Garcia V. Vertex Manufacturing Company : Case File

In this products-liability case involving the tip-over of an extended-reach personnel lift, a shipyard worker falls seventy feet when the lift he's in tips over. He suffers broken ankles in the fall and claims that he sustained a closed head injury. He sues Vertex Manufacturing, the maker of the lift, claiming negligent design. Experts will testify for both sides on the lift's design safety and industry standards. The defendant alleges that the lift was within industry standards and that it tipped over because of the plaintiff's employer's failure to properly train its workers. Defendant also disputes plaintiff's claims of a head injury and personality change. If tried for liability only, there are three witnesses for the plaintiff and two for the defense. If damages are pursued, then there are five witnesses for the plaintiff and three for the defense.