FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`Our
`
`File
`
`No.:
`
`115409-Ol/LDL/djd
`
`OF
`COURT
`SUPREME
`GREENE
`OF
`COUNTY
`--------------------------------------x
`ALFELD
`and
`THOMAS
`
`-against-
`
`THE
`
`STATE
`
`OF
`
`NEW YORK
`
`BETHANY
`
`ALFELD,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`APEX
`
`U.S.A.,
`
`TOOL
`
`GROUP,
`INC.,
`
`LLC
`
`and
`
`HOME
`
`DEPOT
`
`Defendants.
`_________--__________________________Ç
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`18-0008
`
`PLAINTlFFS MEMORANDUM OF LAW
`EF2018-8
`12/16/2022 03:34:45 PM
`
`Marilyn Farrell, County Clerk
`
`Clerk: LAR
`
`IN
`
`OPPOSITION
`
`PLAINTIFF/S
`TO DEFENDANTS
`
`MEMORANDUM
`MOTION
`
`OF
`FOR
`
`LAW
`SUMMARY
`
`JUDGMENT
`
`Statement
`
`of
`
`Facts
`
`This
`
`lawsuit
`
`arises
`
`from
`
`a
`
`product
`
`liability
`
`occurrence
`
`of
`
`January
`
`9th
`
`2017.
`
`On
`
`that
`
`day
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`working
`
`as
`
`a
`
`self-employed
`
`Carpenter.
`
`A few
`
`weeks
`
`earlier
`
`he
`
`had
`
`purchased
`
`from
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot,
`
`a
`
`flush
`
`set.
`
`uncontroverted
`
`cutting
`
`needle
`
`nose
`
`pliers
`
`It
`
`is
`
`that
`
`this
`
`tool
`
`was
`
`part
`
`of
`
`Crescent
`
`tools
`
`and
`
`manufactured
`
`through
`
`the
`
`Apex
`
`Tool
`
`group.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`using
`
`these
`
`pliers
`
`for
`
`the
`
`first
`
`time
`
`on
`
`the
`
`day
`
`of
`
`his
`
`incident.
`
`At
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`this
`
`occurrence
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`working
`
`on
`
`Point
`
`Road
`
`a
`
`in
`
`staircase
`
`in
`
`a
`
`customer's
`
`home
`
`on
`
`Crystal
`
`Cairo
`
`NY.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`ready
`
`to
`
`leave
`
`for
`
`the
`
`day
`
`when
`
`he
`
`observed
`
`some
`
`pin
`
`nails
`
`sticking
`
`1 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`up
`
`and
`
`protruding
`
`out
`
`of
`
`the
`
`staircase.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`later
`
`learned
`
`that
`
`these
`
`were
`
`Hitachi
`
`23
`
`gauge
`
`headless
`
`pins
`
`that
`
`were
`
`1 ¼ inches
`
`long.
`
`He
`
`used
`
`the
`
`needle
`
`nose
`
`pliers
`
`wire
`
`cutters
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`portions
`
`of
`
`the
`
`nail
`
`that
`
`were
`
`protruding,
`
`to
`
`them
`
`flush
`
`with
`
`the
`
`staircase
`
`surface.
`
`The
`
`in
`
`order
`
`make
`
`proof
`
`has
`
`indicated
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`not
`
`using
`
`protective
`
`eyewear
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`this
`
`incident
`
`occurred.
`
`As
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`cutting
`
`a
`
`nail
`
`one
`
`of
`
`the
`
`two
`
`blades
`
`on
`
`the
`
`pliers
`
`broke
`
`off.
`
`This
`
`blades
`
`flew
`
`off
`
`entering
`
`into
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`eye.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`the
`
`wire
`
`cutter
`
`in
`
`a
`
`foreseeable
`
`manner
`
`and
`
`for
`
`a
`
`foreseeable
`
`use
`
`at
`
`using
`
`the
`
`time
`
`it
`
`failed.
`
`Expert
`
`Neal
`
`Growney's
`
`Comments
`
`on
`
`EBT
`
`In
`
`the
`
`accompanying
`
`affirmation
`
`of
`
`Lawrence
`
`D.
`
`Lissauer
`
`and
`
`the
`
`affidavit
`
`of
`
`Neal
`
`Growney
`
`a
`
`discussion
`
`existed
`
`concerning
`
`the
`
`testimony
`
`offered
`
`at
`
`the
`
`depositions.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`retained
`
`Neal
`
`an
`
`Growney
`
`as
`
`expert.
`
`His
`
`affidavit
`
`is
`
`annexed
`
`herewith.
`
`He
`
`discussed
`
`the
`
`EBT
`
`of
`
`Mr.
`
`Anderson
`
`as
`
`part
`
`of
`
`his
`
`analysis.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`contends
`
`that
`
`the
`
`market
`
`was
`
`broader
`
`than
`
`that
`
`suggested
`
`by
`
`the
`
`defense.
`
`It
`
`was
`
`not
`
`marketed
`
`solely
`
`through
`
`electronic
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce,
`
`as
`
`counsel
`
`would
`
`the
`
`like
`
`this
`
`2 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`Court
`
`to
`
`believe.
`
`It
`
`was
`
`marketed
`
`to
`
`a
`
`larger
`
`segment
`
`of
`
`the
`
`population
`
`through
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot.
`
`We
`
`refer
`
`to
`
`Mr.
`
`Anderson's
`
`deposition.
`
`The
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`caters
`
`to
`
`prospective
`
`customers
`
`including
`
`"do-it-yourself
`
`homeowners"
`
`and
`
`tradesmen
`
`engaged
`
`in
`
`building
`
`trades
`
`such
`
`as
`
`carpenters.
`
`Growney
`
`opines
`
`that
`
`consumers
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`do
`
`not
`
`possess
`
`the
`
`level
`
`of
`
`sophistication
`
`as
`
`that
`
`suggested
`
`by
`
`counsel.
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`does
`
`not
`
`cater
`
`solely
`
`to
`
`professionals
`
`in
`
`the
`
`electronics
`
`industry.
`
`Relative
`
`to
`
`the
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`warn,
`
`Mr.
`
`Anderson
`
`testified
`
`that
`
`this
`
`Low
`
`Profile
`
`Flush
`
`Cut"
`
`4"
`
`102
`
`mm,
`
`wire
`
`cutter
`
`was
`
`not
`
`intended
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`nails.
`
`Despite
`
`this,
`
`Apex,
`
`to
`
`itself
`
`and
`
`warn
`
`kept
`
`this
`
`knowledge
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`consumers
`
`not
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`nails
`
`with
`
`this
`
`device.
`
`Apex
`
`in
`
`fact
`
`identified
`
`this
`
`product
`
`as
`
`"all-purpose"
`
`on
`
`the
`
`back
`
`of
`
`its
`
`packaging.
`
`See
`
`Exhibit
`
`G to
`
`the
`
`defendant's
`
`moving
`
`papers.
