Merlin Bjerk v. Universal Engineering Corporation, a Subsidiary of Pettibone Mulliken Corporation v. Thorson, Inc.

BRIGHT, Circuit Judge.

Merlin Bjerk, an employee of Thorson, Inc. (Thorson), while attempting to grease a bearing on a rock crushing machine manufactured by Universal Engineering Corporation (Universal), came in contact with the moving parts of the machine, which were partially protected by an exterior machine guard, and sustained serious bodily injuries. Bjerk then brought this action against defendant-appellant Universal to recover damages for these injuries, asserting claims resting upon strict liability, negligence, and statutory liability for failure to place guards on machinery.…