FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`# : EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`STATE
`SUPREME
`
`OF NEW YORK
`COURT
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF TOMPKINS
`
`CHAD E. KAISER,
`
`v.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`SUMMONS
`
`AGCO CORPORATION;
`AVCO CORPORATION;
`REVERE
`THE PAUL
`TEXTRON,
`CORPORATION;
`NEW
`ALLIED
`PRODUCTS
`CORPORATION;
`INC.;
`and ABC CORPORATIONS,
`IDEA
`CORPORATION;
`for Unknown
`Names
`1-5 (Fictitious
`Companies),
`
`Defendants.
`
`TO THE ABOVE
`
`NAMED
`
`DEFENDANT(S):
`
`Plaintiff
`
`designates
`Tompkins
`as the
`of
`place
`trial.
`County
`of venue
`basis
`is Plaintiff's
`residence.
`
`The
`
`Plaintiff's
`64 Prott's
`
`Newfield,
`Tompkins
`
`Address:
`Hill
`Road
`New York
`
`County
`
`14867
`
`SUMMONED
`YOU ARE HEREBY
`in this
`action
`the Complaint
`to answer
`to serve
`a Notice
`with
`served
`if
`the Complaint
`this Summons,
`is not
`or,
`exclusive
`after
`of
`this Summons,
`within
`days
`the service
`(20)
`twenty
`Attomey
`is not
`this
`Summoñs
`after
`is completc
`if
`days
`service
`personally
`(30)
`thirty
`of New York);
`judgment
`of your
`to appear
`or answer,
`in the
`case
`failure
`State
`for
`the relief
`demanded
`herein.
`by default
`
`Answer,
`
`the
`and
`
`of
`
`your
`a copy
`to serve
`and
`of
`on Plaintiff's
`of Appearance,
`the
`of service
`(or within
`day
`delivered
`to you within
`the
`will
`be taken
`you
`against
`
`DATED:
`
`September
`
`23,
`
`2020
`
`NORDBY
`PORTER
`neys for
`Atto
`
`Plaintiff
`
`HOWE LLP
`
`By:
`
`i
`
`elle E. Rudderow,
`
`of Counsel
`
`& P.O.
`Office
`Address
`125 East
`Jefferson
`New York
`
`11*
`
`Street,
`13202-2550
`
`Floor
`
`Syracuse,
`315.477.9900
`315.477.9923
`
`(facsimile)
`
`FAX SERVICE
`
`NOT ACCEPTED
`
`1 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`CI2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`Index
`#: EF2020-0497
`
`Defendants'
`
`Addresses:
`
`AVCO Corporation
`c\o CT Corporation
`28 Liberty
`Street
`New York,
`New York
`
`System
`
`10005
`
`AGCO Corporation
`c/o Corporation
`80 State
`Street
`New York
`
`Albany,
`
`Service
`
`Company
`
`12207
`
`Corporation
`
`The Paul Revere
`101 Federal
`Street
`Massachusetts
`
`Boston,
`
`02110
`
`Inc.
`Textron,
`10 Weybosset
`
`Providence,
`
`Street,
`Rhode
`
`Island
`
`02903
`
`Allied
`33 North
`
`Chicago,
`
`Products
`LaSalle
`Illinois
`
`Corporation
`Street
`60602
`
`New Idea Corporation
`Sycamore
`123 West
`Ohio
`
`Coldwater,
`
`Street
`45828
`
`ABC CORP.
`
`1-5
`
`- 2 -
`2 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`CI2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`Index
`#: EF2020-0497
`
`STATE
`SUPREME
`
`OF NEW YORK
`COURT
`
`COUNTY
`
`OF TOMPKINS
`
`CHAD
`
`E. KAISER,
`
`v.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Index
`
`No.:
`
`INC.;
`IDEA
`(Fictitious
`
`AGCO CORPORATION;
`AVCO
`CORPORATION;
`THE PAUL
`REVERE
`CORPORATION;
`TEXTRON,
`NEW
`PRODUCTS
`ALLIED
`CORPORATION;
`and ABC CORP.
`CORPORATION;
`for Unknown
`Names
`
`1-5
`
`Companies),
`
`Defendants.
`
`VERIFIED
`
`COMPLAIliT
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Chad
`
`E. Kaiser
`
`("Plaintiff"),
`
`by and
`
`through
`
`his
`
`attorneys,
`
`Porter
`
`Nordby
`
`Howe
`
`LLP,
`
`complaiñing
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above-named
`
`defendants
`
`herein
`
`(collectively,
`
`"Defendants"),
`
`hereby
`
`states
`
`and
`
`alleges,
`
`upon
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief,
`
`as follows:
`
`PARTIES
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is an individual
`
`who
`
`resides
`
`in the County
`
`of Tompkins,
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`Defendant
`
`AVCO Corporation
`
`("Defendant
`
`is a foreign
`
`business
`
`AVCO")
`
`corporation
`
`registered
`
`in the State
`
`of Delaware,
`
`with
`
`a principal
`
`executive
`
`office
`
`located
`
`at 40
`
`Westminster
`
`Street,
`
`Providence,
`
`Rhode
`
`Island,
`
`02903
`
`and
`
`a registered
`
`agent
`
`located
`
`at CT
`
`Corporation
`
`System,
`
`28
`
`Liberty
`
`Street,
`
`New York,
`
`New York
`
`10005.
`
`3.