`
`The
`
`defendants
`
`suggest
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`was
`
`not
`
`to
`
`be
`
`used
`
`by
`
`carpenters,
`
`plaintiff,
`
`was
`
`used
`
`by
`
`the
`
`although
`
`it
`
`your-selfers"
`
`marketed
`
`for
`
`use
`
`by
`
`carpenters
`
`and
`
`"do
`
`it
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`and
`
`its
`
`personnel.
`
`all-purpose
`
`cutter.
`
`See
`
`paragraph
`
`5.8
`
`It
`
`of
`
`was
`
`marketed
`
`as
`
`an
`
`Mr.
`
`Growney's
`
`analysis
`
`and
`
`report.
`
`Mr.
`
`Anderson
`
`testified
`
`these
`
`Crescent
`
`pliers
`
`were
`
`intended
`
`for
`
`electronics
`
`applications
`
`(i.e.,
`
`small
`
`diameter
`
`copper
`
`wire).
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`is
`
`a marketer
`
`to
`
`2
`
`3 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`the
`
`constructions
`
`trade,
`
`not
`
`just
`
`to
`
`electronic
`
`(trades).
`
`Apex
`
`knew,
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`construction
`
`tradesmen
`
`were
`
`likely
`
`to
`
`purchase
`
`and
`
`utilize
`
`them
`
`in
`
`construction,
`
`such
`
`as
`
`for
`
`cutting
`
`nails.
`
`This
`
`product
`
`as
`
`branded
`
`was
`
`exclusive
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot.
`
`Apex'
`
`statement
`
`that
`
`these
`
`pliers
`
`are
`
`good
`
`for
`
`soft
`
`an
`
`wire
`
`warn
`
`up
`
`they
`
`to
`
`20
`
`AWG is
`
`inadequate
`
`warning
`
`as
`
`are
`
`not
`
`to
`
`be
`
`utilized
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`nails
`
`it
`
`or
`
`does
`
`not
`
`hard
`
`wire,
`
`or
`
`hard
`
`wire
`
`above
`
`a
`
`certain
`
`gauge.
`
`There
`
`is
`
`no
`
`industry-
`
`standard
`
`for
`
`soft
`
`copper
`
`wire,
`
`per
`
`Mr.
`
`Anderson's
`
`testimony
`
`at
`
`page
`
`77.
`
`Anderson's
`
`Affidavit
`
`Mr.
`
`Anderson
`
`gave
`
`deposition
`
`testimony
`
`as
`
`noted
`
`above
`
`and
`
`also
`
`submitted
`
`an
`
`affidavit
`
`in
`
`support
`
`of
`
`the
`
`defendant's
`
`Anderson
`
`motion.
`
`In
`
`the
`
`last
`
`few
`
`paragraphs,
`
`(29,
`
`30)
`
`opines
`
`that
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`use
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Crescent
`
`four-and-a-half-inch
`
`diagonal
`
`micro-shear
`
`cutting
`
`pliers
`
`constituted
`
`an
`
`improper
`
`use
`
`or
`
`misuse
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product
`
`in
`
`question
`
`in
`
`that:
`
`1)
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`not
`
`eye
`
`wearing
`
`any
`
`protection
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`incident;
`
`2)
`
`the
`
`packaging
`
`micro-shear
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Crescent
`
`four-
`
`and-a-half-inch
`
`cutting
`
`pliers
`
`stated
`
`"wire
`
`cutter"
`
`diagonal
`
`on
`
`the
`
`front
`
`and
`
`on
`
`the
`
`back:
`
`"cuts
`
`soft
`
`wire
`
`up
`
`to
`
`20
`
`AWG
`
`(0.8
`
`mm);
`
`and
`
`3)
`
`in
`
`that
`
`the
`
`Hitachi
`
`23
`
`gauge
`
`nails
`
`are
`
`3
`
`4 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`significantly
`
`stronger
`
`and
`
`the
`
`capacity
`
`is
`
`larger
`
`than
`
`the
`
`tensile
`
`strength
`
`or
`
`the
`
`maximum
`
`capacity
`
`of
`
`the
`
`soft
`
`wires
`
`the
`
`Crescent
`
`four-and-a-half-inch
`
`diagonal
`
`micro-shear
`
`cutting
`
`pliers
`
`was
`
`intended
`
`to
`
`cut.
`
`There
`
`were
`
`no
`
`warnings
`
`not
`
`to
`
`use
`
`on
`
`the
`
`device
`
`on
`
`nails.
`
`Further,
`
`this
`
`affidavit
`
`although
`
`not
`
`directly
`
`contradicting
`
`his
`
`EBT
`
`testimony
`
`gives
`
`greater
`
`specificity
`
`in
`
`an
`
`area
`
`that
`
`Anderson
`
`lacked
`
`knowledge
`
`in
`
`at
`
`his
`
`EBT,
`
`such
`
`that
`
`he
`
`could
`
`not
`
`answer
`
`questions
`
`asked
`
`of
`
`him
`
`by
`
`the
`
`attorney
`
`for
`
`the
`
`plaintiff.
`
`Opinions
`
`two
`
`and
`
`three
`
`suggest
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`was
`
`marketed
`
`to
`
`electricians
`
`yet
`
`this
`
`specific
`
`product
`
`was
`
`marketed
`
`exclusively
`
`through
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot.
`
`It
`
`is
`
`submitted
`
`would
`
`that
`
`this
`
`product
`
`be
`
`used
`
`by
`
`people
`
`of
`
`many
`
`different
`
`sophistication
`
`levels
`
`who
`
`frequent
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot.
`
`It
`
`is
`
`submitted
`
`that
`
`opinions
`
`two
`
`and
`
`three
`
`would
`
`not
`
`be
`
`readily
`
`understandable
`
`by
`
`the
`
`average
`
`consumer
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`as
`
`explained
`
`by
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`expert.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`acknowledges
`
`that
`
`he
`
`was
`
`not
`
`using
`
`glasses
`
`at
`
`the
`
`of
`
`time
`
`"It
`
`the
`
`incident.
`
`In
`
`paragraph
`
`30
`
`Anderson
`
`writes:
`
`is
`
`my
`
`opinion
`
`that
`
`I
`
`state
`
`with
`
`a
`
`reasonable
`
`degree
`
`of
`
`engineering
`
`certainty,
`
`that
`
`but
`
`for
`
`the
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`improper
`
`use
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Crescent
`
`four-and-a-half-inch
`
`diagonal
`
`micro-
`
`shear
`
`cutting
`
`pliers
`
`on
`
`the
`
`date
`
`of
`
`the
`
`incident
`
`the
`
`plaintiffs
`
`injuries
`
`alleged
`
`in
`
`the
`
`pleadings
`
`would
`
`not
`
`have
`
`4
`
`5 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`occurred".
`
`Interestingly
`
`his
`
`affidavit,
`
`is
`
`devoid
`
`of
`
`stating
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`was
`
`safe
`
`as
`
`designed.
`
`Thus,
`
`defendant
`
`did
`
`not
`
`meet
`
`their
`
`initial
`
`burden
`
`of
`
`proof
`
`the
`
`and
`
`this
`
`can
`
`not
`
`be
`
`rectified
`
`in
`
`reply
`
`papers.
