Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-00105/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-00105-39/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 365
Nature of Suit: Personal Injury - Product Liability
Cause of Action: 28:1331 Fed. Question: Personal Injury

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

WILLIAM LEE JOHNSON, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

NATURAL GAS FUEL SYSTEMS, INC. 

D.B.A. MOMENTUM FUEL 

TECHNOLOGY, et al.,

Defendants.

Case No. 1:19-cv-00105-SAB

ORDER RE STATEMENT OF CASE

DEADLINE: January 13, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

In the joint proposed jury instructions, the parties provided the following statement of the 

claims and defenses: 

On December 21, 2018, Plaintiff, William Lee Johnson, took 

delivery of a new truck his company, B & N Trucking, Inc., had 

purchased from Defendant, Papé Trucks. The truck was powered by 

a natural gas fueling system designed and manufactured by 

Defendant, Momentum Fuel Technologies. The fueling system 

contained within it carbon fiber overwrap tanks designed and 

manufactured by Defendant, Cobham Mission Systems. 

On the day Plaintiff took delivery he was fueling the truck for the 

first time when one of the carbon fiber overwrap tanks 

spontaneously ruptured, exploding the truck. Plaintiffs allege that 

the explosion caused Plaintiff William Lee Johnson to suffer 

physical, mental and emotional injuries for which he seeks 

monetary damages. Plaintiff, Joan Johnson alleges damages for loss 

of consortium. 

Plaintiff in Intervention Markel American Insurance Company was 

Case 1:19-cv-00105-SAB Document 249 Filed 01/10/25 Page 1 of 2
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the insurer of the fueling station where the explosion occurred. As a 

result of the explosion the station sustained substantial damage and 

was shut down for a period of time while repairs were made. As a 

result Markel paid benefits to its insured which it seeks to recover 

against the defendants in this action. Defendants dispute which of 

them caused the explosion. The parties have agreed that Markel’s 

damages are $498,921.33.

The parties agree that Plaintiff William Lee Johnson’s past medical 

expenses amount to $807,411.88. Otherwise, Defendants dispute 

the nature and extent of Plaintiffs’ damages.

(ECF No. 213 at 7.) 

The parties’ joint statement omits a summary of claims and defenses by any crosscomplainant or cross-defendant.

On January 10, 2025, the Court entered a stipulation by the parties regarding Mr. 

Johnson’s economic damages at trial. (ECF No. 247.) Such stipulation requires a modification 

be made to the summary of the claims and defenses that will be read to the jury. 

Accordingly, the parties are DIRECTED to prepare a revised joint proposed jury 

instruction number 3 to be filed with the Court no later than 9:00 a.m. on January 13, 2025. If

any cross-complainant intends to present any claim to the jury,1the parties shall also include a 

brief summary of their position. 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: January 10, 2025 

STANLEY A. BOONE

United States Magistrate Judge

1 The Court also notes that in joint proposed jury instruction number 17 regarding the outline of trial, the parties 

make no mention that any cross-complainant will be presenting a claim against any cross-defendant. Given the 

recent stipulation, the Court understands—and encourages—that the parties continue to work towards resolving 

issues in this action. However, by January 13, 2025, both the jury and Court need to be provided an accurate road 

map of this trial. 

Case 1:19-cv-00105-SAB Document 249 Filed 01/10/25 Page 2 of 2