`
`Defendant
`
`AGCO Corporation
`
`("Defendant
`
`AGCO")
`
`is a foreign
`
`business
`
`corporation
`
`registered
`
`in the State
`
`of Delaware,
`
`with
`
`a principal
`
`executive
`
`office
`
`located
`
`at 4205
`
`River
`
`Green
`
`Parkway,
`
`Duluth,
`
`Georgia,
`
`and
`
`a registered
`
`agent
`
`located
`
`at Corporation
`
`Service
`
`Company,
`
`80 State
`
`Street,
`
`Albany,
`
`New York
`
`12207.
`
`- 1 -
`3 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`CI2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`Index
`#: EF2020-0497
`
`4.
`
`Defendant
`
`The
`
`Paul
`
`Revere
`
`Corporation
`
`("Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere")
`
`is a foreign
`
`business
`
`corporation
`
`registered
`
`in the State
`
`of Delaware,
`
`with
`
`a registered
`
`agent
`
`located
`
`at 101
`
`Federal
`
`Street,
`
`Boston, MA 02110.
`
`5.
`
`Defendant
`
`Textron,
`
`INC.
`
`("Defendant
`
`Textron")
`
`is a foreign
`
`business
`
`corporation
`
`registered
`
`in the State
`
`of Delaware
`
`with
`
`a registered
`
`agent
`
`located
`
`at 10 Weybosset
`
`Street,
`
`Providence,
`
`Rhode
`
`Island
`
`02903.
`
`6.
`
`Defendant
`
`Allied
`
`Products
`
`Corporation
`
`("Defendant
`
`Allied")
`
`is a foreign
`
`business
`
`corporation
`
`registered
`
`in the State
`
`of Delaware
`
`with
`
`a registered
`
`agent
`
`located
`
`at 33 North
`
`LaSalle
`
`Street,
`
`Chicago,
`
`IL
`
`60602.
`
`7.
`
`Defendant
`
`New Idea
`
`Corporation
`
`("Defendant
`
`New Idea")
`
`is a Delaware
`
`corporation
`
`with
`
`its
`
`last
`
`known
`
`principal
`
`place
`
`of business
`
`located
`
`at 123 West
`
`Sycamore
`
`Street,
`
`Coldwater,
`
`located
`
`Paxton
`
`Ohio
`
`45828,
`
`with
`
`an office
`
`at 5500
`
`Street,
`
`Harrisburg,
`
`Pennsylvania
`
`17111.
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`Defendant
`
`New Idea
`
`is a division
`
`of Defendant
`
`Allied.
`
`Defendant
`
`ABC Corporations
`
`1-5
`
`("Defendants
`
`ABC")
`
`are fictitious,
`
`their
`
`identities
`
`are presently
`
`unknown
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`his
`
`counsel,
`
`and they
`
`are named
`
`as Defendants
`
`to designate
`
`unknown
`
`entities
`
`that
`
`acquired
`
`or merged
`
`with
`
`one
`
`or more
`
`of
`
`the
`
`above-named
`
`Defendant(s)
`
`and
`
`may
`
`have
`
`assumed
`
`all
`
`liabilities
`
`of
`
`said Defendant(s).
`
`10.
`
`The New Idea Model
`
`326
`
`(Serial
`
`No.
`
`227-537)
`
`Husking
`
`Unit
`
`and/or
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`("Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker")
`
`that
`
`is the
`
`subject
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action
`
`was
`
`designed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`sold,
`
`marketed,
`
`tested,
`
`inspected,
`
`distributed
`
`or otherwise
`
`by Defendants
`
`AVCO,
`
`AGCO,
`
`Paul
`
`Revere,
`
`Textron,
`
`Allied,
`
`New Idea
`
`and/or
`
`ABC.
`
`- 2 -
`4 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`11.
`
`The
`
`Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`was
`
`designed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`tested,
`
`inspected,
`
`distributed,
`
`marketed,
`
`and/or
`
`sold
`
`in the
`
`ordinary
`
`course
`
`of business
`
`by Defendant
`
`AVCO or,
`
`alternatively,
`
`by
`
`Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere.
`
`12.
`
`In or around
`
`1977,
`
`Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere
`
`purchased
`
`the
`
`assets
`
`of Defendant
`
`AVCO
`
`and/or
`
`Defendant
`
`New Idea,
`
`and
`
`assumed
`
`all
`
`liabilities
`
`for
`
`products
`
`manufactured,
`
`assembled,
`
`sold
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`distributed,
`
`and
`
`by Defendant
`
`AVCO,
`
`including
`
`Picker.
`
`13.
`
`In or around
`
`1984,
`
`the
`
`assets
`
`of Defendant
`
`AVCO and/or
`
`Defendant
`
`New Idea
`
`previously
`
`purchased
`
`by Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere
`
`were
`
`sold
`
`to Defendant
`
`New Idea.
`
`14.
`
`Defendant
`
`New Idea
`
`and/or
`
`Defendant
`
`Allied
`
`were
`
`successor
`
`corporations
`
`to
`
`Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere
`
`or assumed
`
`all
`
`liabilities
`
`of Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere,
`
`including
`
`its
`
`liability
`
`for,
`
`the
`
`and
`
`sale
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Subject
`
`or arising
`
`out
`
`of,
`
`design,
`
`manufacture,
`
`assembly,
`
`distribution,
`
`described
`
`Corn
`
`Picker.
`
`15.
`
`Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere
`
`was
`
`subsequently
`
`dissolved
`
`or merged
`
`with
`
`Defendant
`
`AVCO,
`
`a wholly
`
`owned
`
`subsidiary
`
`of Defendant
`
`Textron.
`
`16.
