SCRANTON — A worker who suffered serious injuries after a warehouse robot malfunctioned is claiming the manufacturer is liable.
Eric Hargrave filed a complaint Sept. 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against Locus Robotics Corp. alleging products liability and other claims.
Hargrave, according to his complaint, was working for ShipMonk in Pittston on Dec. 1, 2022. He claims he was standing on a stepladder when suddenly the Locus robot being used to pick items from the aisles malfunctioned and struck the ladder.
He further claims he fell to the ground and suffered severe and permanent injuries. Hargrave alleges Locus designed and manufactured the robot in a dangerous condition and without durable component parts.
He also alleges Locus failed to equip the robot with appropriate safety mechanisms to prevent accidents or provide proper operational instructions. Hargrave claims Locus did not properly inspect or test the robot and failed to warn of the dangers of the product. He further claims Locus failed to use industry-recognized safety specifications for the robot which caused his injuries.
Hargrave seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Brandon Swartz and Matthew Gallagher of Swartz Culleton PC in Newtown.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania case number 3:23-CV-01521-KM