Smith Anderson Lawyers Obtain Defense Verdict

Kirk G. Warner and Christopher R. Kiger, lawyers with Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, obtained a defense verdict on behalf of PorterCable Corporation in a product liability trial in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The plaintiff claimed that he lost his eye on the work site due to a defect in the safety glass provided with the pneumatic framing nailer manufactured by PorterCable Corporation.

It was the first trial concerning PorterCable's pneumatic nailer line which was introduced to the market in 1996. The jury deliberated for less than one hour, and found no negligent design, no failure to warn, and no breach of warranty by PorterCable. The jury found the plaintiff negligent in his operation of the nailer.