(Note: This is a real case. Names have been changed due to the fact that several lawsuits are still pending.) In 1977, a nationally-respected, family-owned firm, the XYZ Hose Company, decided to switch from their rayon-reinforced hoses to a new material. Unfortunately, even though XYZ's new hose was tested at both XYZ and an independent testing laboratory, and even through it met all the current industry standards, something went wrong with it when used with anhydrous ammonia, resulting in devastating consequences for several farmers. As a result of these accidents, XYZ and the various farmers' cooperatives selling the product were sued by the farmers.
Addition information
# $5.005 Million
Attorney: Mark E. McNabola Facts: Plaintiff employed by Will-DuPage Farm Service in Symmerton, Illinois (Will County), was unexpectedly sprayed in the face by anhydrous ammonia caused by a hose coupler failing to close properly. The incident left the plaintiff completely blind in his right eye and reduced his vision in his left eye to 20/200. Although the plaintiff is expected to undergo cornea transplants, the success of the transplants is somewhat doubtful due to the build-up of scar tissue. During the investigation, the coupler was thrown away. The primary cause of this action was based on spoliation of evidence against the insurance adjuster. According to the Jury Verdict Reporter, this is a record high result for this type of injury.
Texas A&M Engineering Ethics Website (http://ethics.tamu.edu)
Harris, C.E., M.S. Pritchard, M.J. Rabins.
Engineering Ethics Concepts and Cases. Canada, Wadsworth, 2000.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC2326.html