Case Name: In re CERTIFIED QUESTIONS KARL v. BRYANT AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY
Court: Michigan Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Michigan
Decision Date: 1982-12-23
Citations: 416 Mich. 558
Docket Number: Docket No. 68258
Parties: In re CERTIFIED QUESTIONS KARL v BRYANT AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY
Judges: Fitzgerald, C.J., and Kavanagh, Levin, Coleman, and Ryan, JJ., concurred with Williams, J.
Reporter: Michigan Reports
Volume: 416
Pages: 558–580

Head Matter:
In re CERTIFIED QUESTIONS KARL v BRYANT AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY
Docket No. 68258.
Argued June 8, 1982
(Calendar No. 5).
Decided December 23, 1982.
William J. Karl brought an action in the Oakland Circuit Court against Bryant Air Conditioning Company and Carlysle Compressor Company, both divisions of Carrier Corporation, a New York corporation, for damages resulting from a malfunction of an air conditioner manufactured by the defendants. The plaintiff alleged negligence and breach of an implied warranty. The case was removed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on diversity grounds, and the law to be applied by that court was the substantive law of Michigan. While the case was pending, the Legislature adopted comparative negligence in products liability actions. The federal jury returned a verdict finding that the plaintiff had sustained damages, that the defendants had breached an implied warranty, and that the plaintiff’s negligence amounted to 95%. The United States District Court, Charles W. Joiner, J., entered judgment for the plaintiff for 5% of the total damages. On appeal by the plaintiff, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit certified to the Supreme Court of Michigan three questions of state law: 1) whether the products liability statute abrogated the principle that a person injured because of a breach of an implied warranty is entitled to recover the full measure of the damages sustained, irrespective of any negligence by him; 2) whether the statute, if construed to have so abrogated the principle, is to be applied to an action alleging breach of an implied warranty accruing and brought prior to the enactment of the statute and brought to trial after the effective date of the statute; and 3) if so applied, whether that application violates the Due Process Clause of the Michigan Constitution.
In an opinion by Justice Williams, joined by Chief Justice Fitzgerald and Justices Kavanagh, Levin, Coleman, and Ryan, the Supreme Court held:
References for Points in Headnotes
[1] 63 Am Jur 2d, Products Liability §§ 2-4.
[2] 63 Am Jur 2d, Products Liability §§ 32, 32.5.
[3, 4] 63 Am Jur 2d, Products Liability § 32.5.
Under the products liability statute, a person injured by a breach of an implied warranty, if negligent, is not entitled to recover the full amount of the damages sustained; the statute adopting comparative negligence in products liability actions may be applied to an action in implied warranty accruing and brought prior to its enactment, but tried after the effective date of the statute; and such application does not violate the Due Process Clause of the Michigan Constitution.
1. The statutory definition of a products liability action combined with the statute adopting comparative negligence for products liability actions indicates by plain and unambiguous language that the Legislature intended to apply comparative negligence to all products liability actions, regardless whether actions in negligence and breach of warranty remain extant or whether a new unified products liability action was created by the act. A products liability action is defined by the statute as an action based on any legal or equitable theory of liability for death or injury to person or property caused by or resulting from a product. In all products liability actions, contributory negligence does not bar recovery, but damages will be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff.
2. In determining whether the products liability statute adopting comparative negligence may be applied retroactively, it must be considered whether retroactive or prospective application is prescribed by the statute; whether the statute takes away or impairs vested rights acquired under existing laws, or creates a new obligation and imposes a new duty, or attaches a new disability with respect to transactions or considerations already past; and whether, if it does not destroy a vested right and is remedial or procedural, the injury or claim is antecedent to the enactment of the statute. In this case, the statute contains no language indicating either retroactive or prospective application. The statute does not interfere with a contractual cause of action of the plaintiff because an implied warranty action for personal injuries caused by a defective product is different from an action based on an express contract. Nor was the plaintiffs action totally barred by application of the statute. Because of his negligence, the total amount of damages which he could receive were reduced. The statute, in adopting comparative negligence, operates to improve and further a remedy and thus is remedial in nature.
3. The adoption of comparative negligence in products liabil ity actions is reasonable and does not violate the Due Process Clause of the state constitution. Application of the comparative negligence provision promotes an important societal policy while not destroying or barring the plaintiff’s cause of action.
Questions one and two are answered in the affirmative, and question three is answered in the negative.