`
`The
`
`same
`
`sentence
`
`could
`
`be
`
`interpreted
`
`as
`
`follows:
`
`but
`
`for
`
`the
`
`malfeasance
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product/specifically
`
`its
`
`blade,
`
`the
`
`accident
`
`would
`
`not
`
`have
`
`occurred.
`
`Wright's
`
`Comments
`
`The
`
`clipper
`
`tool
`
`employed
`
`by
`
`Mr.
`
`Alfeld
`
`is
`
`commonly
`
`sold
`
`by
`
`Home
`
`Depot,
`
`under
`
`the
`
`brand
`
`name
`
`CRESCENT,
`
`as
`
`part
`
`of
`
`a
`
`two-tool
`
`set,
`
`with
`
`the
`
`tool
`
`involved
`
`in
`
`this
`
`a
`
`"wire
`
`and
`
`the
`
`litigation
`
`other
`
`tool
`
`being
`
`being
`
`labelled
`
`labelled
`
`as
`
`as
`
`Alfeld,
`
`a
`
`"professional
`
`cutter'',
`
`a
`
`"mini
`
`plier".
`
`carpenter"
`
`was
`
`attempting
`
`to
`
`clip
`
`off
`
`a
`
`steel
`
`pin
`
`nail
`
`protruding
`
`from
`
`a wood
`
`component
`
`of
`
`a
`
`stair
`
`assembly,
`
`when
`
`one
`
`of
`
`the
`
`blades
`
`broke
`
`off
`
`and
`
`hit
`
`him
`
`in
`
`the
`
`eye,
`
`resulting
`
`of
`
`in
`
`the
`
`clippers
`
`a
`
`substantial
`
`injury
`
`to
`
`the
`
`eye.
`
`Wright
`
`classifies
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`as
`
`a
`
`"professional
`
`carpenter".
`
`The
`
`wire
`
`cutter
`
`used
`
`by
`
`Thomas
`
`Alfeld
`
`was
`
`entirely
`
`inappropriate
`
`for
`
`this
`
`specific
`
`operation,
`
`and
`
`this
`
`should
`
`have
`
`been
`
`obvious
`
`to
`
`a
`
`"professional"
`
`with
`
`his
`
`background.
`
`Wright
`
`opines
`
`that:
`
`5
`
`6 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`profile
`was
`
`wire,
`(This
`
`a)
`
`"low
`The
`Alfeld
`Mr.
`electrical
`aluminum.
`required
`On
`the
`of
`this
`hard
`of
`
`tool
`
`steel
`
`for
`other
`cutter
`
`pin
`fractures
`
`cut
`for
`
`cutter"
`
`in
`
`cutting
`copper
`
`wire
`use
`annealed
`condition
`
`used
`
`by
`
`soft
`or
`
`is
`
`conductivity.)
`or
`robustness
`
`for
`
`the
`
`is
`injuries.
`
`cutting
`high
`
`a
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`there
`
`annealed
`electrical
`strength
`the
`inadequate
`and
`related
`
`flush
`designed
`generally
`soft,
`maximum
`
`hand,
`is
`
`nails,
`
`and
`
`Despite
`
`this,
`
`there
`
`were
`
`no
`
`warnings
`
`regarding
`
`this
`
`device
`
`with
`
`nails.
`
`In
`
`his
`
`remarks
`
`of
`
`April
`
`using
`
`13,
`
`2020
`
`(Exhibit
`
`"A"
`
`to
`
`this
`
`memorandum
`
`of
`
`law)
`
`under
`
`subsection
`
`"A"
`
`there
`
`are
`
`four
`
`subparagraphs
`
`(i-iv).
`
`None
`
`of
`
`these
`
`were
`
`contained
`
`in
`
`any
`
`warnings.
`
`Wright
`
`opines
`
`under
`
`heading
`
`b:
`
`nail
`
`b)
`
`steel
`the
`Thus,
`half-an-order-of-magnitude
`its
`copper
`
`in
`
`shearing,
`conductor.
`shearing
`extended
`be
`applied
`when
`pin
`nail.
`
`simply
`well
`limit
`steel
`
`pin
`
`comparison
`
`Hence,
`electrical
`beyond
`to
`
`the
`
`would
`greater
`to
`
`require
`
`about
`for
`
`force
`
`pliers
`conductor
`strength
`shearing
`
`its
`
`the
`shearing
`designed
`
`for
`
`copper
`and
`a
`
`safety
`carbon
`
`of
`
`of
`
`may
`
`In
`
`of
`
`paragraph
`
`c,
`
`counsel
`
`indicates
`
`that
`
`the
`
`manufacture
`
`the
`
`tool
`
`cites
`
`the
`
`following
`
`on
`
`the
`
`tools
`
`and
`
`on
`
`their
`
`packaging.
`
`This
`
`is
`
`not
`
`totally
`
`correct
`
`based
`
`on
`
`the
`
`deposition
`
`testimony
`
`outlined
`
`above
`
`as
`
`certain
`
`warnings
`
`were
`
`on
`
`one
`
`side
`
`of
`
`a
`
`device
`
`but
`
`not
`
`the
`
`other
`
`side.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`acknowledges
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of
`
`eye
`
`protection
`
`per
`
`(ii-lii).
`
`6
`
`7 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`c)
`this
`their
`
`i)
`ii)
`iii)
`iv)
`
`In
`
`"..
`
`to
`
`point
`the
`
`a),
`following
`
`to
`
`regard
`cites
`tool
`packaging:
`wire
`soft
`"Cuts
`up
`SAFETY
`"WEAR
`GLASSES";
`YOUR
`"PROTECT
`EYES";
`electronic
`.miniature
`
`the
`
`manufacturer
`the
`on
`
`tools
`
`of
`and
`
`20
`
`AWG
`
`(0.8
`
`mm)";
`
`flush
`
`cutter....".
`
`The
`
`defense
`
`expert
`
`added
`
`(As
`
`an
`
`aside,
`
`it
`
`may
`
`be
`
`noted
`
`that
`
`the
`
`AWG citation
`
`stands
`
`for
`
`"American
`
`Wire
`
`Gage",
`
`and
`
`"20
`
`AWG"
`
`of
`
`a
`
`diameter
`
`of
`
`0.032
`
`which
`
`is
`
`indicates
`
`wire
`
`inches,
`
`equivalent
`
`to
`
`0.81
`
`mm.
`
`And,
`
`it
`
`should
`
`be
`
`noted
`
`that
`
`higher
`
`gauge
`
`numbers
`
`are
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`smaller
`
`diameter
`
`For
`
`example,
`
`AWG 21
`
`gage
`
`wire
`
`would
`
`have
`
`a
`
`diameter
`
`wire.
`
`of
`
`0.028
`
`inches,
`
`as
`
`opposed
`
`to
`
`0.032
`
`inches
`
`for
`
`AWG 20.)
`
`Also,
`
`the
`
`AWG gaging
`
`system
`
`is
`
`commonly
`
`used
`
`for
`
`specifications.