`
`Defendant
`
`AVCO and/or
`
`Textron
`
`are the
`
`successor
`
`corporations
`
`to Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere
`
`or have
`
`assumed
`
`all
`
`liabilities
`
`of Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere,
`
`including
`
`its
`
`liability
`
`for
`
`or arising
`
`of
`
`the
`
`or
`
`sale
`
`of
`
`out
`
`design,
`
`manufacture,
`
`testing,
`
`inspection,
`
`distribution,
`
`marketing,
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker.
`
`17.
`
`In or around
`
`1993,
`
`Defendant
`
`AGCO purchased
`
`the
`
`assets
`
`of Defendants
`
`New Idea,
`
`and Defendant
`
`AGCO is the
`
`successor
`
`corporation
`
`to Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere
`
`or has
`
`assumed
`
`all
`
`liabilities
`
`of Defendant
`
`Paul
`
`Revere,
`
`including
`
`its
`
`liability
`
`for,
`
`or arising
`
`out
`
`of,
`
`the
`
`design,
`
`manufacture,
`
`testing,
`
`inspection,
`
`distribution,
`
`marketing,
`
`or sale
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker.
`
`- 3 -
`5 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`CI2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`Index
`#: EF2020-0497
`
`18.
`
`At
`
`or about
`
`the
`
`time
`
`of
`
`sale
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker,
`
`the
`
`Defendant(s)
`
`made
`
`sales
`
`in and
`
`about
`
`the State
`
`of New York,
`
`and were
`
`generally
`
`engaged
`
`in
`
`interstate
`
`commerce,
`
`and made
`
`substantial
`
`revenue
`
`through
`
`the
`
`sale
`
`of goods,
`
`services,
`
`and
`
`products
`
`through
`
`interstate
`
`products.
`
`19.
`
`The
`
`Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and
`
`Defendants'
`
`actions
`
`as set
`
`forth
`
`herein
`
`caused
`
`severe
`
`and permanent
`
`injuries,
`
`including
`
`a right-hand
`
`degloving
`
`and
`
`partial
`
`right-hand
`
`amputation
`
`to
`
`Plaintiff
`
`on or about
`
`December
`
`4, 2017,
`
`when
`
`his
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`was
`
`suddenly
`
`and without
`
`warning
`
`pulled
`
`into
`
`the
`
`husking
`
`rollers
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker.
`
`20.
`
`The
`
`Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`reached
`
`Plaintiff
`
`in substantially
`
`the
`
`same
`
`condition
`
`as it
`
`was
`
`distributed,
`
`marketed
`
`and
`
`sold
`
`designed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`tested,
`
`inspected,
`
`by Defendants,
`
`without
`
`substantial
`
`modifications
`
`and/or
`
`without
`
`substantial
`
`modifications
`
`that
`
`proximately
`
`caused
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`injuries.
`
`FACTS
`
`21.
`
`Edward
`
`D. Kaiser
`
`and Gail
`
`S. Kaiser
`
`were
`
`and
`
`still
`
`are,
`
`the
`
`titled
`
`co-owners
`
`of
`
`certain
`
`real
`
`property,
`
`including
`
`approximately
`
`ten
`
`(10)
`
`acres
`
`of
`
`farm
`
`land,
`
`located
`
`at 95 Puhalka
`
`Road,
`
`Newfield,
`
`New York
`
`14867,
`
`in the County
`
`of Tompkins
`
`("Premises").
`
`purchased
`
`22.
`
`23.
`
`In or about
`
`2009,
`
`Mr.
`
`and Mrs.
`
`Kaiser
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker.
`
`On or about
`
`December
`
`4, 2017,
`
`Mr.
`
`and Mrs.
`
`Kaiser
`
`operated
`
`and
`
`still
`
`operate
`
`a beef
`
`cattle
`
`farm called
`
`"Kaiser
`
`Acres"
`
`at
`
`the Premises.
`
`24.
`
`Part
`
`of
`
`the
`
`business
`
`and
`
`operation
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`beef
`
`cattle
`
`farm
`
`involves
`
`growing
`
`corn
`
`that
`
`is used
`
`as feed
`
`grain
`
`for
`
`the
`
`beef
`
`cattle.
`
`- 4 -
`6 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`25.
`
`On or about
`
`December
`
`4, 2017,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`assisting
`
`his
`
`father,
`
`Edward
`
`Kaiser,
`
`at
`
`the Premises
`
`when
`
`Plaintiff
`
`suffered
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`severe
`
`personal
`
`injuries
`
`caused
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker.
`
`26.
`
`On or about
`
`December
`
`4, 2017,
`
`Mr.
`
`Kaiser
`
`was
`
`operating
`
`a tractor
`
`attached
`
`to the
`
`front
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`as Plaintiff
`
`along
`
`the
`
`right
`
`side
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`was walking
`
`Picker.
`
`As
`
`he was walking,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`watched
`
`the Corn
`
`Picker
`
`chop
`
`down,
`
`dehusk,
`
`and
`
`transport
`
`corn
`
`cobs
`
`onto
`
`a conveyor
`
`which
`
`then
`
`deposited
`
`the
`
`dehusked
`
`cobs
`
`into
`
`a wagon
`
`attached
`
`to the
`
`back
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker.
`
`27.
`
`On or about
`
`December
`
`4, 2017,
`
`as Plaintiff
`
`was walking
`
`alongside
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`owned
`
`and
`
`operated
`
`Kaiser,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`tripped
`
`and
`
`fell
`
`toward
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`by Mr.
`
`that was
`
`designed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`tested,
`
`distributed,
`
`inspected,
`
`sold,
`
`and/or
`
`marketed
`
`by
`
`the
`
`Defendants.
`
`28.
`
`As Plaintiff
`
`fell
`
`toward
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`was
`
`pulled
`
`into
`
`the
`
`unguarded
`
`dehusking
`
`rollers.