1. Products Liability — Actions — Statutes.
A products liability action is one based on any legal or equitable theory of liability for death or injury to a person or property caused by or resulting from a product (MCL 600.2945, 600.2949; MSA 27A.2945, 27A.2949).
2. Products Liability — Contributory Negligence — Damages.
Contributory negligence does not bar recovery in a products liability action, but damages will be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the plaintiff (MCL 600.2945, 600.2949; MSA 27A.2945, 27A.2949).
3. Products Liability — Comparative Negligence — Retroactive Application.
The statute adopting comparative negligence in products liability actions may be applied retroactively because such application is not proscribed by the statute, does not interfere with a contractual cause of action, and does not bar the cause of action, and the statute is remedial (MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949).
4. Products Liability — Comparative Negligence — Due Process.
The adoption of comparative negligence in products liability actions is reasonable and does not violate the Due Process Clause of the state constitution; its application promotes an important societal policy while not destroying or barring a plaintiff’s cause of action (Const 1963, art 1, § 17; MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949).
Ronald R. Stempien, P.C., for the plaintiff.
Law Offices of Gofrank & Kelman (by Sally Steinhart, Barry M. Kelman, and Philip G. Bozzo) for the defendants.
Amici Curiae:
Plunkett, Cooney, Rutt, Watters, Stanczyk & Pedersen (by Ernest R. Bazzana) for Association of Defense Trial Counsel and Michigan Defense Trial Counsel.
Lopatin, Miller, Freedman, Bluestone, Erlich, Rosen & Bartnick (by Steven G. Silverman and Richard E. Shaw) for Michigan Trial Lawyers Association.

Opinion:
Williams, J.
Introduction
This is a case of first impression. The issues are whether the comparative negligence provisions of MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949, applies to a products liability action sounding in "negligence, breach of warranty and other misconduct"; and, if so, whether it is retrospective; and, if retrospective, whether it is constitutional.
This diversity case was removed from Oakland Circuit Court to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Plaintiff was injured when the terminal of an industrial air conditioner manufactured by defendant, a foreign corporation, blew out. After a verdict for the plaintiff, the federal trial judge, under MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949, reduced plaintiff's damages by the corresponding amount that plaintiff was negligent, which was 95% of the total.
Specifically, we have agreed to answer three questions certified to us by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The three questions are the following:
"I. Whether the Michigan products liability statute, MCL 600.2945 et seq.; MSA 27A.2945 et seq., is to be construed as abrogating the principle of Michigan implied warranty jurisprudence that a plaintiff injured by breach of an implied warranty is entitled to recover the full measure of damages sustained, irrespective of any negligence by the plaintiff.
"II. Whether the Michigan products liability statute, MCL 600.2945 et seq.; MSA 27A.2945 et seq., if so construed, is to be applied to an implied warranty action accruing and sued upon prior to the enactment of the statute and brought to trial after the effective date of the statute.
"III. Whether the Michigan products liability statute, MCL 600.2945 et seq.; MSA 27A.2945 et seq., if so construed and applied, violates the Due Process Clause (art 1, § 17) of the Michigan Constitution of 1963."
We hold first that under MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949 a plaintiff injured by breach of an implied warranty is not entitled to recover the full damages sustained, if the plaintiff was negligent. Second, under Michigan law, the comparative negligence principle established in MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949 can be applied to an implied warranty action accruing and sued upon prior to the enactment of the provision, but brought to trial after the effective date of that provision. Third, applying the statute in that way does not violate the Due Process Clause of the Michigan Constitution. Const 1963, art 1, § 17.
Facts
In certifying the instant case from the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit under GCR 1963, 797.2, the following statement of facts was entered by order:
"On May 23, 1975, while employed in Southfield, Michigan, as an air conditioner repairman, plaintiff William Karl was injured when the terminal of an industrial air conditioner manufactured by defendants blew out. On February 28, 1978, plaintiff filed suit in Oakland Circuit Court, alleging negligence and breach of implied warranty. Thereafter, the action was removed by defendants to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan pursuant to 28 USC 1441. As a case falling within federal diversity jurisdiction, the substantive law which the trial judge was obliged to apply, and which this Court is required to apply, is the substantive law of the State of Michigan.
