The California Supreme Court on Monday ruled that large retailers aren't required to have defibrillators on hand to help treat customers and workers who suffer sudden cardiac arrest.

The ruling signals the end of a Southern California family's wrongful-death lawsuit alleging Target was liable for a customer's sudden death from cardiac arrest because it didn't have one of the devices as part of its first-aid plan. The state Supreme Court ruled such a requirement was an unfair burden on Target.

For two decades, an increasing number of public places in the U.S. have been required to have automated external defibrillators on hand, including government buildings, airports and many other public places. In that time, defibrillators have become cheaper to buy and easier to use.

The case before the California Supreme Court arises from a wrongful-death lawsuit the Verdugo family filed in federal court against Target.

Now that the state high court said Target isn't required, it's expected the lawsuit will be dismissed. (KNBC)

Story Date: June 26, 2014