`
`29.
`
`In addition
`
`to the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`being
`
`unguarded,
`
`it was
`
`also
`
`not
`
`equipped
`
`with
`
`an emergency
`
`stop
`
`and/or
`
`emergency
`
`cord.
`
`via
`
`air
`
`to the
`
`hospital
`
`for
`
`emergent
`
`medical
`
`30.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`transported
`
`care
`
`and
`
`treatment
`
`as a result
`
`of his
`
`traumatic
`
`and
`
`permanent
`
`injuries.
`
`31.
`
`The
`
`severe
`
`and
`
`permancnt
`
`injury
`
`caused
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`a proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`negligent
`
`and/or
`
`defective
`
`design
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and/or
`
`its accompanying
`
`systems,
`
`including
`
`absence
`
`of
`
`safety
`
`guards
`
`and
`
`emergency
`
`shutoff
`
`in a location
`
`accessible
`
`to an
`
`operator
`
`and/or
`
`user.
`
`- 5 -
`7 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`32.
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to identify
`
`and/or
`
`remedy
`
`the
`
`aforementioned
`
`defects
`
`and/or
`
`negligence.
`
`33.
`
`If
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`had
`
`not
`
`been
`
`defectively
`
`designed
`
`and/or
`
`manufactured,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`would
`
`not
`
`have
`
`been
`
`severely
`
`and
`
`pêññañêñtly
`
`injured.
`
`FIRST
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Design
`
`Defect)
`
`34.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`allegation
`
`contained
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1
`
`through
`
`33 above
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`every
`
`35.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Defendants
`
`were
`
`engaged
`
`in the
`
`business
`
`of manufacturing,
`
`marketing,
`
`distributing,
`
`inspecting,
`
`testing,
`
`installing
`
`and/or
`
`selling
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and
`
`its
`
`components,
`
`including
`
`guards
`
`and/or
`
`emergency
`
`shutoffs.
`
`36.
`
`Defendants
`
`designed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`assembled,
`
`marketed,
`
`distributed,
`
`inspected,
`
`and/or
`
`placed
`
`in the
`
`stream
`
`of commerce
`
`the
`
`tested,
`
`installed,
`
`sold
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous
`
`and/or
`
`defective
`
`product(s),
`
`which
`
`were
`
`unsafe,
`
`adulterated
`
`and/or
`
`misbranded
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`they
`
`left
`
`the
`
`control
`
`of
`
`the Defendant.
`
`37.
`
`Defendants
`
`did
`
`design,
`
`manufacture,
`
`and
`
`deliver
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`for
`
`purchase
`
`and
`
`use
`
`in New York
`
`State
`
`for
`
`use in the
`
`agricultural/farming
`
`business.
`
`38.
`
`On or about
`
`December
`
`while
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`and without
`
`negligence
`
`4, 2017,
`
`lawfully
`
`monitoring
`
`the performance
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`being
`
`operated
`
`by Mr.
`
`Kaiser,
`
`he was
`
`caused
`
`to sustain
`
`severe
`
`and
`
`traumatic
`
`injuries
`
`including
`
`a degloving
`
`injury
`
`to his
`
`dominant
`
`right
`
`hand,
`
`causing
`
`a partial
`
`amputation
`
`of his
`
`right
`
`hand,
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`negligence,
`
`carelessness,
`
`and/or
`
`recklessness.
`
`39.
`
`Defendants
`
`owed
`
`a duty
`
`of
`
`care
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`others
`
`similarly
`
`situated.
`
`- 6 -
`8 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`40.
`
`Prior
`
`to December
`
`4, 2017,
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to evaluate
`
`and/or
`
`comprehensively
`
`evaluate
`
`the
`
`safety
`
`and/or
`
`protection
`
`requirements
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker;
`
`designed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`sold,
`
`inspected,
`
`tested,
`
`or otherwise
`
`a Corn
`
`Picker
`
`that
`
`did
`
`not meet
`
`the
`
`requirements
`
`necessary
`
`for
`
`the
`
`system
`
`it was
`
`purchased
`
`and/or
`
`designed
`
`for;
`
`failed
`
`to utilize
`
`a cost-
`
`effective
`
`feasible
`
`alternative
`
`failed
`
`to ensure
`
`that
`
`the
`
`operators
`
`could
`
`see and/or
`
`hear
`
`each
`
`design;
`
`other
`
`during
`
`all
`
`aspects
`
`of operation
`
`so as to avoid
`
`perñiâñêñt
`
`injury
`
`or death;
`
`failed
`
`to implement
`
`guards,
`
`interlocks,
`
`covers,
`
`devices,
`
`shields,
`
`or
`
`the
`
`like
`
`anywhere
`
`on the machine
`
`so as to prevent
`
`the
`
`entry
`
`of hands,
`
`arms,
`
`or other
`
`body
`
`parts
`
`into
`
`the mechanical
`
`workings
`
`of
`
`the machine;
`
`failed
`
`to use
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`in the
`
`design
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product;
`
`failed
`
`to notify
`
`and/or
`
`warn
`
`that
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and/or
`
`component
`
`parts
`
`were
`
`defective;
`
`failed
`
`to recall
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and/or
`
`components
`
`sold;
`
`failed
`
`to implement
`
`an immediate
`
`shutoff
`
`in an area where
`
`the
`
`operator
`
`and/or
`
`user would
`
`ordinarily
`
`stand
`
`to operate
`
`the machine
`
`for
`
`purposes
`
`of harvesting
`
`and
`
`dehusking
`
`feed
`
`corn;
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`ensure
`
`that
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`would
`
`not
`
`lead
`
`to a traumatic
`
`amputation
`
`of a body member
`
`if not
`
`used with
`
`safety
`
`guards
`
`and
`
`appropriate
`
`placement
`
`of emergency
`
`shutoffs;
`
`failed
`
`to adhere
`
`to the
`
`"mission-critical"
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`their
`
`products;
`
`failed
`
`to properly
`
`assess
`
`the Corn
`
`Picker
`
`design;
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`adequate
`
`how to operate
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`and/or
`
`provide
`
`instructions
`
`regarding
`
`Picker
`
`its
`
`components;
`
`failed
`
`to provide
`
`adequate
`
`instructions
`
`on how to test
`
`the
`
`proper
`
`functioning
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product(s)
`
`in question;
`
`failed
`
`to adequately
`
`retrofit;
`
`failed
`
`to adequately
`
`provide
`
`preventive
`
`and
`
`corrective
`
`maintenance;
`
`and
`
`the Defendants
`
`were
`
`otherwise
`
`negligent.
