David Bahrle, Ida Bahrle, Michael Bahrle, Steven Bahrle, William Bahrle, Patricia M. Bahrle, Steven and Patricia M…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the Appellate Division's judgment, holding that Texaco is not vicariously liable for the groundwater contamination caused by Rule's gas station, is not liable for an inherently or abnormally dangerous activity because Rule was not its independent contractor, and that the trial court properly excluded the plaintiffs' expert testimony as a net opinion. The Court also confirmed that the Spill Act provides a private cause of action limited to cleanup costs.