Products Liability Law Reporter

While visiting her son in the hospital, Dolores Donnelly sat in a recliner chair and moved it into the fully reclined position. The chair flipped backward, landing on top of her. Donnelly’s head, neck, back, and shoulders struck the wall, and she suffered neck and shoulder injuries. She underwent cervical fusion surgery and has not returned to her job as a nurse. She also is unable to engage in numerous physical activities that she previously enjoyed.

Donnelly sued Nemschoff Chairs, Inc., alleging the chair had been defectively manufactured in that it was missing several fastening screws. Suit also claimed the hospital was liable for failing to ensure the chair was in good condition.

The jury awarded $250,000, apportioning fault at 60% to the manufacturer, 5% to the hospital, and 35% to the plaintiff.

Citation: Donnelly v. Abington Mem’l Hosp., No. 2019-14550 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Montgomery Cnty. Jan. 11, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: Marc R. Steinberg, Lansdale, Pa.