Existence of an absolute duty on part of ∆ to make safe
Breach of that duty
Breach of the duty was the actualandproximate cause of π's injury
Damage to the π's person or property
Strict Liability : Animals
Domestic Animals: No strict liability unless ∆ knows in advance of vicious propensities
Wild Animals: Strictly liable for injuries inflicted upon licensees and invitees
Trespassers: No strict liability can be imposed by a trespasser. However, a trespasser may have an intentional or negligence (possessor of land) claim for injuries inflicted by vicious watchdogs (think "spring-gun")
Abnormally Dangerous Activities
Activity creates a foreseeable risk of serious harm even when reasonable care is exercised by all actors; and
The activity is not a matter of common usage in the community.
Products Liability : Prima Facie Case
1: Strict duty owed by a commercial supplier of a product
2: Breach of the duty;
3: Actualandproximate cause; and
4: Damages
Products Liability : Who can be held liable?
Any commercial supplier of goods who routinely deals in those goods—Casual sellers or lessors will not be held strictly liable.
Products Liability : Breach of Duty
Product must be defective, and the defect must make the product unreasonably dangerous
Products Liability : Breach : Types of Defects
Manufacturing defects
Design defects
Inadequate warnings or instructions
Products Liability : Causation
Must show that the defect existed when the product left the control of the ∆ commercial supplier—i.e., no alterations within the ∆'s control