Products Liability Law Reporter

Roe, an aftermarket boat upfitter, allegedly added a forward railing system to an existing boat design. Subsequently, a boat passenger—who was seated properly and wearing a life jacket—struck her head on a 90-degree junction in the railing after the boat impacted a bridge support. She suffered a fatal skull fracture and is survived by her family.

Suit alleged that the passenger’s death resulted from the defendant’s failure to consider the implications of its design during a crash. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant owed a duty to consider injury mitigation in the design and should have adopted safer alternative design features.

The parties reached a confidential settlement.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (Confidential Jxn., Ct. & Date).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Shana P. Nogues, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.