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Torts Keyed to Prosser
Prentis v. Yale Mfg. Co.
Citation:
421 Mich. 670, 365 N.W.2d 176Facts
John Prentis (plaintiff) was a foreman at a car dealership. To perform his work, Prentis used a forklift manufactured by Yale Manufacturing Company (“Yale”) (defendant). The forklift was a stand-up or walking type as opposed to a riding or sit down type. The forklift weighed about two thousand pounds and was powered by a battery that needed to be recharged every night. The forklift was also equipped with a “dead-man” switch that prevented it from moving if the operator let go of the handle or controls. One day, Prentis was using the forklift while the battery was running low as he was loading cargo into a van. While operating the forklift, Prentis lost his footing and fell. The forklift ran past Prentis and hit a parked car. Prentis sustained a hip injury that was determined to have been a result of the fall only. He brought suit against Yale based on an alleged defect in the design of the forklift.
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Topic Resources
Topic Outline
Products LiabilityTopic Refresher Course
Products Liability, Design, and Failure to Warn