"While this case was pending in the trial court, the Michigan Legislature, on December 13, 1978, enacted the Michigan products liability statute, MCL 600.2945 et seq. [MSA 27A.2945 et seq.], effective immediately. Thereafter, this action came for trial before the Hon. Charles W. Joiner and a jury. At the conclusion of trial, the jury returned a special verdict finding, in pertinent part, that the total damages sustained were $52,000.00, that defendants breached an implied warranty, that plaintiff was negligent, and that plaintiff's negligence amounted to 95% of the total.
"Defendants then sought entry of judgment in the amount of $2,600 (5% of $52,000), while plaintiff sought entry of judgment in the amount of $52,000, the fiill measure of damages. Judge Joiner accepted the position advocated by defendant. Plaintiff then appealed to this Court, presenting the above-described issues of Michigan law."
I. Whether the Michigan Products Liability Statute, MCL 600.2945 et seq.; MSA 27A.2945 et seq., Is To Be Construed As Abrogating the Principle of Michigan Implied Warranty Jurisprudence That a Plaintiff Injured by Breach of an Implied Warranty Is Entitled to Recover the Full Measure of Damages Sustained, Irrespective of any Negligence by the Plaintiff.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has requested that we consider whether the federal trial judge erred, as a matter of Michigan law, in reducing plaintiffs recovery by 95% under the comparative negligence principle adopted in MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949. This requires us to determine whether the comparative negligence principle in that section was intended to apply to products liability actions sounding in implied warranty. _
The plaintiff argues that both historically and presently products liability actions may sound either in negligence or breach of warranty without establishing privity with the defendant. See Spence v Three Rivers Builders & Masonry Supply, Inc, 353 Mich 120, 134-135; 90 NW2d 873 (1958); Piercefield v Remington Arms Co, Inc, 375 Mich 85, 98; 133 NW2d 129 (1965). He then makes three points. First, " 'concepts of negligence and fault, as defined by negligence standards, have no place in warranty recovery cases. Proof of negligence is unnecessary to liability for breach of implied warranty and the lack of it is immaterial to defense thereof ". Pierceñeld, supra, 96, quoting Picker X-Ray Corp v General Motors Corp, 185 A2d 919 (DC App, 1962). Second, the Legislature did not repeal the implied warranty cause of action in enacting MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949 and, thereby create a "single theory of recovery" as found by Jorae v Clinton Crop Service, 465 F Supp 952 (ED Mich, 1979). In other words, he argues there is no warrant to diminish the verdict by the percentage of plaintiff's comparative negligence, because a breach of warranty action is extant and is a contractual, not a negligence, action. Among other reasons advanced for this conclusion were (a), that since redress was sought for injury caused by "manufacture, construction, design", etc., the Legislature was not thinking of an implied warranty action, and (b), that the term "comparative fault" was rejected in favor of the term "comparative negligence". Third, in MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949, the Legislature intended to apply comparative negligence only to products liability negligence actions; and this also indicates that the Legislature was not thinking of implied warranty actions.
Defendant, on the other hand, has made two main arguments. First, referring to Jorae, supra, and to Justice Levin's opinion, as a Court of Appeals judge, in Cova v Harley Davidson Motor Co, 26 Mich App 602, 614; 182 NW2d 800 (1970), the defendant suggests that the Legislature in 1978 PA 495 may have intended to create "one theory of 'products liability' " and thereby eliminate the so-called contractual exemption from contributory negligence and comparative negligence. Second, defendant argued that the Legislature intended the comparative negligence provision to apply by its plain and specific language to "all" and "any" products liability actions._
Our reading of the statute does not require us to determine whether the Legislature completed the possible confluence of products liability negligence and implied warranty actions into one cause of action or whether two separate actions still remain extant. We hold that the combination of § 2949, the products liability comparative negligence section, and §2945, the section defining products liability actions, by plain, unambiguous language, indicates that the Legislature intended to apply comparative negligence to all products liability actions, regardless of whether two separate actions in negligence and breach of warranty remain extant or whether a new unified products liability action was created by the act.
Before examining the actual language of the statute, it is well to have in mind certain rules of statutory construction. The most important rule, of course, is to discover and give effect to the legislative intent. Spartan Asphalt Paving Co v Grand Ledge Mobile Home Park, 400 Mich 184, 187; 253 NW2d 646 (1977); Dussia v Monroe County Employees Retirement System, 386 Mich 244, 248; 191 NW2d 307 (1971).
