PHILADELPHIA — A Sysco worker whose foot and ankle were crushed alleges a pallet truck manufacturer's faulty design and safety warnings are to blame.
Justin Sheffield filed a complaint Aug. 9 in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas against Crown Equipment Corporation alleging liability and other claims. The defendant removed the case to federal court in September.
According to his complaint, Sheffield worked as a packer for Sysco in Philadelphia. He claims that on Dec. 23, 2021, while operating a pallet truck, his foot slipped off the operator platform while in reverse, causing his foot and ankle to be crushed between the truck and a nearby wall.
Sheffield claims Crown Equipment prioritized "comfort and reduced fatigue" in the design of its equipment and use in tight spaces over operator safety. He also claims Crown's pallet truck had an improper design and that the design prevented him from stopping the truck before it impacted the nearby wall. Sheffield further claims Crown had incomplete warnings and instructions with the pallet truck and that the unexpected movement and braking failure was caused by poor design and manufacturing.
Sheffield seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Justin Berstein of Schuster & Associates PC in Media.