Man Suffers Serious Injuries Due to Dangerous Retail Display

This case involves a man who was seriously injured while shopping at a large department store. At the time of the incident in question, the man was shopping in the men’s clothing section of the store when he walked into a transparent glass partition that was part of an elaborate retail display. The glass shattered on impact, leaving the man with a number of deep cuts and lacerations. It was claimed that the partition lacked sufficient visual indicators of its presence, and was located in a high-traffic area of the store.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you have specific experience in retail store layout and design?

2. Are you familiar with human factors as they relate to retail?

Expert Witness Response E-057597

I have over 40 years of experience as an architect, including experience with retail locations. I studied architecture and have two Master's degrees, one in architecture and on in city/regional planning. I have done retail design work and have critiqued problems with retail locations. My focus is on architecture and construction, including the layouts, functionality, and performance of buildings. I have advised on accident related cases, helping asses why someone might have fallen and if something was done improperly on the part of the store. Although retail stores are designed to encourage slow traffic, they are public spaces and there are standards relating to human factors that apply across the board. These standards, such as the placement of items so that they do/don't catch your eye, apply across all architecture.