`
`41.
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`superior
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`the
`
`defective
`
`and/or
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product(s)
`
`and
`
`held
`
`itself
`
`out
`
`as having
`
`superior
`
`knowledge
`
`as to alleged
`
`safety,
`
`efficiency,
`
`and
`
`capabilities
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product.
`
`- 7 -
`9 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`CI2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`Index
`#: EF2020-0497
`
`42.
`
`The
`
`actions
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`were
`
`foreseeable
`
`to Defendants
`
`and
`
`required
`
`said Defendants
`
`to undertake
`
`efforts
`
`to provide
`
`adequate
`
`equipment,
`
`products,
`
`and
`
`services
`
`so as to make
`
`the
`
`equipment,
`
`products,
`
`and
`
`services
`
`reasonably
`
`safe
`
`for
`
`use when
`
`used
`
`for
`
`the
`
`purpose
`
`intended
`
`or
`
`reasonably
`
`foreseeable
`
`purpose.
`
`43.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`consequence
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`defective
`
`design
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Plaintiff
`
`Corn
`
`Picker,
`
`suffered
`
`conscious
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering,
`
`including
`
`past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`physical,
`
`emotional,
`
`and
`
`psychological
`
`trauma,
`
`by way
`
`of having
`
`his
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`degloved
`
`and
`
`partially
`
`amputated
`
`in the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker.
`
`44.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`also
`
`seeks
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendants
`
`for
`
`past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`medical
`
`and
`
`past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`loss
`
`pecuniary
`
`loss,
`
`lost wages,
`
`bills,
`
`of services.
`
`45.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`seeks
`
`a fair
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`amount
`
`as may
`
`be awarded
`
`by a jury
`
`of peers
`
`or
`
`for whatever
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`the Court
`
`and jury
`
`may
`
`deem
`
`fair
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`including
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements,
`
`legal
`
`fees,
`
`including
`
`punitive
`
`and/or
`
`exemplary
`
`damages.
`
`46.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned,
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`in an amount
`
`in excess
`
`of all
`
`jurisdictional
`
`limits
`
`of all
`
`lower
`
`courts
`
`that would
`
`otherwise
`
`have
`
`jurisdiction,
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`and
`
`for whatever
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`this Court
`
`deems
`
`just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`SECOND
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Manufacturing
`
`Defect)
`
`47.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`hereby
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`46 as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`- 8 -
`10 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`48.
`
`Defendants
`
`did manufacture
`
`and
`
`deliver
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`into
`
`the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`for
`
`use in agricultural
`
`business.
`
`49.
`
`On or about
`
`December
`
`4, 2017,
`
`while
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`lawfully
`
`and without
`
`negligence
`
`monitoring
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`while
`
`in use,
`
`he was
`
`caused
`
`to sustain
`
`severe
`
`and
`
`permanent
`
`injury
`
`including
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`degloving
`
`and partial
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`amputation
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`negligence,
`
`carelessness,
`
`and/or
`
`recklessness.
`
`50.
`
`51.
`
`Defendants
`
`owed
`
`a duty
`
`of
`
`care
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`others
`
`similarly
`
`situated.
`
`Prior
`
`to December
`
`4, 2017,
`
`Defendants
`
`did
`
`deliver
`
`into
`
`the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`for
`
`use in agricultural
`
`business
`
`products
`
`that
`
`departed
`
`from
`
`their
`
`intended
`
`design;
`
`failed
`
`to implement
`
`manufacturing
`
`controls;
`
`failed
`
`to implement
`
`regulatory
`
`oversight
`
`at production
`
`facilities;
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`inspect
`
`those
`
`products
`
`delivered
`
`to customers;
`
`failed
`
`to recall
`
`those
`
`products
`
`they
`
`knew
`
`or
`
`adequately
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`to be defective;
`
`and were
`
`otherwise
`
`negligent.
`
`52.
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`superior
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`the
`
`defective
`
`and/or
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product(s)
`
`and
`
`held
`
`itself
`
`out
`
`as having
`
`superior
`
`knowledge
`
`as to alleged
`
`safety,
`
`efficiency,
`
`and
`
`capabilities
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product.
`
`53.
`
`The
`
`actions
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`were
`
`foreseeable
`
`to Defendants
`
`and
`
`required
`
`said Defendants
`
`to undertake
`
`efforts
`
`to provide
`
`adequate
`
`equipment,
`
`products,
`
`and
`
`services
`
`so as to make
`
`the
`
`equipment,
`
`products,
`
`and
`
`services
`
`reasonably
`
`safe
`
`for
`
`use when
`
`used
`
`for
`
`the purpose
`
`intended
`
`or
`
`reasonably
`
`foreseeable
`
`purpose.
