Pennsylvania
How Eastern Air Lines v. McDonnell Douglas applies in Pennsylvania: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Other.
Pennsylvania follows a similar three-pronged test for proving negligence in aviation cases, as established in Eastern Air Lines v. McDonnell Douglas. The state courts emphasize the need to demonstrate a duty of care, breach, and causation to establish liability.
In Pennsylvania, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant had a duty of care to the plaintiff, breached that duty, and that the breach was the proximate cause of the plaintiff's injuries.
The court held that the plaintiff must show specific anomalies in the aviation system to surpass the influence of negligence claims.
It was established that the evidence of past performance and industry standards were admissible to establish breach of duty.
The court affirmed that failing to adhere to safety regulations constitutes a breach of the duty of care.
Pennsylvania's approach is generally aligned with the federal standard, emphasizing duty, breach, and causation. However, Pennsylvania courts may grant more leeway in considering state-specific safety regulations when establishing negligence.
Issues related to aviation liability and negligence, as shaped by Eastern Air Lines v. McDonnell Douglas, often appear on the Pennsylvania bar exam, particularly within the torts section.