The next rule is to derive the legislative intention from the actual language used in the statute. Grand Rapids v Crocker, 219 Mich 178, 182-183; 189 NW 221 (1922). If the language used is clear and the meaning of the words chosen is unambiguous, a common-sense reading of the provision will suffice, and no interpretation is necessary. Dussia v Monroe County Employees Retirement System, supra, p 248; MacQueen v City Comm of Port Huron, 194 Mich 328, 342; 160 NW 627 (1916).
We believe that the language of § 2949, particu larly in conjunction with § 2945, is clear and unambiguous. Sections 2949 and 2945 are here set out for review:
"Sec. 2949. (1) In all products liability actions brought to recover damages resulting from death or injury to person or property, the fact that the plaintiff may have been guilty of contributory negligence shall not bar a recovery by the plaintiff or the plaintiffs legal representatives, but damages sustained by the plaintiff shall be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff." (Emphasis added.)
"Sec. 2945. As used in sections 2946 to 2949 and section 5805, 'products liability action' means an action based on any legal or equitable theory of liability brought for or on account of death or injury to person or property. caused by or resulting from the manufacture, construction, design, formula, development of standards, preparation, processing, assembly, inspection, testing, listing, certifying, warning, instructing, marketing, advertising, packaging, or labeling of a product or a component of a product." (Emphasis added.)
In §2949, the operative language is "all products liability actions". This language is defined in § 2945 as follows: " 'products liability action' means an action based on any legal or equitable theory of liability". It is difficult to imagine, any language more all-inclusive.
As a consequence, it is clear and unambiguous that the Legislature intended that comparative negligence should apply to "all products liability actions", which include a " 'products liability action' based on any legal or equitable theory of liability". It is inescapable that any and every products liability action is included regardless of whether it is labeled a possible unified action, a possible negligence action, or a possible implied warranty action.
We believe that the Legislature's use of the words "all" and "any" require, without further interpretative inquiry, the construction that comparative negligence applies to all and any products liability actions, including those sounding in implied warranty. See Paquin v Harnischfeger Corp, 113 Mich App 43, 50; 317 NW2d 279 (1982); McGrath v Clark, 89 Mich App 194, 197; 280 NW2d 480 (1979). As a consequence, we are not persuaded by plaintiffs arguments that the Legislature intended § 2949 to apply only to negligence actions. The plain, unambiguous language of the statute is such that we need not speculate on its legislative history. Furthermore, we are not impressed by the plaintiffs argument that an implied warranty products liability action is not included in the long litany found in § 2945 which describes the act's effect on the various stages a product may go through before it causes injury to a plaintiff.
Thus, we hold that the comparative negligence principle adopted in MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949 dictates that "damages sustained by the plaintiff shall be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff" irrespective of the fact that a plaintiff is injured by the breach of an implied warranty. _
II. Whether the Michigan Products Liability Statute, MCL 600.2945 et seq.; MSA 27A.2945 et seq., If So Construed, Is To Be Applied to an Implied Warranty Action Accruing and Sued Upon Prior to the Enactment of the Statute and Brought to Trial After the Effective Date of the Statute.
A. The Four Rules of Retrospectivity
In answering Question I, we have held that the products liability statute, in light of § 2949, establishes the principle of comparative negligence in an action based on implied warranty. In considering Question II, we address whether § 2949 applies where the statute was enacted subsequent to the injury and commencement of an implied warranty action, but prior to the trial and judgment in that action. We hold that §2949 should be applied under such circumstances.
In answering this question, we must consider four rules in determining whether a new act applies to a pre-enactment cause of action. First, is there specific language in the new act which states that it should be given retrospective or prospective application. See headnote no. 1, Hansen-Snyder Co v General Motors Corp, 371 Mich 480; 124 NW2d 286 (1963). Second, "[a] statute is not regarded as operating retrospectively [solely] because it relates to an antecedent event". Hughes v Judges' Retirement Board, 407 Mich 75, 86; 282 NW2d 160 (1979). Third, "[a] retrospective law is one which takes away or impairs vested rights acquired under existing laws, or creates a new obligation and imposes a new duty, or attaches a new disability with respect to transactions or considerations already past". Hughes, supra, p 85; Ballog v Knight Newspapers, Inc, 381 Mich 527, 533-534; 164 NW2d 19 (1969). Fourth, a remedial or procedural act which does not destroy a vested right will be given effect where the injury or claim is antecedent to the enactment of the statute. Rookledge v Garwood, 340 Mich 444; 65 NW2d 785 (1954).