`
`54.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`consequence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Defendants'
`
`defective
`
`manufacture
`
`of
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`product(s),
`
`Plaintiff
`
`suffered
`
`conscious
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering
`
`by way
`
`of a traumatic
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`degloving
`
`and
`
`partial
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`amputation,
`
`as well
`
`as past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`physical,
`
`emotional,
`
`and
`
`psychological
`
`trauma.
`
`- 9 -
`11 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`55,
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforemeñtioned,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`also
`
`seeks
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendants
`
`for
`
`pecuniary
`
`loss
`
`and
`
`other
`
`financial
`
`or non-economic
`
`loss,
`
`including
`
`past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`lost wages
`
`and
`
`past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`medical
`
`bills.
`
`56.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`seeks
`
`a fair
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`amount
`
`as may
`
`be
`
`or
`
`for whatever
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`the Court
`
`and
`
`deem fair
`
`awarded
`
`by
`
`a jury
`
`of peers
`
`jury
`
`may
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`including
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements,
`
`legal
`
`fees,
`
`including
`
`punitive
`
`and/or
`
`exemplary
`
`damages.
`
`57.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`in an amount
`
`in excess
`
`of all
`
`jurisdictional
`
`limits
`
`of all
`
`lower
`
`courts
`
`that would
`
`otherwise
`
`have
`
`jurisdiction,
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`and
`
`for whatever
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`this Court
`
`and proper.
`
`deems
`
`just
`
`THIRD
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Failure
`
`to Warn)
`
`58.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`hereby
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`57 as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`59.
`
`Defendants
`
`researched,
`
`developed,
`
`designed,
`
`tested,
`
`manufactured,
`
`inspected,
`
`labeled,
`
`distributed,
`
`marketed,
`
`promoted,
`
`sold,
`
`and
`
`otherwise
`
`released
`
`into
`
`the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`the
`
`Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and
`
`its
`
`components
`
`in the
`
`course
`
`of
`
`advertised
`
`or marketed
`
`and,
`
`same,
`
`directly
`
`the
`
`product
`
`to consumers,
`
`or persons
`
`responsible
`
`for
`
`consumers,
`
`and
`
`therefore
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to warn
`
`of
`
`the risks
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`the
`
`use
`
`of
`
`those
`
`products.
`
`60.
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to timely
`
`and
`
`adequately
`
`warn
`
`of
`
`the
`
`true
`
`risks
`
`of
`
`the product
`
`in
`
`question,
`
`including
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`could
`
`pull
`
`an operator
`
`into
`
`the machine
`
`and
`
`cause
`
`a severe
`
`crush
`
`and/or
`
`amputation
`
`injury.
`
`- 10 -
`12 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`61.
`
`Had
`
`proper
`
`warnings
`
`been
`
`provided
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`the
`
`owner
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`would
`
`have
`
`heeded
`
`such warnings
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`would
`
`not
`
`have
`
`been
`
`injured
`
`and/or
`
`damaged.
`
`62.
`
`Defendants
`
`failed
`
`to timely
`
`and
`
`reasonably
`
`provide
`
`adequate
`
`warnings,
`
`recalls,
`
`instructions
`
`and/or
`
`training
`
`concerning
`
`the
`
`safe
`
`and
`
`effective
`
`use
`
`of
`
`the
`
`products,
`
`resulting
`
`in
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`as well
`
`as economic
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`severe
`
`and
`
`horrific
`
`conscious
`
`suffering
`
`loss.
`
`63.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`led
`
`to believe
`
`that
`
`the
`
`products
`
`were
`
`safe
`
`by
`
`the
`
`actions
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Defendants
`
`and Plaintiff
`
`relied
`
`on that
`
`representation.
`
`64.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`consequence
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Defendants'
`
`failure
`
`to warn,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`suffered
`
`past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`conscious
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`afor
`
`Plaintiff
`
`also
`
`seeks
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`the
`
`65.
`
`cu1oñtioned,
`
`Defendants
`
`for
`
`pecuniary
`
`loss
`
`and
`
`other
`
`financial
`
`or non-economic
`
`loss.
`
`66.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`seeks
`
`a fair
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`amount
`
`as may
`
`be
`
`awarded
`
`by a jury
`
`of peers
`
`or
`
`for whatever
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`the Court
`
`and jury
`
`may
`
`deem fair
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`including
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements,
`
`legal
`
`fees,
`
`including
`
`punitive
`
`and/or
`
`exemplary
`
`damages.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`67.
`
`aforementioned,
`
`judgment
`
`in an amount
`
`in excess
`
`of all
`
`jurisdictional
`
`limits
`
`of all
`
`lower
`
`courts
`
`that would
`
`otherwise
`
`have
`
`jurisdiction,
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`and
`
`for whatever
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`this Court
`
`deems
`
`just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`FOURTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Breach
`
`of Express
`
`and
`
`Implied
`
`Warranties)
`
`68.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`hereby
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`the
`
`allegations
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1 through
`
`67 as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`- 11 -
`13 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`69.
`
`Defendants'
`
`breach
`
`of express
`
`and
`
`implied
`
`warranty
`
`as set
`
`forth
`
`herein
`
`was
`
`a
`
`substantial
`
`factor
`
`in causing
`
`the
`
`injuries
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein
`
`including
`
`the
`
`conscious
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering
`
`and
`
`economic
`
`loss
`
`of Plaintiff.
`
`70.
