Dangerous and defective products cause thousands of serious injuries to consumers every year. These defective products include automobiles, motorcycles, recreational equipment, ladders, toys, safety devices for children and certain drugs. Manufacturers of these products have a duty to make and design products that are safe for consumer use or consumption. In addition, the responsibility of the wholesaler or retailer of a product for injuries resulting from dangerous and defective products may come into question during a product liability claim.
A manufacturer also has a duty to warn potential consumers of
dangers associated with a product that seem obvious. Failure to do
any or all of these things may result in injury or death to one or
more consumers. A product liability lawsuit is an effective weapon
against unreasonably dangerous products. As a result, a
manufacturer is made aware of the potential danger and the cost of
injuries a defective product may cause.
On Dec. 27th 2003 had a Gorilla Ladder, model # AL-13, extended to 13 feet rested on 8 foot eave edge. Base of ladder rested on level dry concrete. It was around noon and temperature was in the low 40 degrees Fahrenheit. For reasons unknown, Ladder base slid out while being climbed. It is suspected that the plastic material installed at base of ladder shoes is composed of a hardened material that is highly subject to slippage during cool weather. In addition the surface area of the boot that actually comes in contact with the ground surface is only about 1/16 of an inch. The boot of the ladder does not swivel our rotate to compensate for angle of ground level. Purchase of this ladder should be avoided until a time that the manufacturer " TRICAM Industries", can correct this unsafe product flaw. This ladder is widely sold through Home Depot Stores at the discounted rate of $99.00. This ladder should be recalled but it is still being sold to the public and business. The problem noted has been brought to the attention of the foreign manufacturer, "TRICAM Industries", they refuse to pull the product over only a couple injuries. If you have encountered or know of anyone who has encountered a fall or any injuries from the use of this ladder? please post the information on this message board so that this safety matter can be more readily addressed by the manufacture and to prevent future additional injuries from occurring from the use of this unsafe product.