B
The first and second rules are inapplicable to the instant case. As to the first rule, the products liability statute contains no specific language indicating either retrospective or prospective application. Second rule cases relate to measuring the amount of entitlement provided by a subsequent statute in part by services rendered pursuant to a prior statute, whereas the instant case relates to what if any changes may be made with respect to a cause of action begun under one rule of law by a subsequent statute. Examples of second rule cases are measuring the amount of a judicial pension not only by years served subsequent to enactment but also by years served under a previous act, Hughes, supra, and measuring the amount of highway entitlement not only by expenditures subsequent to enactment but also by expenditures under a previous act. Clearwater Twp v Kalkaska County Supervisors, 187 Mich 516; 153 NW 824 (1915).
C
Rules three and four define the issue in Question II. Both rules relate to retrospective application of a new law to prior facts. The third rule and the cases thereunder define those retrospective situations that are not legally acceptable, whereas the fourth rule defines those that are acceptable.
The third rule states that retrospective application of a law is improper where the law "takes away or impairs vested rights acquired under existing laws, or creates a new obligation and imposes a new duty, or attaches a new disability with respect to transactions or considerations already past". Hughes, supra, p 85. The fourth rule was stated in Hansen-Snyder, supra (headnote no. 1):
"1. Statutes — Remedies — Retrospective Operation — Amendment. Statutes related to remedies or modes of procedure which do not create new or take away vested rights, but only operate in furtherance of a remedy or confirmation of rights already existing will, in the absence of language clearly showing a contrary intention, be held to operate retrospectively and apply to all actions accrued, pending or future, there being no vested right to keep a statutory procedural law unchanged and free from amendment."
We will examine the general statement of each rule and the specific factors in the cases relating to that rule. When we have done this, we will then compare the facts in the instant case with those rules and factors to determine which rule should cover the instant case.
D. Rule Three Cases
1. Impairment of Contractual Rights
In marshaling his arguments under this certified question, the plaintiff relies on two lines of cases which have a distinct cleavage, even though the Court in both lines of cases has invoked the general proscription found in rule three. Under the first line of cases, the plaintiff asserts that a retrospective application of the products liability statute interferes with his "contractual cause of action" since "implied warranty litigation is essentially contractual in nature". E.g., Campbell v Judges' Retirement Board, 378 Mich 169; 143 NW2d 755 (1966); Byjelich v John Hancock Mutual Life Ins Co, 324 Mich 54; 36 NW2d 212 (1949); McGavock v Ducharme, 192 Mich 98; 158 NW 173 (1916).
A review of these cases, however, does not support plaintiffs position, since the contracts in those cases did not involve implied warranties but were "express" contracts.
2. Abolition of a Cause of Action
The general rule against retrospective application has been applied in cases where a new statute abolishes an existing cause of action. It is clear that once a cause of action accrues, — i.e., all the facts become operative and are known — it becomes a "vested right". See Connelly v Paul Ruddy's Equipment Repair & Service Co, 388 Mich 146, 150-152; 200 NW2d 70 (1972); Devlin v Morse, 254 Mich 113, 115; 235 NW 812 (1931). A new statute which abolishes an existing cause of action brings the statute within the general proscription of rule three.
In Devlin, for example, this Court held that the guest passenger act should not have been applied to a plaintiffs claim which accrued prior to the new act. When the plaintiff passenger was injured, the common law recognized his right to sue the driver of the car for ordinary negligence. The new act, however, only allowed suit when a driver was grossly negligent. This Court refused to apply the new act to the plaintiffs common-law claim, which was sued upon after the new act became effective, but where the injury had occurred before its enactment, because the new law abolished the plaintiffs accrued cause of action. Devlin, supra, p 116.
Similarly, in Cusick v Feldpausch, 259 Mich 349, 353; 243 NW 226 (1932), the plaintiff passenger was held to have a statutory claim to sue the owner of a car for the ordinary negligence of the driver. The amendment of that statute, which was adopted after plaintiffs action had accrued, only allowed the plaintiff to sue the owner where the driver was grossly negligent. Because plaintiffs cause of action would have been totally barred by a retrospective application, we stated that this case did not involve a "mere change in remedy or procedure", but affected a rule of substantive law.
Finally, in Minty v Board of State Auditors, 336 Mich 370; 58 NW2d 106 (1953), the plaintiff sustained personal injuries at a time when the state waived sovereign immunity from liability for the injuries caused by the tortious conduct of its employees. Before the plaintiffs cause of action had been reduced to judgment in the Court of Claims, the act was repealed. The state argued that it could raise the total bar of governmental immunity. Once again, this Court refused to apply a statute retrospectively because it totally barred the plaintiff from recovery for his damages.
