Opinion ID: 2051711
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Design Duty Materially Disputed

Text: The record reflects that the facts are distinguishable from those that were extant in LeJeune. Cross undertook to replace the metal system at the NVF plant with PVC. The record reflects that NVF did not specify any of the replacement components, but left that selection to Cross' expertise. The existing system at the NVF plant contained a metal strainer mounted horizontally, with a bolt-on mechanism securing the lid to the housing. The existing system did not contain a water line and, therefore, a pressure relief valve was not necessary. In installing the new PVC system, Cross arguably changed the design by: mounting the strainer vertically, altering an existing bolt-down feature by selecting a screw-on type PVC lid, and installing the new PVC lid in an abrasive environment. The record also reflects that Cross did not add a pressure relief valve after it installed a new water line, creating what Thompson submits as a potential for greater pressurization of the system. Thompson asserts that through the use of appropriate care and skill commensurate with its experience Cross should have selected a PVC lid with a bolt-down closure device similar to that which it replaced, which would be impervious to abrasion, and designed the new water line system to include a pressure relief valve. The record reflects a material dispute of fact about whether Cross simply replaced the existing system at the NVF plant or whether the components selected by Cross and the reconfiguration of the system by Cross constituted a design change. Accordingly, the Superior Court should not have granted Cross' Motion for Summary Judgment regarding Thompson's claim for negligent design, failure to warn and negligent maintenance/repair.