Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District / Jul 16, 2024
Andrew Wilkinson, Respondent, vs. Stanley Fastening Systems, L.P., Appellant.
Andrew Wilkinson sued Stanley Fastening Systems, L.P. for products liability after a pneumatic stapler manufactured by Stanley fired and struck him in the eye, leading to its surgical removal. The trial court entered judgment following a jury verdict for Wilkinson, awarding $11 million in noneconomic damages. Stanley appealed, arguing the trial court erred by not granting a mistrial after Wilkinson's counsel repeatedly referred to Stanley as a "billion-dollar company" in violation of an order in limine. The appellate court reversed the judgment and remanded for a new trial, finding the trial court abused its discretion because the improper statements were not cured and prejudiced the outcome, as evidenced by the large verdict.