The converse factual setting to the cases discussed is found in Rookledge, supra. At the time of the plaintiffs work-related accident, he had to elect between workers' compensation benefits from his employer and bringing an action against a third-party tortfeasor. The plaintiff elected to re ceive compensation benefits, thereby barring his third-party claim. After he received his compensation benefits, the workers' compensation act was amended to permit the worker both options. He brought suit against the third-party tortfeasors, and this Court held that the defendant did not have a "vested right" in the statutory defense dependent upon the plaintiffs election accorded him prior to the new act. 340 Mich 457.
E. Rule Four Cases
The case law development of rule four establishes the corollary to the general proscription found in rule three. A remedial or procedural statute may operate retrospectively if it does not "take away vested rights". Ballog v Knight Newspapers, Inc, supra, pp 533-534, quoting from headnote no. 1 of Hansen-Snyder Co v General Motors Corp, 371 Mich 480 (1963).
Moreover, in Guardian Depositors Corp v Brown, 290 Mich 433, 439-440; 287 NW 798 (1939), this Court, in a "contract case", stated that the Legislature may modify, limit, and even alter the remedy for enforcement of a contract without violating the rule against retrospectivity. Thus, such a new act would fall into rule four because it does not completely deny a remedy with such restrictions that it impairs the value of the contract or the substantive right.
Although Rookledge, supra, was considered in our discussion of rule three, its holding supports our analysis of rule four. While the Rookledge Court found that the defendant third-party tortfea-sor did not have a vested right in a statutory defense which barred the plaintiff from suit once he elected workers' compensation benefits, that Court implicitly recognized, consistent with rule four, that the fact that the new statute changes the legal consequences of a prior act does not prevent a retrospective application of that statute, since that statute is remedial in nature.
In Hansen-Snyder, supra, this Court held that a plaintiff could take advantage of a statutory amendment which extended the period for serving notice of intent to claim a lien from 60 days to 90 days from the date of first furnishing labor and material. The plaintiff, who had begun work under the prior statute, had failed to file within the old act's 60-day prescription. Nevertheless, the new act was viewed as a procedural amendment which was applicable to the plaintiff's claim.
Once again, in Ballog, supra, this Court, in a case procedurally similar to the instant case, applied a new act retrospectively. The Court in Bal-log had to determine whether a statute in effect at the time of the plaintiff's injury which granted interest "from the date of judgment" or a new act which granted interest "from the date of filing the complaint" was applicable. The plaintiff's personal injury cause of action accrued before the new act became effective, and he also filed suit before its enactment. Nevertheless, we indicated that the new act fell within the remedial or procedural classification which did not take away a vested right, and, thus, we gave the new act retrospective effect. 381 Mich 533-536.
F. Comparing the Instant Case to Rule Three and Four Cases
In comparing the instant case to rule three and rule four cases discussed, it is immediately apparent that the federal trial judge did not err under Michigan law in applying the products liability statute in the case at bar where plaintiff's claim accrued and was sued upon prior to the time the new statute became effective. On the one hand, it is conceded that plaintiffs right became "vested" when his cause of action accrued. But, on the other hand, two things are clear. First, §2949 is part of a remedial statute which may be applied retrospectively. Second, the relevant case law indicates to us, when we compare it to the case at bar, that plaintiffs right was not taken away in the technical meaning of the case law proscription.
1. Rule Three Cases
Comparison of "rule three cases" to the instant case indicates that application of the products liability statute did not trigger the proscription found in rule three. First, the statute did not interfere with plaintiffs "contractual cause of action" since an implied warranty action for personal injuries caused by a defective product is different from an express contract. Second, this rule is also triggered when a plaintiff's accrued cause of action would be totally barred or taken away by a new act. While the total' damages which plaintiff could have received were significantly reduced by §2949, plaintiffs cause of action was not legally barred or taken away.
Section 2949 does not bar any claim, legal or equitable, but it states that "damages sustained by the plaintiff shall be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff". See, also, Li v Yellow Cab Co of California, 13 Cal 3d 804, 828-829; 119 Cal Rptr 858, 875; 532 P2d 1226, 1243 (1975). Section 2949 is not a legal bar, but is a principle established by the Legislature which mitigates damages in products liability actions.
