PY Obtains Directed Verdict in Houston Federal Court, on Behalf of Crane Manufacturer

Kevin Young and Daniel Gonzáles Aldape obtained a directed verdict in Houston federal court on behalf of a crane manufacturer in a product liability case. An employee at a DuPont facility in La Porte, Texas was injured when a component from a crane fell on him. The plaintiff alleged a design defect and the manufacturer responded that it was the plaintiff’s failure to follow the crane’s instructions that caused the incident. Prior to trial, the court granted the manufacturer’s request to exclude certain opinions from the plaintiff’s expert (Gregg Perkin) about safer alternative designs. After four days of trial, Judge Alfred Bennett granted the manufacturer’s request for a directed verdict because the plaintiff failed to present the requisite expert testimony necessary to prove a design defect in the crane.

Norman v. Grove Cranes U.S., L.L.C., No. 04:15-CV-765, United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division.