`
`copper
`
`and
`
`aluminum
`
`electrical
`
`wire
`
`In
`
`comparison,
`
`steel
`
`pin
`
`nails
`
`are
`
`often
`
`of
`
`Steel
`
`Wire
`
`Gauge
`
`23,
`
`indicating
`
`a
`
`diameter
`
`of
`
`0.026
`
`inches,
`
`which
`
`is
`
`equivalent
`
`to
`
`0.66
`
`mm,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`has
`
`testified
`
`that
`
`the
`
`diameter
`
`of
`
`the
`
`pin
`
`nail
`
`involved
`
`in
`
`this
`
`litigation
`
`in
`
`fact.
`
`Steel
`
`Wire
`
`Gauge
`
`23.
`
`was,
`
`He
`
`goes
`
`on
`
`to
`
`indicate
`
`that
`
`it
`
`"might
`
`be
`
`argued
`
`that
`
`clippers
`
`that
`
`are
`
`designed
`
`for
`
`0.032
`
`inch
`
`diameter
`
`copper
`
`or
`
`aluminum
`
`wire
`
`could
`
`be
`
`applied
`
`to
`
`a
`
`steel
`
`pin
`
`nail
`
`of,
`
`say,
`
`with
`
`a
`
`smaller,
`
`0.026
`
`inches
`
`diameter.
`
`However,
`
`consistent
`
`the
`
`above
`
`illustrative
`
`calculation,
`
`copper
`
`and
`
`7
`
`8 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`aluminum
`
`electrical
`
`wires
`
`are
`
`generally
`
`much
`
`softer
`
`than
`
`steel
`
`nail
`
`wire,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`steel
`
`nail
`
`wire
`
`can
`
`impose
`
`a much
`
`higher
`
`force
`
`on
`
`the
`
`clippers,
`
`leading
`
`to
`
`fracture."
`
`Again,
`
`there
`
`is
`
`nothing
`
`to
`
`opine
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`was
`
`safe
`
`rather
`
`it
`
`is
`
`claimed
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`misused
`
`the
`
`product
`
`and
`
`as
`
`such
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`did
`
`not
`
`meet
`
`their
`
`burden
`
`of
`
`proof
`
`yet
`
`again.
`
`There
`
`was
`
`no
`
`prohibition
`
`using
`
`this
`
`device
`
`with
`
`nails.
`
`The
`
`witness
`
`is
`
`stating
`
`about
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`is
`
`not
`
`safe
`
`in
`
`certain
`
`instances.
`
`There
`
`is
`
`nothing
`
`to
`
`indicate
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`use
`
`was
`
`not
`
`foreseeable.
`
`under
`electronic
`
`I
`
`(iv)
`
`honestly
`as
`flush
`
`not
`
`do
`follows:
`cutter....".
`
`know
`
`the
`
`iv)
`
`"..
`
`message
`.miniature
`
`conveyed
`
`The
`
`plaintiff's
`
`expert,
`
`Mr.
`
`Growney
`
`in
`
`his
`
`report
`
`quotes
`
`Mr.
`
`Wright
`
`as
`
`follows:
`
`Dr.
`
`Roger
`
`N.
`
`Wright
`
`acknowledges
`
`at
`
`page
`
`2,
`
`these
`
`clippers
`
`could
`
`be
`
`used
`
`by
`
`some
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`a
`
`steel
`
`pin
`
`nail
`
`smaller
`
`than
`
`20
`
`AWG
`
`(0.026
`
`in.
`
`diameter).
`
`A
`
`person
`
`with
`
`Dr.
`
`Wright's
`
`background
`
`should
`
`have
`
`calculated
`
`whether
`
`or
`
`not
`
`these
`
`LOW PROFILE
`
`FLUSH
`
`CUTm WIRE
`
`CUTTER
`
`should
`
`be
`
`used
`
`to
`
`flush
`
`cut
`
`nails.
`
`This
`
`a
`
`carpenter
`
`is
`
`or
`
`not
`
`a
`
`determination
`
`to
`
`be
`
`made
`
`a
`
`user
`
`such
`
`as
`
`the
`
`plaintiff.
`
`by
`
`Dr.
`
`8
`
`9 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`Wright
`
`opines
`
`that
`
`the
`
`device
`
`in
`
`question
`
`was
`
`not
`
`appropriate
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`a wire
`
`nail,
`
`that
`
`is
`
`difficult
`
`to
`
`see.
`
`Mr.
`
`Alfeld
`
`had
`
`no
`
`prior
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`this
`
`wire
`
`cutter
`
`being
`
`inappropriate
`
`for
`
`this
`
`specific
`
`application.
`
`There
`
`was
`
`no
`
`warning
`
`on
`
`the
`
`product
`
`not
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`hard
`
`wire
`
`nor
`
`any
`
`warning
`
`to
`
`not
`
`cut
`
`nails
`
`with
`
`it,
`
`and
`
`as
`
`such,
`
`the
`
`warnings
`
`were
`
`defective.
`
`Dr.
`
`Wright
`
`refers
`
`to
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`as
`
`a
`
`"professional
`
`carpenter".
`
`He
`
`the
`
`is
`
`not
`
`stating
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`was
`
`safe
`
`for
`
`average
`
`do-it-your-selfer
`
`shopping
`
`at
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot.
`
`Affidavit
`
`of
`
`Dan
`
`Parrilli,
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`In
`
`his
`
`affidavit
`
`at
`
`page
`
`4
`
`it
`
`is
`
`written:
`
`hands",
`forces
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`industrial
`it
`was
`such
`
`known
`
`as
`
`by
`
`C.
`AWG wires"
`"hard".
`or
`
`pliers
`
`These
`acknowledging
`applied
`can
`be
`
`can
`
`"be
`
`it
`to
`
`was
`the
`
`operated
`known
`that
`pliers.
`
`two
`
`with
`large
`
`These
`or
`
`pliers
`construction
`would
`they
`carpenters
`
`are
`
`"ideal
`
`jobs",
`used
`nails.
`
`in
`
`be
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`for
`heavy
`acknowledging
`construction
`
`duty
`
`"These
`making
`
`pliers
`no
`
`can
`distinction
`
`tackle
`
`to
`
`up
`between
`
`gauge
`
`20
`"soft"
`
`Labels
`
`D.
`purpose(pp.3,4),
`nails.
`cutting
`
`these
`pliers
`acknowledging
`
`as
`
`all-
`
`they
`
`are
`
`good
`
`for
`
`9
`
`10 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`All
`clearly
`
`means
`purpose
`limitations
`
`no
`on
`
`limitations.
`the
`
`use
`
`of
`
`There
`this
`
`Note:
`were
`device.
`
`Applicable
`
`Law
`
`It
`
`is
`
`acknowledged
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`not
`
`wearing
`
`safety
`
`goggles
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`the
`
`accident.
`
`It
`
`is
`
`understood
`
`that
`
`this
`
`was
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`by
`
`the
`
`product
`
`warnings.
`
`However,
`
`this
`
`does
`
`not
`
`eliminate
`
`the
`
`fact
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`was
`
`defective
`
`for
`
`the
`
`reasons
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`above
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the
`
`warnings
`
`were
`
`insufficient.