`
`Defendants
`
`advertised,
`
`labeled,
`
`marketed
`
`and
`
`promoted
`
`its product(s),
`
`representing
`
`the
`
`quality
`
`of
`
`the
`
`products
`
`in such
`
`a way
`
`as to induce
`
`its purchase
`
`or use,
`
`thereby
`
`making
`
`an express
`
`would
`
`conform
`
`to the
`
`representations.
`
`warranty
`
`that
`
`the
`
`product
`
`71.
`
`Defendants
`
`provided
`
`an express
`
`and
`
`implied
`
`warranty
`
`of
`
`fitness
`
`for
`
`ordinary
`
`purposes
`
`and
`
`did
`
`not
`
`fulfill
`
`the minimal
`
`level
`
`of quality
`
`for
`
`the
`
`products
`
`at
`
`the
`
`time
`
`it was manufactured,
`
`distributed
`
`and
`
`delivered
`
`into
`
`the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce
`
`for
`
`use by Plaintiff
`
`or others,
`
`thereby
`
`breaching
`
`said
`
`duty
`
`and/or
`
`warranty.
`
`72.
`
`These
`
`warranties
`
`included
`
`oral
`
`and written
`
`representations
`
`regarding
`
`the
`
`qualities,
`
`products.
`
`Defendants
`
`breached
`
`characteristics
`
`and
`
`overall
`
`safety
`
`of
`
`the
`
`such
`
`express
`
`and
`
`implied
`
`warranties,
`
`as the
`
`subject
`
`product
`
`was
`
`defective,
`
`not
`
`of merchantable
`
`quality,
`
`and
`
`not
`
`fit
`
`for
`
`the
`
`ordinary,
`
`intended
`
`and
`
`foreseeable
`
`user
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product.
`
`73.
`
`74.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and Mr.
`
`Kaiser
`
`relied
`
`on the Defendant's
`
`express
`
`and
`
`implied
`
`warranties.
`
`At
`
`the
`
`time
`
`they made
`
`said warranties,
`
`Defendants
`
`knew
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`of
`
`the
`
`condition
`
`of
`
`subject
`
`product
`
`and
`
`true
`
`defects
`
`and/or
`
`unreasonably
`
`dangerous
`
`the
`
`recklessly
`
`and/or
`
`intentionally
`
`gave
`
`the warranties
`
`regardless
`
`of
`
`the
`
`knowledge,
`
`making
`
`the breach
`
`of warranties,
`
`reckless
`
`and/or
`
`intentional.
`
`75.
`
`Defendants'
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`losses.
`
`breach
`
`of warranty
`
`was
`
`a substantial
`
`factor
`
`in bringing
`
`about
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`76.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`consequence
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`defective
`
`manufacture
`
`of
`
`the
`
`subject
`
`product(s),
`
`Plaintiff
`
`suffered
`
`conscious
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering
`
`by way
`
`of a right
`
`hand
`
`degloving
`
`- 12 -
`14 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`and
`
`partial
`
`right
`
`hand
`
`amputation
`
`resulting
`
`in past
`
`and
`
`future
`
`physical,
`
`emotional,
`
`and
`
`psychological
`
`trauma.
`
`77.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`also
`
`seeks
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendants
`
`for
`
`pecuniary
`
`loss
`
`and
`
`other
`
`financial
`
`or non-economic
`
`loss.
`
`78.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`seeks
`
`a fair
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`amount
`
`as may
`
`be
`
`awarded
`
`by
`
`a jury
`
`of peers
`
`or
`
`for whatever
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`the Court
`
`and
`
`jury
`
`may
`
`deem fair
`
`and
`
`reasonable
`
`including
`
`costs,
`
`disbursements,
`
`legal
`
`fees,
`
`including
`
`punitive
`
`and/or
`
`exemplary
`
`damages.
`
`79.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`aforementioned,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`demands
`
`judgment
`
`in an amount
`
`in excess
`
`of all
`
`jurisdictional
`
`limits
`
`of all
`
`lower
`
`courts
`
`that would
`
`otherwise
`
`have
`
`for whatever
`
`Court
`
`jurisdiction,
`
`and
`
`costs
`
`and
`
`disbursements
`
`of
`
`this
`
`action,
`
`and
`
`and
`
`further
`
`relief
`
`this
`
`deems
`
`just
`
`and
`
`proper.
`
`FIFTH
`
`CAUSE
`
`OF ACTION
`
`(Negligence)
`
`80.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`repeats
`
`and
`
`realleges
`
`each
`
`and
`
`every
`
`allegation
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`in paragraphs
`
`1
`
`through
`
`79 as though
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`herein.
`
`81.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`relevant
`
`times,
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`to provide
`
`a safely
`
`manufactured
`
`product,
`
`to notify
`
`customers,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`and/or
`
`the
`
`public
`
`of
`
`flaws,
`
`and
`
`to warn
`
`of
`
`the
`
`defective
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`the
`
`products.
`
`82.
`
`Defendants
`
`breached
`
`its duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`defectively
`
`designing,
`
`manufacturing,
`
`breaching
`
`implied
`
`and/or
`
`express
`
`warranties,
`
`and/or
`
`negligently
`
`failing
`
`to warn
`
`of
`
`the defects
`
`in the
`
`products,
`
`thereby
`
`causing
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`damages.
`
`- 13 -
`15 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`CI2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`Index
`#: EF2020-0497
`
`83.
`
`Defendants
`
`breached
`
`their
`
`duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by manufacturing
`
`and
`
`assembling
`
`the
`
`device
`
`in such
`
`a mâññer
`
`that
`
`it was
`
`prone
`
`to failures
`
`and malfunction
`
`and
`
`thus
`
`exposed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to severe
`
`and
`
`permanent
`
`personal
`
`injuries.
