Source: https://www.mmmlaw.com/media/defending-e-cigarette-claims-understanding-the-jury-verdict-in-hoce-v-r-l-sales/
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 11:17:16+00:00

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This alert analyzes what happened in this case and why the jury verdict was so significant. It also provides recommendations for strategies to employ in the defense of similar cases.
Hoce moved the court to exclude R-L Sales’ expert. While Hoce ultimately withdrew this motion and R-L Sales’ expert was permitted to testify, the parties agreed that the expert would not testify as to the chemistry of the battery or the internal reason for the battery failure.8 At trial, Hoce’s counsel’s cross-examination of R-L Sales’ expert explored his lack of education, training and experience.9 R-L Sales ultimately never presented an expert who could explain the internal failings of the battery.
In cases such as this, we recommend engaging a knowledgeable expert with experience in e-cigarette and battery malfunction investigation. Such an expert can conduct preliminary testing which can often determine the source of the malfunction, potentially resulting in a dismissal of the claims or saving time and money by narrowing topics of discovery. An expert with the proper education, training and experience can also help identify the manufacturer of the product and otherwise shed light on whether there are other potentially responsible parties. At trial such an expert would be less likely to be subject to a challenge to his or her testimony, and would likely have more credibility in the eyes of the jury. Such an expert would also likely be able to explain to the jury why the subject product failed.
Generally, under a strict liability theory, the seller of an unreasonably dangerous product may be found liable for the product’s defective condition despite the fact that the seller “exercised all possible care in the preparation and sale of [the] product.”11 Because Hoce proceeded on a theory of strict liability only, negligence or carelessness on the part of R-L Sales was not required.
When facing a strict liability claim, defendants should consider early on whether there are third parties that may be potential sources of contribution in the event of an adverse verdict. A defendant may also seek to shift blame to the plaintiff.12 R-L Sales attempted to do this in Hoce, but was unsuccessful, and the jury ultimately concluded that Hoce was not at fault for any portion of his claimed damages.13 It is important to determine what parties may have a relation to the product and if any of those parties could be at fault for the alleged damages.
Strict liability law varies by jurisdiction, and when faced with an e-cigarette claim alleging strict liability, we recommend engaging experienced counsel at the outset of the case. Robust fact investigation, including identifying the product and your relation to it, and exploring alternate possible causes for the alleged malfunction can be crucial to preventing an adverse verdict. In particular, evidence of heavy use, rough handling, or misuse by the plaintiff or other parties in the chain of distribution should be investigated.
A number of factors specific to the Hoce case may have contributed to the verdict, including the jurisdiction (Florida) in which the case proceeded. Of particular relevance to a potential defendant in e-cigarette litigation, the Florida Supreme Court has previously rejected the heightened Daubert standard that regulates the admission of expert testimony.14 Thus, Florida courts may be more inclined to allow the admission of expert testimony put on by plaintiffs than courts in other jurisdictions.
Understanding the Hoce case can assist all parties in the e-cig and vape chain of distribution develop strategies to limit or potentially avoid liability in similar cases.
 Hoce v. R-L Sales, LLC, et al., No. 01-2016-CA-3942 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Apr. 5, 2018).
 Cindy Swirko, Gainesville Man Wins $2M Verdict After E-Cigarette Explodes In His Mouth, Gainesville.com (April 6, 2018), http://www.gainesville.com/news/20180406/gainesville-man-wins-2m-verdict-after-e-cigarette-explodes-in-his-mouth.
 Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint at 7, Hoce v. R-L Sales, LLC (Feb. 14, 2017).
 See Verdict at 2, Hoce v. R-L Sales, LLC (Apr. 5, 2018) (assigning 100% “negligence [or fault]” to R-L Sales).
 Battery Seller Seeks Retrial After $2 Million Awarded For Exploding E-Cigarette, Lexis Legal News (May 1, 2018), https://www.lexislegalnews.com/articles/26340/battery-seller-seeks-retrial-after-2-million-awarded-for-exploding-e-cigarette.
 Plaintiff's Motion to Exclude Testimony of Defendant's Liability Expert Rick E. Crist at 2, Hoce v. R-L Sales, LLC (Mar. 16, 2018).
 Trial Transcript at 405-06, Hoce v. R-L Sales, LLC (Mar. 16, 2018).
 Id. at 407-18 (“I don't think you took any science classes, did you?... [Y]ou never got training in engineering?... You don't have any understanding of advanced chemistry?”).
 Restatement (Second) of Torts § 402A(a).
 The parties in Hoce disputed the role that comparative negligence would play in a strict liability analysis under Florida law.
 Verdict at 2, Hoce v. R-L Sales, LLC (Apr. 5, 2018).
 Florida, Judicial Hellholes, http://www.judicialhellholes.org/2017-2018/florida/ (last visited July 16, 2018).
 Plaintiff's Pretrial Statement, supra note 10, at 1.
 Order Granting Motion in Limine, Hoce v. R-L Sales, LLC (Mar. 26, 2018).
 Plaintiff's Consolidated Response In Opposition To Defendant R-L Sales, LLC's Motions at 7-8, Hoce v. R-L Sales, LLC (Apr. 18, 2018).

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