`
`The
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`use
`
`safety
`
`googles
`
`was
`
`not
`
`a
`
`supervening
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`this
`
`incident.
`
`To
`
`plead
`
`and
`
`prove
`
`a manufacturing
`
`flaw
`
`under
`
`either
`
`negligence
`
`or
`
`strict
`
`in
`
`New
`
`York,
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`liability
`
`must
`
`show
`
`that
`
`a
`
`specific
`
`product
`
`unit
`
`was
`
`defective
`
`as
`
`a
`
`result
`
`of
`
`"some
`
`mishap
`
`in
`
`the
`
`manufacturing
`
`process
`
`improper
`
`workmanship,
`
`or
`
`because
`
`defective
`
`material
`
`used
`
`in
`
`construction,"
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defect(s)
`
`was
`
`the
`
`cause(s)
`
`of
`
`plaintiff's
`
`injury.
`
`Caprara
`
`v.
`
`Chrysler
`
`52
`
`N.Y.2d
`
`114
`
`(1981).
`
`In
`
`other
`
`words,
`
`a manufacturing
`
`itself,
`
`were
`
`Corp.,
`
`flaw
`
`exists
`
`other
`
`units.
`
`when
`
`the
`
`unit
`
`in
`
`question
`
`deviates
`
`in
`
`quality
`
`and
`
`performance
`
`standards
`
`from
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`other
`
`identical
`
`See
`
`Perazone
`
`v.
`
`Sears,
`
`Roebuck
`
`& Co.,
`
`128
`
`A.D.2d
`
`15,
`
`515
`
`N.Y.S.2d
`
`908,
`
`911
`
`(3d
`
`Dep't,
`
`1987).
`
`It
`
`is
`
`for
`
`this
`
`10
`
`11 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`reason
`
`that
`
`expert
`
`Grealy
`
`did
`
`the
`
`testing
`
`upon
`
`the
`
`exemplar
`
`that
`
`he
`
`did.
`
`One
`
`of
`
`the
`
`ways
`
`to
`
`prove
`
`a
`
`product
`
`defect
`
`is
`
`by
`
`presenting
`
`evidence
`
`that
`
`it
`
`was
`
`defectively
`
`designed.
`
`In
`
`order
`
`to
`
`make
`
`this
`
`claim,
`
`a
`
`plaintiff
`
`must
`
`make
`
`a
`
`showing
`
`that:
`
`the
`
`manufacturer
`
`marketed
`
`a
`
`which
`
`was
`
`not
`
`(1)
`
`product
`
`reasonably
`
`safe
`
`in
`
`design
`
`the
`
`product
`
`its
`
`in
`
`design;
`
`(2)
`
`that
`
`it
`
`was
`
`feasible
`
`to
`
`a
`
`safer
`
`manner;
`
`and
`
`(3)
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defective
`
`design
`
`was
`
`a
`
`substantial
`
`factor
`
`in
`
`causing
`
`plaintiff's
`
`injuries.
`
`See
`
`Voss
`
`v.
`
`Black
`
`& Decker
`
`Mfg.
`
`Co.,
`
`59
`
`N.Y.2d
`
`102
`
`(1983).
`
`In
`
`order
`
`for
`
`Plaintiffs
`
`to
`
`be
`
`successful
`
`in
`
`their
`
`strict
`
`liability
`
`claims,
`
`they
`
`must
`
`first
`
`show
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`that
`
`caused
`
`the
`
`injury
`
`was
`
`defective.
`
`There
`
`are
`
`three
`
`types
`
`of
`
`defects
`
`recognized
`
`under
`
`New
`
`York
`
`law:
`
`(1)
`
`design
`
`defects;
`
`(2)
`
`manufacturing
`
`defects;
`
`and
`
`(3)
`
`defective
`
`or
`
`inadequate
`
`warnings.
`
`Counsel
`
`claims
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defendants
`
`made
`
`a
`
`prima
`
`facie
`
`showing
`
`of
`
`their
`
`entitlement
`
`to
`
`judgment
`
`summary
`
`by
`
`submitting
`
`proof,
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`did
`
`not
`
`use
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`product
`
`in
`
`the
`
`manner
`
`with
`
`which
`
`it
`
`was
`
`intended
`
`and
`
`that
`
`he
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`wear
`
`protective
`
`eyewear.
`
`There
`
`was
`
`no
`
`warning
`
`not
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`nails
`
`with
`
`this
`
`specific
`
`machine
`
`and
`
`thus
`
`this
`
`argument
`
`fails,
`
`and
`
`as
`
`such
`
`plaintiff's
`
`actions
`
`11
`
`12 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`or
`
`inactions
`
`cannot
`
`be
`
`the
`
`sole
`
`proximate
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`this
`
`incident.
`
`Counsel
`
`also
`
`argues
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defendants
`
`made
`
`prima
`
`facie
`
`showings
`
`concerning
`
`the
`
`sufficiency
`
`of
`
`warnings
`
`on
`
`the
`
`product.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff's
`
`expert
`
`has
`
`a
`
`differing
`
`opinion
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`his
`
`report
`
`and
`
`affidavit
`
`and
`
`as
`
`such
`
`a
`
`triable
`
`fact
`
`exists.
`
`defense
`
`argues
`
`that
`
`this
`
`issue
`
`plaintiff
`
`was
`
`of
`
`a
`
`The
`
`professional,
`
`and
`
`had
`
`the
`
`requisite
`
`knowledge
`
`to
`
`understand
`
`why
`
`the
`
`packaging
`
`advised
`
`safety
`
`glasses,
`
`and
`
`it
`
`was
`
`his
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`heed
`
`the
`
`warnings,
`
`not
`
`the
`
`insufficiency
`
`of
`
`the
`
`warnings,
`
`that
`
`lead
`
`to
`
`his
`
`injuries.
`
`They
`
`ignore
`
`that
`
`there
`
`were
`
`no
`
`warnings
`
`conveyed
`
`not
`
`to
`
`use
`
`this
`
`device
`
`to
`
`cut
`
`nails.
`
`cutting
`
`They
`
`possessed
`
`this
`
`knowledge
`
`but
`
`They
`
`also
`
`marketed
`
`did
`
`the
`
`not
`
`convey
`
`same
`
`in
`
`clear
`
`language.
`
`product
`
`to
`
`other
`
`people
`
`than
`
`professionals
`
`through
`
`the
`
`Home
`
`Depot.
`
`Applying
`
`New
`
`York
`
`law,
`
`there
`
`are
`
`four
`
`separate
`
`theories
`
`under
`
`which
`
`a
`
`plaintiff
`
`may
`
`pursue
`
`a
`
`recovery
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`a
`
`claim
`
`of
`
`products
`
`liability;
`
`liability:
`
`express
`
`(1)
`
`strict
`
`and
`
`(2)
`
`negligence;
`
`(3)
`
`warranty
`
`(4)
`
`implied
`
`warranty
`
`See
`
`Voss
`
`supra.
