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Technology Stocks : Compaq -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Night Writer who wrote (27754)	6/16/1998 5:33:00 PM
From: Tom DuBois	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 97611

Looks like we are on the right side of the law. Tuesday June 16, 5:08 pm Eastern Time Company Press Release SOURCE: Digital Equipment Corporation Digital Equipment Corporation Exonerated in Computer Keyboard Liability Case MAYNARD, Mass., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- A jury examining evidence in a lawsuit filed against Digital Equipment Corporation (NYSE: DEC - news) in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, NY, today found in favor of Digital, which recently was acquired by Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ - news). The product liability suit, Gonzalez v. Digital Equipment, involved nine plaintiffs who claimed their upper extremity conditions were caused by the use of Digital computer keyboards. The jury returned verdicts in favor of Digital in all nine cases. ''We are delighted that the jury decided there is no link between the use of a computer keyboard and these upper extremity conditions,'' said Thomas C. Siekman, Compaq Senior Vice President and General Counsel. ''Virtually every court decision in this area has determined that there is no scientific basis for keyboard liability claims.'' ''A keyboard is a tool. It is no more dangerous than a bricklayer's trowel, a piano, or even a pen. We applaud the jurors' wisdom and common sense,'' said Siekman. ''We have always taken pride in providing our customers with high-quality products that are safe and that conform to all applicable industry standards.'' Digital's trial counsel, Kenneth King, noted that this verdict might speed the end of keyboard litigation. ''Judges and juries have rejected keyboard product liability claims 30 out of 31 times,'' he said. ''It would be unfortunate if the courts were forced to spend valuable time hearing more cases that obviously have no merit.'' Gonzalez represents the second consolidation of product liability cases by U.S. District Court Judge Jack B. Weinstein. In the first case, Geressy v. Digital Equipment Corporation, in December, 1996, a jury awarded damages to three women claiming upper extremity conditions (sometimes described as ''repetitive strain injuries'') caused by keyboards. Digital immediately appealed. Judge Weinstein threw out the verdict in favor of Patricia Geressy because her lawyers had failed to produce the results of a medical test that indicated her condition was not work-related. The Judge ordered a new trial for Ms. Geressy, and her case was consolidated into Gonzalez v. Digital Equipment Corporation. The verdict against the second defendant was thrown out because the statute of limitations had expired. Digital is currently appealing the third verdict, Rotolo v. Digital Equipment Corporation, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second District. Company Background Compaq Computer Corporation, the world's largest computer manufacturer, is a Fortune 200 company and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Founded in 1982, Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions and services including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault- tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is a leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are available at www.compaq.com or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and North America reseller locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518. SOURCE: Digital Equipment Corporation