Green v. General Motors

In Green v. General Motors, 310 N.J. Super. 507, 517, 709 A.2d 205 (App.Div.) certif. denied, 156 N.J. 381, 718 A.2d 1210 (1998), the Court observed that the determination as to whether a defect in design existed, requires the jury to decide "the risks and alternatives that should have been known to a reasonable manufacturer, and then assess whether the manufacturer discharged its duty to provide a 'reasonably fit, suitable and safe'" product. Although the jury employs a risk-utility analysis utilizing those factors that are relevant to a particular case, the issue upon which most claims will turn is proof by the plaintiff of a "reasonable alternative design, the commission of which renders the product not reasonably safe." Id. at 518, 709 A.2d 205.