In short, we hold that the applicability of the products liability statute in the instant case did not offend Michigan's general rule against the retrospective application of a statute which "take[s] away vested rights". Ballog, supra, pp 533-534.
2. Rule Four Cases
Notwithstanding the general proscription of rule three, this Court has recognized that new remedial or procedural statutes which do not destroy vested rights should be given retrospective application. The plaintiff does not contend that his cause of action was destroyed by the application of § 2949. Thus, the key factor is to determine whether the new act concerns remedies or modes of procedure.
The tenor of the products liability statute and the legislative history referred to in the briefs indicate that the Legislature was responding to complaints about the cost of products liability insurance and the operation of products liability law prior to its enactment. See Products Liability Task Force, 58 Mich Bar J 524, 525 (1979). See, also, Jorae v Clinton Crop Service, 465 F Supp 952 (ED Mich, 1979). Since the Legislature has adopted comparative negligence as a principle which reduces plaintiff's damages in proportion to the amount of his negligence, such legislation operates to improve and further a remedy. As Rookledge, Hansen-Snyder, and Ballog make explicitly clear, legislation with such a purpose is remedial in nature.
Thus, rule four supports our holding that the federal trial judge did not err, as a matter of Michigan law, in applying the comparative negligence principle adopted in § 2949 to an implied warranty action for personal injuries caused by a defective product which had accrued and was sued upon prior to the enactment of the products liability statute and was brought to trial after the effective date of that statute.
III. Whether the Michigan Products Liability Statute, If So Construed and Applied, Violates the Due Process Clause (art 1, § 17) of the Michigan Constitution.
The plaintiff asserts that if this Court holds that the Legislature intended the act to be given retroactive effect, such an interpretation violates the Due Process Clause of the Michigan Constitution. He argues that once his claim accrues, it becomes a vested property right subject to due process protection. The plaintiff contends that his cause of action accrued and vested on May 23, 1978, and that any impairment of this "vested property right in an implied warranty action must be measured against due process guarantees".
The nature of plaintiffs argument is the undoing of his constitutional claim. An application of the comparative negligence provision at trial, besides promoting important societal policy, did not destroy or bar plaintiffs cause of action. This Court is reluctant, on constitutional grounds, to apply statutes which accomplish this evil. See Minty v State, supra, pp 389-391. As the defendant so adroitly points out, the products liability statute neither destroys nor bars plaintiffs cause of action, nor does it impair plaintiffs right to contract. Simply stated, the statute only affects a remedy which "has been changed so that the measure of plaintiffs damages is to be reduced by the amount of the plaintiffs own fault which also proximately caused the injuries complained of'. Thus, the Legislature's adoption of such a remedial scheme is reasonable and does not violate the Due Process Clause of the Michigan Constitution.
Conclusion
Our review of MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949 arid the relevant case law indicates that the Legislature intended comparative negligence to apply in an action for breach of implied warranty. Moreover, our interpretation of Michigan law leads us to hold that MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949 can be applied in a case where the implied warranty action accrues and is sued upon prior to the enactment of the provision and is brought to trial after the effective date of that provision. Finally, such an application does not violate the Due Process Clause of the Michigan Constitution. Const 1963, art 1, § 17.
Fitzgerald, C.J., and Kavanagh, Levin, Coleman, and Ryan, JJ., concurred with Williams, J.
Riley, J., took no part in the decision of this case.
MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949 provides that:
"(1) In all products liability actions brought to recover damages resulting from death or injury to person or property, the fact that the plaintiff may have been guilty of contributory negligence shall not bar a recovery by the plaintiff or the plaintiff's legal representatives, but damages sustained by the plaintiff shall be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff.
"(2) If the court determines that the claim or defense is frivolous, the court may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party in a products liability action.
Moreover, MCL 600.2945; MSA 27A.2945 provides that:
"As used in sections 2946 to 2949 and section 5805, 'products liability action' means an action based on any legal or equitable theory of liability brought for or on account of death or injury to person or property caused by or resulting from the manufacture, construction, design, formula, development of standards, preparation, processing, assembly, inspection, testing, listing, certifying, warning, instructing, marketing, advertising, packaging, or labeling of a product or a component of a product."
During oral arguments, Justice Ryan addressed the following question to defense counsel: "whether it is within the competence of the Legislature to make a law concerning what is and what is not admissible evidence". He further asked whether counsel was familiar with Perin v Peuler, 373 Mich 531; 130 NW2d 4 (1964). Defense counsel's answer and a review of the briefs clearly indicates that the parties in the instant case were unfamiliar with Perm. Moreover, this issue was not considered by the trial court.
