Product Liability

Published on: April 17, 2024

Liability for police dog bite. Relf v. City of Troy, 169 A.D.3d 1223 (N.Y. App. Div. 2019)

by Stephen Bilkis

Excessive force refers to the application of force by law enforcement officers that exceeds what is reasonably necessary to effectively control a situation, prevent harm, or make an arrest. While officers are permitted to use force in certain circumstances, such as when facing resistance or threats to safety, the force used must be proportionate to the threat posed. Determining whether force is excessive involves a careful consideration of the totality of the circumstances, including the severity of the alleged crime, the behavior of the individual, and the risk of danger to officers and others.

In cases involving excessive force, courts typically apply an objective reasonableness standard, as established by the U.S. Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor (1989). This standard evaluates the actions of the officer from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, considering the information known to the officer at the time of the incident. Factors such as the threat posed by the individual, the availability of alternative methods, and the need for immediate action are all taken into account.

In Relf v. City of Troy, the court was tasked with applying this standard to the actions of a police dog, which is considered a tool of law enforcement. Just as with human officers, the use of a police dog’s force must be reasonable under the circumstances. This includes considerations such as the dog’s training, the handler’s supervision, and the foreseeability of harm to innocent bystanders.

Published on: August 7, 2023

Court considered a product liability claim based on an injury from a table saw. Whitaker v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 120 A.D.3d 865 (2d Dep’t 2014)

by Stephen Bilkis

Whitaker v. Sears, Roebuck & Co. is a product liability case that was decided by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York in 2014. The case involved a plaintiff, Michael Whitaker, who was injured while using a table saw that he had purchased from Sears. The decision of the court in this case is important because it provides guidance on the extent of a manufacturer’s duty to warn consumers about the dangers associated with their products.

Factual Background

In 2003, Michael Whitaker purchased a table saw from Sears. The table saw was designed and manufactured by Rexon Industrial Corp., a Taiwanese company. The saw was sold under the Craftsman brand, which is owned by Sears. The saw came equipped with a blade guard and anti-kickback pawls, which are safety features designed to prevent serious injuries.

Published on: August 2, 2023

Appellate Court found that there was a triable issue of fact as to whether a bottle of acetaminophen was defective. Kelly v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc., 73 A.D.3d 1019 (2d Dep’t 2010)

by Stephen Bilkis

Product liability cases arise when a product causes harm or injury to a consumer due to a defect in its design, manufacturing, or labeling. In such cases, the manufacturer or seller may be held liable for the damages caused. Product liability cases are complex and require the expertise of an experienced New York product liability lawyer. The case of Kelly v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc. is one such example where the plaintiff filed a product liability claim against CVS Pharmacy claiming that she sustained injuries due to a defective product.

To prove a defective product case, a plaintiff typically needs to demonstrate that the product in question was unreasonably dangerous due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate warning. The plaintiff must show that they suffered an injury or damages as a direct result of the product’s defect. Additionally, the plaintiff must show that the product was being used in a foreseeable manner at the time of the injury, meaning that the product was being used as it was intended or in a way that was reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer. To establish liability, the plaintiff must identify the party responsible for the defect, which may include the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the product. To prove the defect, the plaintiff may rely on expert testimony, product testing, or other evidence that establishes that the product was unreasonably dangerous. If the plaintiff is successful in proving their case, they may be entitled to recover damages for their injuries, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Factual Background

Published on: July 31, 2023

Appellate Division determined that plaintiff presented enough evidence to proceed with her product liability claim. Ippolito v. Sears Roebuck & Co., 121 A.D.3d 529 (2d Dep’t 2014)

by Stephen Bilkis

In Ippolito v. Sears Roebuck & Co., the plaintiff, Linda Ippolito, alleged that she was injured by a defective product that she purchased from Sears Roebuck & Co. This case demonstrates the importance of product liability law and the duty that manufacturers and sellers have to ensure the safety of their products.

A product liability case is a legal case brought against a manufacturer, seller, or distributor of a product that has caused harm or injury to a consumer. The basis for the case is that the product is considered defective, either due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions for use. In a product liability case, the injured party seeks compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These cases can be complex and often require the assistance of an experienced New York product liability lawyer with expertise in product liability law.

Factual Background