Farming Equipment Accident Caused By Allegedly Defective Safety Device

This case involves a plaintiff who was crushed by a truckload of equipment. The plaintiff was driving an open-bed truck that was transporting heavy-duty agricultural equipment. When the plaintiff picked up the truck at the facility, there were no instructions or warnings provided to him as to how to properly secure the equipment. A pin was placed between the hinge of the equipment to keep the pieces falling while in transport. Upon arriving at his destination, the driver began to unload the equipment. As the driver released the strap restraining the equipment, the pin holding the hinge undid itself, causing the equipment to fall and crush the plaintiff. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and died in transport to the hospital. An expert in agricultural equipment was sought to discuss the potential product defect in the safety devices used to prevent the equipment from falling while in transport.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please discuss your background in evaluating pins such as the one described in the case summary.

Expert Witness Response E-029741

I have reviewed several cases in the past involving mower accidents, and am familiar with the technology that failed in this instance. I have served as an expert witness and have testified on agricultural equipment cases in the past.

Expert Bio:

This highly qualified expert has years of experience in farm equipment design and consulting. He received his bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering and his MPA degree in international environmental policy and science management. He has published 90+ peer-reviewed journal articles, and he served as a senior editor and reviewer for several renowned agricultural engineering and safety journals. His outstanding work has earned him a variety of honors, including the National Institute for Farm Safety's Research Award and a University Teaching and Mentoring Community Award in public health. He is a former engineer director at the US Public Health Service and a former associate professor of occupational and environmental health policy an east coast university. He is also a former international coordinator at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.