Tag: Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering Expert Permitted to Testify Despite Lacking Direct Experience with Debalers
On January 21, 2022, James Raeford Hatcher (“Hatcher”), an employee of South East Grinding, was fatally injured while attempting to unjam a debaler at his workplace. His clothing became entangled in the machine, and he was unable to stop its operation. The machine in question—a “Model BBU.90” debaler—was manufactured by Emerging Acquisitions, LLC. Plaintiff Connie…
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Mechanical Engineer’s Testimony on Blender Design Excluded
Plaintiff Lori Lynne Hoff brought a product liability claim against Defendants Capital Brands, LLC and NutriBullet, LLC under the New Jersey Products Liability Act, alleging a design defect in the NutriBullet 600 blender. On February 17, 2020, Hoff used the blender to make celery juice, combining water and chopped celery below the max fill line.…
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Civil Engineering Expert Did Not Rely on “Homemade Theories”
Carleton Shockman’s property was allegedly damage by an April 2021 hailstorm. After inspecting the property, State Farm found no storm-related damage and denied coverage. Shockman invoked the policy’s appraisal process, which resulted in an award of $61,778.97, but State Farm still denied coverage. Finally, Shockman sued State Farm, asserting claims for breach of contract, violations of…
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Engineering Expert Qualified to Opine on Crossbow Malfunction
Scott and Melanie Campbell (“Plaintiffs”) brought this case against Ravin Crossbows, LLC and Velocity Outdoor Inc. (collectively, “Defendants”). This case arises from personal injuries sustained by Plaintiff Scott Campbell (“Scott”), an experienced hunter. On November 9, 2022, Scott was hunting from a ladder stand using a Ravin 10 Crossbow, manufactured by Ravin Crossbows. He attempted…
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Environmental Engineering Expert Witness’ Testimony About the Source of H2S is Not Fully Admissible
This case concerns the operation of the Jefferson Parish Landfill in Waggaman, Louisiana (the “JPLF”), and the resulting odors emitted from the JPLF between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019 (the “relevant time period”). Plaintiffs, who are Jefferson Parish residents, filed several individual lawsuits that were consolidated into a mass action, Addison v. Louisiana…