`
`In
`
`order
`
`to
`
`establish
`
`a
`
`prima
`
`facie
`
`case
`
`with
`
`regard
`
`to
`
`any
`
`of
`
`these
`
`four
`
`theories,
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`must
`
`show
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`at
`
`issue
`
`was
`
`defective
`
`and
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defectively
`
`designed
`
`product
`
`was
`
`the
`
`actual
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`injury.
`
`The
`
`12
`
`13 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`plaintiff
`
`criteria.
`
`has
`
`raised
`
`an
`
`issue
`
`of
`
`fact
`
`applying
`
`these
`
`Under
`
`New
`
`York
`
`law,
`
`in
`
`order
`
`to
`
`make
`
`a
`
`prima
`
`facie
`
`case
`
`for
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`warn
`
`under
`
`the
`
`strict
`
`liability
`
`rubric,
`
`a
`
`plaintiff
`
`must
`
`show:
`
`(1)
`
`the
`
`manufacturer
`
`had
`
`a
`
`duty
`
`to
`
`warn;
`
`(2)
`
`the
`
`manufacturer
`
`breached
`
`the
`
`duty
`
`to
`
`defective
`
`warn
`
`in
`
`a manner
`
`that
`
`rendered
`
`the
`
`product
`
`(i.e.
`
`reasonably
`
`certain
`
`to
`
`be
`
`dangerous);
`
`(3)
`
`the
`
`defect
`
`was
`
`a
`
`proximate
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`injury;
`
`and
`
`(4)
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`suffered
`
`a
`
`loss
`
`or
`
`damage.
`
`See
`
`Liriano
`
`v.
`
`Hobart
`
`Corp.,
`
`92
`
`N.Y.2d
`
`232,
`
`677
`
`N.Y.S.2d
`
`764
`
`(1998).
`
`A defendant
`
`cannot
`
`establish
`
`a
`
`prima
`
`facie
`
`entitlement
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`to
`
`summary
`
`judgment
`
`by
`
`showing
`
`some
`
`minimum
`
`safety
`
`design
`
`standards.
`
`This
`
`is
`
`not
`
`enough
`
`to
`
`defeat
`
`a
`
`potential
`
`defect
`
`claim.
`
`Eilerman
`
`v.
`
`Carey,
`
`2017
`
`N.Y.
`
`Misc.
`
`LEXIS
`
`4586
`
`(Sup
`
`Ct.
`
`2017).
`
`In
`
`Eilerman
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`able
`
`to
`
`show
`
`that
`
`the
`
`ladder
`
`was
`
`minimally
`
`compliant
`
`was
`
`with
`
`applicable
`
`standards,
`
`yet,
`
`the
`
`court
`
`noted
`
`that
`
`is
`
`safety
`
`not
`
`always
`
`enough.
`
`A defendant
`
`cannot
`
`simply
`
`show
`
`compliance
`
`with
`
`minimum
`
`industry
`
`standards
`
`and
`
`obtain
`
`an
`
`order
`
`of
`
`dismissal,
`
`as
`
`this
`
`proof
`
`be
`
`considered
`
`and
`
`is
`
`not
`
`a
`
`shield
`
`is
`
`to
`
`only
`
`liability."
`
`"some
`
`evidence
`
`to
`
`See
`
`also
`
`Mercogliano
`
`v.
`
`Sears,
`
`Roebuck
`
`& Co,
`
`303
`
`A.D.2d
`
`566,
`
`756
`
`N.Y.S.2d
`
`472
`
`(2nd
`
`Dep't,
`
`2003)
`
`13
`
`14 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`Compliance
`
`with
`
`the
`
`Federal
`
`Flanimable
`
`Eabrics
`
`Act
`
`and
`
`its
`
`accompanying
`
`regulations
`
`are
`
`merely
`
`some
`
`evidence
`
`of
`
`due
`
`care
`
`and
`
`does
`
`not
`
`preclude
`
`a
`
`finding
`
`of
`
`negligence.
`
`The
`
`standards
`
`mandated
`
`therein,
`
`which
`
`are
`
`industry-derived,
`
`establish
`
`a minimum
`
`resistance-to-flammability
`
`level(s)
`
`(see
`
`Perez
`
`v.
`
`Mini-Max
`
`Stores,
`
`231
`
`A.D.2d
`
`162,
`
`661
`
`N.Y.S.2d
`
`659
`
`and
`
`were
`
`promulgated
`
`to
`
`determine
`
`[1997))
`
`clearly
`
`flammability
`
`levels
`
`before
`
`products
`
`are
`
`passed
`
`to
`
`consumers
`
`(see
`
`15
`
`USC
`
`§
`
`1192;
`
`S Rep
`
`No.
`
`83-400,
`
`1953
`
`US
`
`Code
`
`Cong
`
`&
`
`Admin
`
`News,
`
`at
`
`1722.
`
`Adherence
`
`to
`
`the
`
`standard,
`
`is
`
`not
`
`a
`
`shield
`
`to
`
`tort
`
`liability
`
`based
`
`upon
`
`state
`
`law.
`
`Summary
`
`judgment
`
`in
`
`a
`
`strict
`
`products
`
`liability
`
`case
`
`defendant
`
`on
`
`basis
`
`of
`
`a
`
`plaintiff's
`
`may
`
`be
`
`granted
`
`to
`
`a
`
`the
`
`conduct
`
`when
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`actions
`
`constituted
`
`the
`
`sole
`
`proximate
`
`plaintiff's
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`his
`
`or
`
`her
`
`injuries
`
`or
`
`where
`
`the
`
`actions
`
`were
`
`an
`
`unforeseeable
`
`superseding
`
`event,
`
`sufficient
`
`to
`
`break
`
`the
`
`causal
`
`chain
`
`and
`
`thus
`
`absolve
`
`the
`
`defendant
`
`of
`
`liability.
`
`See
`
`Conte
`
`v.
`
`Orion
`
`Bus
`
`162
`
`A.D.3d
`
`78
`
`N.Y.S.3d
`
`236
`
`(2d
`
`Dept
`
`Indus.,
`
`Inc.,
`
`638,
`
`2018).
`
`Here
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no
`
`proof
`
`that
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`use
`
`of
`
`the
`
`the
`
`product
`
`or
`
`his
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`utilize
`
`eye
`
`protection
`
`was
`
`sole
`
`proximate
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`the
`
`accident.
`
`This
`
`prohibition
`
`applied
`
`for
`
`example
`
`when
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`knowingly
`
`placed
`
`hand
`
`into
`
`the
`
`hopper
`
`of
`
`a
`
`cheese
`
`grater
`
`without
`
`turning
`
`his
`
`it
`
`14
`
`15 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`off
`
`for
`
`no
`
`apparent
`
`reason.
`
`Here
`
`the
`
`fact
`
`pattern
`
`is
`
`distinguishable.
`
`See
`
`Hernandez
`
`v.
`
`Asoli
`
`171
`
`A.D.3d
`
`893,
`
`97
`
`N.Y.S.3d
`
`227
`
`(2nd
`
`Dep't,
`
`2019).
