PITTSBURGH — A husband and wife are suing The Midwest Grip and Lighting Co. and Hogarth Worldwide, citing alleged strict liability, negligence and loss of consortium.
Blane and Sheila Allan filed a complaint on Jan. 22 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against the defendants, alleging they placed into the stream of commerce a defective product.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 26, 2017, Blane Allan sustained injuries while operating a defective Super Vator crank stand leased, supplied and/or distributed by the defendants while attempting to lower a lighting fixture to the ground.
The complaint states the improperly sized crank handle began spinning out of control, striking him in his face and causing multiple facial fractures requiring surgical repair.
The plaintiffs hold The Midwest Grip and Lighting Co. and Hogarth Worldwide responsible because the defendants allegedly leased, distributed, supplied and/or sold the crank stand and its component parts in a defective condition and because they have allegedly failed to provide proper safety and operational instructions to end users.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek an amount in excess of $35,000, and any such other relief the court deems just and proper. They are represented by Brandon Swartz and Anthony Giannetti of Swartz Culleton PC in Pittsburgh.