`
`84.
`
`Defendants
`
`breached
`
`its duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to promptly
`
`and
`
`adequately
`
`notify
`
`and warn
`
`and
`
`instruct
`
`Plaintiff
`
`of known
`
`defects
`
`in the
`
`products.
`
`85.
`
`Defendants
`
`breached
`
`their
`
`duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`to exercise
`
`failing
`
`due
`
`care
`
`under
`
`the
`
`circumstances.
`
`86.
`
`Defendant's
`
`conduct,
`
`as described
`
`above,
`
`was
`
`negligent,
`
`careless,
`
`and
`
`reckless
`
`in that
`
`it:
`
`failed
`
`to evaluate
`
`and/or
`
`comprehensively
`
`evaluate
`
`the
`
`safety
`
`and/or
`
`protection
`
`requirements
`
`associated
`
`with
`
`the use
`
`of
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker;
`
`designed,
`
`manufactured,
`
`sold,
`
`inspected,
`
`tested,
`
`or
`
`otherwise
`
`a Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and/or
`
`Husking
`
`Unit
`
`that
`
`did
`
`not meet
`
`the
`
`requirements
`
`necessary
`
`for
`
`the
`
`system
`
`it was
`
`purchased
`
`and/or
`
`designed
`
`for;
`
`failed
`
`to utilize
`
`a cost-effective
`
`feasible
`
`alternative
`
`and/or
`
`design;
`
`failed
`
`to ensure
`
`that
`
`the
`
`operators
`
`users
`
`could
`
`see and/or
`
`hear
`
`each
`
`other
`
`during
`
`all
`
`aspects
`
`of operation
`
`so as to avoid
`
`permanent
`
`injury
`
`or death;
`
`failed
`
`to implement
`
`guards,
`
`interlocks,
`
`covers,
`
`devices,
`
`shields,
`
`or
`
`the
`
`like
`
`anywhere
`
`on the machine
`
`so as to prevent
`
`the
`
`entry
`
`hands,
`
`arms,
`
`or other
`
`body
`
`parts
`
`into
`
`the mechanical
`
`workings
`
`of
`
`the machine;
`
`failed
`
`to use
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`in the
`
`design
`
`of
`
`the product;
`
`failed
`
`to notify
`
`and/or
`
`warn
`
`that
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and/or
`
`component
`
`retrofit
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`parts
`
`were
`
`defective;
`
`failed
`
`to recall
`
`or
`
`and/or
`
`components
`
`released
`
`into
`
`the
`
`stream
`
`of
`
`commerce;
`
`failed
`
`to implement
`
`an immediate
`
`shutoff
`
`in an area where
`
`the
`
`operator
`
`and/or
`
`user would
`
`ordinarily
`
`stand
`
`to operate
`
`the machine;
`
`failed
`
`to ensure
`
`that
`
`the Subject
`
`corn
`
`Picker
`
`would
`
`not
`
`lead
`
`to a traumatic
`
`amputation
`
`of a body member
`
`if not
`
`used with
`
`safety
`
`guards
`
`and
`
`appropriate
`
`placement
`
`of emergency
`
`shutoffs;
`
`failed
`
`to adhere
`
`to the
`
`"mission-critical"
`
`nature
`
`of
`
`their
`
`products;
`
`failed
`
`to properly
`
`assess
`
`the Corn
`
`Picker
`
`design;
`
`failed
`
`to provide
`
`adequate
`
`instructions
`
`- 14 -
`16 of 19
`
`

`

`FILED: TOMPKINS COUNTY CLERK 09/23/2020 03:15 PM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 1
`
`Cl2020-13266
`
`INDEX NO. EF2020-0497
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/23/2020
`#: EF2020-0497
`Index
`
`regarding
`
`how
`
`to operate
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and/or
`
`its
`
`components;
`
`failed
`
`to provide
`
`adequate
`
`instructions
`
`on how
`
`to test
`
`the proper
`
`functioning
`
`of
`
`the
`
`product(s)
`
`in question;
`
`and
`
`the Defendants
`
`were
`
`otherwise
`
`negligent.
`
`Defendant
`
`further
`
`was
`
`aware
`
`of and
`
`disregarded
`
`substantial
`
`and
`
`unjustifiable
`
`risks
`
`that
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`users,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`would
`
`suffer
`
`serious
`
`injury
`
`or death
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`negligence
`
`and,
`
`in fact,
`
`prior
`
`to Plaintiff's
`
`severe
`
`and
`
`permanent
`
`injuries,
`
`numerous
`
`users
`
`have
`
`been
`
`severely
`
`maimed
`
`or killed
`
`as a result
`
`of
`
`operating
`
`the Subject
`
`Corn
`
`Picker
`
`and/or
`
`Husking
`
`Unit,i.e.
`
`a New Idea Model
`
`323 Husking
`
`Unit.
`
`This
`
`disregard
`
`constituted
`
`a gross
`
`deviation
`
`from
`
`the
`
`standard
`
`of
`
`care
`
`that
`
`an ordinary
`
`person
`
`would
`
`have
`
`exercised
`
`under
`
`the
`
`circumstances,
`
`warrañting
`
`the
`
`imposition
`
`of punitive
`
`damages
`
`against
`
`the
`
`defendants.
`
`87.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`and
`
`proximate
`
`consequence
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`negligence,
`
`carelessness,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`continue
`
`past
`
`and
`
`pain
`
`and/or
`
`recklessness,
`
`suffered
`
`and will
`
`to suffer
`
`future
`
`conscious
`
`and
`
`suffering
`
`by way
`
`of a traumatic
`
`right