`
`Manufacturing
`
`Defect
`
`"A manufacturing
`
`flaw
`
`exists
`
`when
`
`the
`
`unit
`
`in
`
`question
`
`deviates
`
`in
`
`quality
`
`and
`
`other
`
`performance
`
`standards
`
`from
`
`other
`
`identical
`
`units."
`
`Colon
`
`ex
`
`rel.
`
`all
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Molina,
`
`199
`
`F.Supp.2d
`
`85.
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`does
`
`not
`
`need
`
`a
`
`metallurgist
`
`to
`
`prove
`
`a manufacturing
`
`or
`
`design
`
`defect
`
`as
`
`claimed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`defense
`
`in
`
`light
`
`of
`
`Mr.
`
`Growney's
`
`testing
`
`with
`
`the
`
`exemplar.
`
`There
`
`is
`
`nothing
`
`to
`
`indicate
`
`that
`
`the
`
`defense
`
`expert
`
`performed
`
`testing
`
`on
`
`the
`
`exemplar
`
`rather
`
`commented
`
`alleged
`
`only
`
`on
`
`its
`
`warnings.
`
`In
`
`a
`
`product
`
`liability
`
`design
`
`defect
`
`action,
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`has
`
`the
`
`burden
`
`of
`
`proffering
`
`evidence
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`could
`
`feasibly
`
`have
`
`been
`
`designed
`
`without
`
`the
`
`purported
`
`defect
`
`in
`
`a manner
`
`that
`
`would
`
`have
`
`prevented
`
`the
`
`alleged
`
`injury.
`
`Burgos
`
`v.
`
`Lutz,
`
`128
`
`A.D.2d
`
`496,
`
`512
`
`N.Y.S.2d
`
`424
`
`Dep't
`
`1987).
`
`(2d
`
`Defendants
`
`contend
`
`that
`
`they
`
`are
`
`entitled
`
`to
`
`summary
`
`judgment
`
`because
`
`plaintiff
`
`has
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`proffer
`
`sufficient
`
`evidence
`
`of
`
`a
`
`design
`
`defect.
`
`One
`
`in
`
`the
`
`manufacturing
`
`marketing
`
`of
`
`product,
`
`is
`
`liable
`
`to
`
`an
`
`injured
`
`user
`
`products
`
`when:
`
`1)
`
`the
`
`product
`
`is
`
`defective
`
`because
`
`or
`
`its
`
`is
`
`of
`
`it
`
`15
`
`16 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`not
`
`for
`
`reasonably
`
`safe
`
`as
`
`marketed;
`
`2)
`
`the
`
`product
`
`was
`
`used
`
`a
`
`normal
`
`purpose;
`
`3)
`
`the
`
`defect
`
`was
`
`a
`
`substantial
`
`factor
`
`in
`
`causing
`
`the
`
`plaintiff's
`
`injuries;
`
`4)
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`by
`
`the
`
`exercise
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`would
`
`not
`
`have
`
`both
`
`discovered
`
`and
`
`apprehended
`
`its
`
`dangers;
`
`and
`
`5)
`
`the
`
`plaintiff
`
`would
`
`have
`
`otherwise
`
`avoided
`
`the
`
`not
`
`injury
`
`the
`
`exercise
`
`of
`
`ordinary
`
`care.
`
`See
`
`Codling
`
`v.
`
`Paglia,
`
`by
`
`32
`
`N.Y.2d
`
`330(1973).
`
`The
`
`plaintiff
`
`has
`
`raised
`
`an
`
`issue
`
`of
`
`fact
`
`on
`
`all
`
`these
`
`points
`
`through
`
`Expert
`
`Growney.
`
`Divergent
`
`expert
`
`opinions
`
`must
`
`lead
`
`to
`
`a
`
`determination
`
`by
`
`a
`
`fact
`
`finder
`
`and
`
`these
`
`cases
`
`are
`
`not
`
`appropriate
`
`for
`
`judgment.
`
`See
`
`Swift
`
`v.
`
`New
`
`York
`
`Transit
`
`summary
`
`Authority,
`
`115
`
`A.D.3d
`
`507,
`
`981
`
`N.Y.S.2d
`
`706
`
`(1st
`
`Dept.
`
`2004).
`
`Counsel
`
`asserts
`
`that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`no
`
`dangerous
`
`condition.
`
`This
`
`is
`
`where
`
`the
`
`experts
`
`disagree
`
`and
`
`generally
`
`when
`
`there
`
`is
`
`a
`
`conflict
`
`among
`
`experts,
`
`summary
`
`judgment
`
`is
`
`inappropriate.
`
`Where,
`
`a
`
`qualified
`
`expert
`
`opines
`
`that
`
`a
`
`particular
`
`product
`
`is
`
`defective
`
`or
`
`dangerous,
`
`describes
`
`why
`
`it
`
`is
`
`how
`
`dangerous,
`
`explains
`
`it
`
`can
`
`be
`
`made
`
`safer,
`
`and
`
`concludes
`
`that
`
`it
`
`is
`
`feasible
`
`to
`
`do
`
`so,
`
`it
`
`is
`
`usually
`
`for
`
`the
`
`jury
`
`to
`
`make
`
`the
`
`required
`
`risk-utility
`
`analysis,
`
`(Pierre-Louis
`
`v.
`
`DeLonghi
`
`Am.,
`
`Inc.,
`
`66
`
`AD3d
`
`859,
`
`887
`
`NYS2d
`
`628
`
`[2009]).
`
`Growney
`
`opines
`
`within
`
`a
`
`reasonable
`
`degree
`
`of
`
`scientific
`
`and
`
`mechanical
`
`engineering
`
`certainty
`
`that
`
`the
`
`16
`
`17 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`defendants
`
`created
`
`and
`
`marketed
`
`a
`
`product
`
`containing
`
`a
`
`manufacturing
`
`defect
`
`which
`
`was
`
`the
`
`proximate
`
`cause
`
`of
`
`Thomas
`
`Alfeld's
`
`incident
`
`and
`
`resulting
`
`injuries.
`
`Pneumatic
`
`nailers
`
`are
`
`commonly
`
`utilized
`
`in
`
`residential
`
`construction
`
`to
`
`fasten
`
`wood
`
`components.
`
`They
`
`are
`
`available
`
`for
`
`a
`
`number
`
`nail
`
`diameters
`
`and
`
`must
`
`be
`
`matched
`
`to
`
`the
`
`nail's
`
`size.
`
`of
`
`Pin
`
`nails
`
`(23
`
`gauge)
`
`are
`
`smaller
`
`than
`
`brads
`
`(18
`
`gage).
`
`They
`
`are
`
`among
`
`the
`
`smallest
`
`in
`
`diameter
`
`of
`
`pneumatically
`
`driven
`
`nails
`
`on
`
`the
`
`market
`
`and
`
`are
`
`commonly
`
`utilized
`
`to
`
`fasten
`
`moldings.
`
`purpose"
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`advises
`
`on
`
`its
`
`website
`
`that
`
`these
`
`"all-
`
`electronic
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`are:
`
`built
`
`to
`
`last,
`
`pressure
`
`and
`
`and
`
`easily
`
`tackle
`
`withstand
`
`regular
`
`wear,
`
`damage,
`
`a
`
`variety
`
`of
`
`tough
`
`jobs.
