Kunze v. Sears Roebuck & Co.....................................$2.5 Million
This case involved a radial arm saw that was manufactured by Emerson Electric Company. Sears had sold millions of these saws since 1957 without a lower blade guard. Mr. Kunze lost 4 fingers as a result of this defect. Shortly after the Texas Supreme Court let Mr. Kunze's verdict stand Sears instituted a recall and retrofit program to install a lower blade guard on the saws previously sold without a lower blade guard.
Ervin Luce v. General Electric Co.....................................$1.6 Million
This case involved an electrical panel that contained a hidden hazard that would allow workers to inadvertently come in contact with 4600 volts of electricity without warning. Mr. Luce was able to show at trial that the installation of about $.50 worth of insulation material would have eliminated the hazard.
Allison v. Hironymous...........................................$1.6 Million
This case involved the wrongful sale of the household effects of a family by the owner of a self-storage facility. Included were all mementos of the family's life, right down to their wedding and family photos. The entire contents of their home were sold for $405.00. A jury awarded the family damages for the value of their goods, including sentimental value and punitive damages.
Stevenson v. Crane Carrier Corporation........................$404,000
This case arose out of injuries suffered by a city of Waco sanitation service worker when a garbage truck rolled forward over his foot while the operator had the transmission selector in reverse. The manufacturer of the transmission and the manufacturer of the garbage truck testified that the client's version of the accident was impossible. Mr. Luce prepared videographic and expert testimonial evidence for presentation at trial that forced the defendants to admit that the client's testimony concerning the accident facts was in fact possible. The jury found the product to be defective and a producing cause of the client's injuries.
