thereby.
The court did not err in refusing to give the supplemental jury instruction. The
instruction the court gave to the jury correctly describes the duty of a manufacturer of
unavoidably unsafe products in designing reasonably safe medical devices under
comment k of the Restatement (Second) of Torts section 402A.
Costs Award under RCW 4.84.010
Anderson also contends the court erred by awarding Medtronic the cost of eight
depositions. Anderson asserts Medtronic did not show that the depositions used at trial
were "necessary to achieve the successful result." RCW 4.84.010(7). Anderson also
argues Medtronic did not establish the pro rata cost for depositions used at trial under
RCW 4.84.010(7). Anderson argued the costs of the depositions should be "disallowed
in total."
We review an award of costs for abuse of discretion. In re Discipline of
VanDerbeek, 153 Wash. 2d 64, 99, 101 P.3d 88 (2004). Under RCW 4.84.010(7), a
prevailing party is entitled to the costs of taking depositions if the depositions were
taken and used at trial as substantive evidence or for impeachment purposes. Kiewit-
29
No. 71411-2-1/30
Grice v. State. 77 Wash. App. 867, 874, 895 P.2d 6 (1995); Andrews v. Burke. 55 Wn.
App. 622, 630-31, 779 P.2d 740 (1989). RCW4.84.010 states, in pertinent part:
The measure and mode of compensation of attorneys and counselors,
shall be left to the agreement, expressed or implied, of the parties, but
there shall be allowed to the prevailing party upon the judgment certain
sums for the prevailing party's expenses in the action, which allowances
are termed costs, including, in addition to costs otherwise authorized by
law, the following expenses:
(7) To the extent that the court or arbitrator finds that it was
necessary to achieve the successful result, the reasonable expense of the
transcription of depositions used at trial or at the mandatory arbitration
hearing: PROVIDED, That the expenses of depositions shall be allowed
on a pro rata basis for those portions of the depositions introduced into
evidence or used for purposes of impeachment.
In addition, "[a] party that prevails on a summary judgment motion may recover
costs 'incurred in taking depositions specifically considered by the trial court.'" Estep v.
Hamilton. 148 Wash. App. 246, 260, 201 P.3d 331 (2008) (quoting Herried v. Pierce
County Pub. Transp. Benefit Auth. Corp.. 90 Wash. App. 468, 476, 957 P.2d 767 (1998)).
If only a portion of the deposition transcript was used, the prevailing party can recover
for that portion on a pro rata basis. RCW 4.84.010(7).
The record supports the award of costs for the eight depositions. Two of the
videotaped depositions, the deposition of Dr. Paugh and Scott Van Doren, were played
in their entirety at trial. The record shows the other depositions were used at trial during
cross-examination and for impeachment purposes. Further, in its order granting
Medtronic's motion for summary judgment on the failure to warn claim, the court states
it considered the depositions of Dr. Paugh, Dr. James Reibel, Dr. Barry Wenig, and
30
No. 71411-2-1/31
Scott Van Doren and both depositions of Dr. Samaras. The court did not abuse its
discretion by awarding Medtronic the costs for the eight depositions.
We affirm the jury verdict.
JLAa^l£ £~^T
WE CONCUR:
Cwi
31