Date: 07-16-2005

Case Style: Cowan v. Alamo Group, et al.

Case Number: Unknown

Judge: James Weddle

Court: Adair County, Kentucky

Plaintiff's Attorney:

Vanessa C. Pollard, currently of Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., Pikeville, Lexington, and Louisville, Kentucky

Defendant's Attorney:

Buzz English, English Lucas Priest & Owsley, Bowling Green, Kentucky; James D. Harris, Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, Bowling Green, Kentucky; George Vernon, Vernon Law Office, Monroe Wisconsin

Description:

Christopher and Cortney Cowan sued M&W Gear Company, d/b/a Alamo Group and Haven Steel Products on a products liability claiming that Chris Cowan nearly lost his left leg in a riding mower accident in July 2002 when the blade on the rotary mower he was riding snapped and struck below his left knee cap. Cowan was stepping off of the mower when the incident occurred. Alamo and M&W designed the blade and mower, and Haven performed the actual manufacturing of the blade. Doctors were able to reattach Cowan's leg, but he suffers from chronic pain and has a limited range of motion which prevents him from running or kneeling. Plaintiff claimed that the blade was defective and unreasonably dangerous as manufactured.

Outcome: Plaintiffs' verdict for $6.2 million with 10% comparative fault to plaintiff, including $2.5 million in punitive damages against Haven Steel Co. and $1.5 million in punitive damages against Alamo Group.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Dr. Alan Johnson, Louisville, KY

Dr. William Baldwin, Lexington, KY

Dr. Waldemar Karwowski, Louisville, KY

Peter Sawchuk, New York

Sharon Brown Lane, Louisville, KY

Donna Adkins, Stamping Ground, KY

Defendant's Experts: None

Comments: None