Products Liability Law Reporter

Joseph Trenkle was operating his Kubota B2650HSD tractor at a new home construction site. As he stepped onto the tractor’s step while dismounting the tractor, the right attachment of the step separated from the tractor, causing Trenkle to fall to the ground. He suffered bilateral torn menisci, necessitating arthroscopic surgeries and later, bilateral knee replacements. His medical expenses were approximately $161,600.

He sued Kubota Tractor Corp. and Kubota Corp., alleging there was a manufacturing defect in the tractor that caused the step’s attachment to separate when he stepped on it. The defendants admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries.

The jury awarded $55,000.

Citation: Trenkle v. Kubota Tractor Corp., No. 18-CV-1207 (C.D. Ill. Sept. 16, 2021).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Jay H. Janssen and Patrick S. O’Shaughnessy, both of Peoria, Ill.