The certified questions in the instant case do not raise the propriety of applying the statutory rules of evidence found in the products liability statute. See MCL 600.2946; MSA 27A.2946, MCL 600.2947; MSA 27A.2947, MCL 600.2948; MSA 27A.2948.
Since the issue has not been raised or briefed and its consideration is not necessary in answering the certified questions, the general rule of law is that this Court will not consider such an extraneous issue. See Turner v Consumers Power Co, 376 Mich 188, 191-192; 136 NW2d 1 (1965). See, also, Heider v Michigan Sugar Co, 375 Mich 490, 517; 134 NW2d 637 (1965) (Adams, J., dissenting). See, also, Swartz v Dow Chemical Co, 414 Mich 433; 326 NW2d 804 (1982).
See Comment, Products Liability in Michigan: Implied Warranty, Strict Tort, or Both, 15 Wayne L Rev 1558 (1969). See, also, Dolan, Commercial Transactions, 1980 Annual Survey of Michigan Law, 27 Wayne L Rev 589, 605 (1981).
In Smith v E R Squibb & Sons, Inc, 405 Mich 79, 91; 273 NW2d 476 (1979), this Court stated that:
"This opinion is limited solely to its facts. We do not suggest that implied warranty and negligence are not independent causes of action. When the factual issue is the adequacy of the warnings given, the legal standard under either theory is one of reasonable care under the circumstances. Note should be made, however, that on different facts it could be prejudicial error not to give the implied warranty instruction. See, e.g., Midgley v S S Kresge Co, 55 Cal App 3d 67; 127 Cal Rptr 217 (1976) (issue of contributory negligence requires instruction on both negligence and strict liability)."
On May 15, 1978, the second draft of House Bill 5689, which preceded MCL 600.2949; MSA 27A.2949, was introduced. This provision stated:
"Sec. 2949. (1) IT SHALL BE-A REBUTTABLE DEFENSE IN A PRODUCTS LIABILITY ACTION THAT THE PLAINTIFF WAS COMPARATIVELY NEGLIGENT OR AT FAULT. THE COURT OR A JURY IN DETERMINING LIABILITY OR THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES IF THIS DEFENSE IS ALLEGED SHALL WEIGH THE COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT OF EACH PARTY AND ASSESS A PORTION OF THE LIABILITY OR DAMAGES BASED ON THE COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT OF EACH PARTY."
See, also, 12 ULA, Civil Procedural & Remedial Laws, Uniform Comparative Fault Act, § lb, p 34 (1982 Cum Supp); Products Liability Task Force, 58 Mich Bar J 524, 525 (1979).
See, generally, Note, Timmerman v Universal Corrugated Box Machinery Corp — An Exception to the Doctrine of Comparative Negligence in Products Liability Litigation: Michigan Courts Speak out on Public Act 495, 1981 Det C L Rev 222, 235. See, also, Comment, Public Act 495 — A Beginning Step in Products Liability Reform in Michigan, 1979 Det C L Rev 677, 688 if.
In Hardy v Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems, Inc, 414 Mich 29, 47, fn 12; 323 NW2d 270 (1982), this Court, in effect, refused to address some of the questions in the instant case. We stated that:
"We decline to speculate about the effect of Placek and the products liability statute, MCL 600.2945; MSA 27A.2945, on the law of products liability. This case, as well as Tulkku and Funk, are negligence cases. The cases cited in our brother's opinion for the proposition that comparative negligence should not apply are inapplicable. Zerby v Warren, 297 Minn 134, 141; 210 NW2d 58 (1973), held that no comparative negligence defense was available under a statute imposing strict liability for selling model airplane glue to a minor; Suter v San Angelo Foundry & Machine Co, 81 NJ 150; 406 A2d 140 (1979), was a strict liability case holding that comparative negligence was unavailable under those facts but noting that comparative negligence is a defense in some strict liability cases. See Ettin v Ava Truck Leasing, Inc, 53 NJ 463; 251 A2d 278 (1969); Cintrone v Hertz Truck Leasing & Rental Service, 45 NJ 434; 212 A2d 769 (1965)."
Const 1963, art 1, § 17, states that:
"No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law. The right of all individuals, firms, corporations and voluntary associations to fair and just treatment in the course of legislative and executive investigations and hearings shall not be infringed."