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`states
`
`that
`
`this
`
`cutter
`
`plier's
`
`handles
`
`are
`
`large
`
`enough
`
`to
`
`be
`
`operated
`
`with
`
`two
`
`hands
`
`making
`
`it
`
`easier
`
`to
`
`deliver
`
`high
`
`amounts
`
`of
`
`pressure
`
`to
`
`these
`
`pliers
`
`when
`
`cutting
`
`through
`
`thick
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`also
`
`states
`
`that
`
`the
`
`metal
`
`of
`
`materials.
`
`makeup
`
`these
`
`pliers
`
`makes
`
`them
`
`durable,
`
`ideal
`
`for
`
`heavy
`
`duty
`
`industrial
`
`or
`
`construction
`
`jobs.
`
`Alan
`
`Anderson
`
`was
`
`Apex
`
`Tool
`
`Group,
`
`LLC's
`
`(Apex)
`
`Senior
`
`Product
`
`Development
`
`Engineer
`
`and
`
`testified
`
`that
`
`the
`
`intended
`
`use
`
`of
`
`these
`
`cutter
`
`copper,
`
`nickel
`
`plated
`
`copper
`
`is
`
`electronics,
`
`soft
`
`that
`
`sort
`
`of
`
`thing
`
`(pp.
`
`pliers
`
`wire,
`
`17
`
`18 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`33,
`
`60,
`
`76).
`
`There
`
`is
`
`no
`
`industry
`
`standard
`
`or
`
`agreed
`
`for
`
`the
`
`phrase
`
`"soft
`
`copper
`
`wire"
`
`(Anderson
`
`p.
`
`meaning
`
`77).
`
`Home
`
`Depot
`
`displays
`
`these
`
`"all-purpose"
`
`pliers
`
`in
`
`a
`
`section
`
`of
`
`hand
`
`tools
`
`that
`
`are
`
`commonly
`
`utilized
`
`in
`
`construction
`
`"electronics"
`
`and
`
`mechanical
`
`work
`
`and
`
`not
`
`in
`
`an
`
`Depot
`
`also
`
`sells
`
`23
`
`AWG pin
`
`section.
`
`Home
`
`nails
`
`for
`
`pneumatic
`
`nailers
`
`as
`
`well
`
`as
`
`pneumatic
`
`nailers.
`
`Growney
`
`opines
`
`that
`
`Apex's
`
`Senior
`
`Product
`
`Development
`
`Engineer
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`whether
`
`or
`
`not
`
`these
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`are
`
`capable
`
`of
`
`cutting
`
`the
`
`commonly
`
`utilized
`
`23
`
`AWG
`
`pin
`
`nails.
`
`Growney
`
`performed
`
`an
`
`experiment
`
`in
`
`which
`
`he
`
`cut
`
`98
`
`-
`
`99
`
`pieces
`
`(394
`
`of
`
`(using
`
`his
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`only)
`
`total)
`
`23
`
`AWG Hitachi
`
`pin
`
`nails
`
`on
`
`each
`
`of
`
`four
`
`exemplar
`
`Crescent
`
`4",
`
`diagonal
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`without
`
`any
`
`of
`
`their
`
`cutter
`
`blades
`
`breaking.
`
`This
`
`experiment
`
`verified
`
`the
`
`calculation
`
`that
`
`shows
`
`these
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`should
`
`be
`
`able
`
`withstand
`
`cutter
`
`23
`
`AWG pin
`
`nails
`
`without
`
`breaking.
`
`Even
`
`though
`
`the
`
`calculation
`
`is
`
`capable
`
`of
`
`shows
`
`that
`
`this
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`cutting
`
`23
`
`AWG pin
`
`nails,
`
`and
`
`the
`
`experiment
`
`confirms
`
`it,
`
`the
`
`calculation
`
`does
`
`not
`
`display
`
`a
`
`large
`
`margin
`
`for
`
`error.
`
`The
`
`smaller
`
`the
`
`margin
`
`of
`
`error,
`
`the
`
`greater
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`harmful
`
`consequences.
`
`Therefore,
`
`tight
`
`control
`
`must
`
`be
`
`exercised
`
`over
`
`these
`
`cutter
`
`manufacture
`
`in
`
`order
`
`to
`
`pliers'
`
`18
`
`19 of 31
`
`

`

`FILED: GREENE COUNTY CLERK 12/16/2022 03:34 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 16
`
`INDEX NO. EF2018-8
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 12/21/2022
`
`assure
`
`all
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`will
`
`not
`
`fail
`
`during
`
`reasonably
`
`foreseeable
`
`use.
`
`It
`
`should
`
`be
`
`noted
`
`that
`
`number
`
`one
`
`exemplar
`
`Crescent
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`with
`
`which
`
`Growney
`
`cut
`
`approximately
`
`97
`
`-
`
`99
`
`23
`
`AWG pin
`
`nails
`
`without
`
`breaking,
`
`has
`
`a
`
`discernable
`
`discontinuity
`
`observable
`
`with
`
`an
`
`eye
`
`loupe,
`
`approximately
`
`0.100
`
`inch,
`
`long,
`
`emanating
`
`from
`
`the
`
`notch
`
`on
`
`the
`
`outside
`
`of
`
`the
`
`bend
`
`forming
`
`the
`
`jaw.
`
`See
`
`photo
`
`3662,
`
`attached
`
`to
`
`Growney's
`
`Report.
`
`Apex
`
`Product
`
`Specifications
`
`specifies
`
`the
`
`pliers
`
`are
`
`to
`
`be
`
`manufactured
`
`from
`
`High
`
`Carbon
`
`C1
`
`070
`
`or
`
`better
`
`steel;
`
`to
`
`be
`
`hardened.
`
`and
`
`the
`
`entire
`
`body
`
`of
`
`the
`
`pliers
`
`is
`
`Brittle
`
`fracture
`
`is
`
`a well-known
`
`defect
`
`that
`
`can
`
`occur
`
`in
`
`hardened
`
`high
`
`carbon
`
`steels.
`
`The
`
`fracture
`
`surface
`
`of
`
`the
`
`incident
`
`ductility
`
`fracture.
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`does
`
`not
`
`exhibit
`
`any
`
`significant
`
`and
`
`its
`
`appearance
`
`is
`
`consistent
`
`with
`
`brittle
`
`The
`
`incident
`
`Crescent
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`should
`
`not
`
`have
`
`experienced
`
`brittle
`
`fracture
`
`failure
`
`from
`
`cutting
`
`a
`
`a
`
`23
`
`AWG pin
`
`nail.
`
`This
`
`shows
`
`that
`
`the
`
`steel
`
`used
`
`was
`
`not
`
`appropriate
`
`for
`
`this
`
`cutter.
`
`The
`
`Crescent
`
`cutter
`
`pliers
`
`contained
`
`a manufacturing
`
`defect
`
`that
`
`caused
`
`its
`
`blade
`
`to
`
`break
`
`when
`
`Mr.
`
`Alfeld
`
`19
`
`20 of 31
`
`