W&Z Obtains $10.4 Million Products Liability Verdict

Frank D'Oro (Senior Partner/Los Angeles Office) successfully argued a products liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of a punch press machine.  The manufacturer failed to recall the machine despite its multiple violations of nationwide safety standards.  As a result of an omitted safety guard on the machine, the plaintiff suffered an above-elbow amputation of his left arm when the machine compressed 56 tons of force against his trapped appendage.  The plaintiff's vocational rehabilitation expert opined that the plaintiff would be unable to work for the remainder of his life as a result of this injury.  Mr. D'Oro argued that the machine had been defectively designed and that the manufacturer had inadequately warned its consumers of the unreasonable dangers of the product.  The jury returned a 10.4 million dollar verdict in favor of the plaintiff.  The case was subsequently settled on appeal.