A man, who lost his leg in a workplace accident when it became trapped in a grain bin, has been awarded €1.2 million in a product liability compensation claim against the designer of the grain bin – Ken Babcock Sales Inc. – and his employer – the Fredonia Cooperative Association.
Sam Rollings (23), was sweeping out corn in the grain bin in January 2007, when he slipped and his right foot became entangled in the drag chain of the grain bin conveyor system. His leg was pulled into the machine and Sam suffered such severe injuries to his right foot and lower leg that surgeons could not rescue it.
In a legal action against the designer of the grain bin and his employer, it was claimed that there were no protective barriers or guard rails in the grain bin, and that no instructions or warnings were ever issued to employees working in the grain bin about the hazards which were present. Claiming personal injury due to product liability, the case was tried before a District Court Judge.
After seven hours of deliberation, the jury agreed with Sam that both Ken Babcock Sales and the Fredonia Cooperative Association were jointly responsible for his injuries, and awarded a total of €1.2 million to cover a loss of salary, past medical expenses and future medical care.