Legal Question in Product Liability in Minnesota

Potential Jumper Cable Disaster

I purchased a set of jumper cables from a gas station, in order to jump a car from my parking lot. I opened the case, attached the correct ''colored'' handles to the battery, grounded it, and attached the other side to the dead car. As soon as I did, I got sparks, and my car died. I quickly grabbed the cord and yanked to get the battery to stop sparking, and successfully deterred what could have been seriou or fatal. Afterwards, I looked at the cables, and the manufacturer put the handles on one side on wrong (red handle on negative cable, black on the positive). My car now will not start, (sounds like an ignition problem) and although I wasn't seriously injured, I very easily could have been with that sort of product oversight! What are my options? Can I sue?


Asked on 8/13/03, 7:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Todd Johnson Johnson & Bannon

Re: Potential Jumper Cable Disaster

If there was damage done to your car as a result of the jumper cables being improperly color coded you would have a claim against the manufacturer or possibly the distributor of the cables. You would not have a claim for anything the might of happened but didn't. Minnesota does not recognize such a claim.

While we are unable to accept your case or provide you with legal advice at this time, we would be happy to help you in the future on other matters.

You should be aware that there may be a statute of limitations or time within which you must resolve this matter. If you fail to commence an action within the time frame established by law, your claim may be forever barred.

Hope this answers your question.

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Answered on 8/13/03, 9:01 am


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