Brogley v. Chambersburg Engineering Co.

WICKERSHAM, Judge:

On December 12, 1973 Plaintiff, a blacksmith in the Aliquippa Works of Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation, was forging castings using a 1,500 pound Chambersburg Steam Hammer. Suddenly and without warning, the 500 pound upper die flew off the ram and struck Plaintiff, almost severing his leg, as a result of which he could not work for over a year.

Suit was filed against Chambersburg Engineering Company, the manufacturer of the machine, under Section 402A of the Restatement (Second) of Torts for defect in the design of the machine. The design of the machine required the upper…