Derigiotis v. J M Feighery Co.

Defendant New York Carpet World appeals as of right from the December 7, 1987, Wayne Circuit Court judgment following a jury verdict awarding plaintiff $1,324,110 in this products liability case.

On December 22, 1983, plaintiff was injured as he was guiding a roll of carpet through a carpet-cutting machine. The carpet became caught between the machine’s roller and guide and plaintiff attempted to release it with his hand. At this point, the machine activated and the cutting blade severed plaintiff’s left thumb.

Plaintiff filed suit against defendant Carpet World, owner of the machine, for…