Products Liability
Below are examples of product liability interrogatories served on our client in a product liability lawsuit in Baltimore City.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BALTIMORE CITY, MARYLAND
MIGEL BARTLEBY, et ux.,
Plaintiffs,
v.
MATTHEWS, TODD, EVANS & ASSOCIATES, et al.
Defendants.
CASE NO.: 24-C-14-006877 OT
- More sample interrogatory answers
- More product liability interrogatories (propounded by plaintiff)
PLAINTIFF’S ANSWERS TO DEFENDANT MATTHEWS’S INTERROGATORIES
Now comes Plaintiff, Miguel Bartleby, by and through his attorneys, Ronald V. Miller, Jr., Laura G. Zois, and Miller & Zois, LLC, and hereby answers Interrogatories propounded upon him by Defendant Matthews, Todd, Evans & Associates as follows:
- The information supplied in these Answers is not based solely on the knowledge of the executing party but includes the party’s agents, representatives, and attorneys unless privileged.
- The word usage and sentence structure are that of the attorney and do not purport to be the exact language of the executing party.
Interrogatory No. 1: State your full name, address, social security number, date and place of birth, marital status, name of spouse, date of marriage(s), and occupation.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 1: Miguel A. Bartleby; 2514 Ebony Road, Baltimore, Maryland, 21234; DOB: July 7, 1990; Place of birth: Baltimore, Maryland; Spouse: Elizabeth Bartleby; Date of Marriage: June 25, 2011; Occupation of Plaintiff: HVAC Tech; Occupation of Spouse: Physician’s Assistant.
Interrogatory No. 2: Identify every individual who has given you a statement of any kind, whether verbal, written, signed, unsigned, recorded, or otherwise, concerning the facts and allegations contained in the Complaint, and for each state, the date thereof, by whom the statement was obtained, subject matter hereof and, if recorded or memorialized, in whose possession, custody and/or control the statement is at this time.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 2: Plaintiff objects to this interrogatory because it invades the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine. Furthermore, the Interrogatory is overly broad and unduly burdensome, however, without waiving said objection, Plaintiff does not have any signed or unsigned statements from Defendant except for documents exchanged during discovery. Furthermore, Plaintiff incorporates by reference all his medical records and documents attached to his response to the request for the production of documents. They should they be considered a “statement.” As for verbal statements, when Plaintiff returned to work after his accident, Ethan Chamberlain, GE Tignall Service Manager, told him that the draft on the boiler is what caused the explosion.
Interrogatory No. 3: If you contend that any party has made admissions concerning the allegations in the Complaint and/or in connection with any underlying facts of this litigation, identify the substance and nature of each such admission, and the party making the admission, as well as the date, time and place of such admission.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 3: Maryland State Boiler inspector, John Roy, told Plaintiff that he knew the boilers were not working properly and were dangerous to operate. Mr. Roy told Plaintiff this when he ran into him at his new job at Johns Hopkins University.
Interrogatory No. 4: Please state the names and addresses of all persons who have personal knowledge of the facts: (a) concerning any alleged acts, errors, and/or omissions complained of in the Complaint; and (b) any claimed losses, injuries and/or damages. For each identified individual, state with particularity the relevant personal knowledge of each individual and the source of his or her knowledge.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 4: The Plaintiff incorporates by references to all of his medical providers, his wife Elizabeth, and other friends and family members as for his pain and suffering.
Interrogatory No. 5: Identify every expert you intend to call to testify in the trial of this matter and, by Maryland Rule 2 414(e)(1), state fully and in complete detail the subject matter upon which each such expert is expected to testify, the substance of the facts and opinions to which each such expert is expected to testify, and include a summary of the grounds or reasons for such opinion.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 5: See Expert Designations already filed in this case.
Interrogatory No. 6: Identify all documents (by the definitions stated above) that have been reviewed or relied upon to any extent by any expert witness whom you intend to call at the trial of this matter.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 6: The Plaintiff’s medical experts have relied on all of his medical records and bills. Roland O’Brien has reviewed all available documentation regarding the boiler and its explosion.
Interrogatory No. 7: Identify each known written statement, report, or transcript of testimony relative to any of the facts or matters alleged in the Complaint, including the name of the person who gave the statement, report, or testimony, the date of each such statement, report or testimony, and the name and address of the present custodian of each such report, statement or testimony.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 7: Plaintiff is not aware of any testimony arising out of this incident other than the testimony involving the worker’s compensation claim.
Interrogatory No. 8: If you contend that Matthews, Todd negligently designed the boiler system at Frederick Davis High School, identify and outlined in detail a precise description of each alleged design defect and how that defect contributed to your injuries on or about September 25, 2022.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 8: The design of the boiler unnecessarily created the circumstances for an unstable combustion envelope in the boiler that was likely to cause an accident of the kind suffered by Plaintiff in this case. Specifically, the boiler was utilizing the old stack and damper and the Defendants should have made the necessary modifications to the system to stabilize the ratio of oil to fuel ratio considering that information and the details of this system. Failing to do so created draft conditions that altered the appropriate fuel-to-air ratio and created a dangerous over-pressurized system ripe for an accident. Defendant also should have properly inspected the old damper, ducts and chimney, made specifications and design parameters that were appropriate given the system, properly tested the system, and made recommendations (and refuse to continue if recommendations were not accepted) to the Owner that included installing additional stacks. See also the designation of Plaintiff’s expert Roland O’Brien-Bill.
Interrogatory No. 9: If you contend that the Defendants should have taken some action not taken, or should have refrained from taking some action taken, outline in detail what you would have done differently or not done.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 9: See Answer to Interrogatory No. 8.
- Request for Production of Documents
- Sample Discovery: depositions, requests for admission and other discovery in personal injury cases
Interrogatory No. 10: Describe in detail the nature of the work that you were performing on the subject boiler system on or about September 25, 2022, including services the services that you were hired to perform, a detailed description of all the work you performed on the subject boiler system before the explosion, and a detailed description of the steps and/or actions taken to perform that work.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 10: The boilers at Frederick Davis High School were installed in phases with the demolition of one and the installation of a new boiler. When the new boiler was installed and started up by the EMS contractor, the next boiler would be removed. After each boiler was started, the customer, Frederick Davis High School, had a flame failure and continuous problems with the new boilers.
The GE Tignall company employed their service department to go to the job site and attempt to correct the problem with the boiler. Plaintiff attempted to adjust controls on the boiler to make it operate smoother and without flame failure. This work was performed between the end of July 2022 and the beginning of August 2022, when the third boiler was finally installed and started.
At the end of September, Plaintiff returned to the job to adjust the boiler to run as trouble-free as possible. At this time, FDHS was beginning to use the boiler for heating and not just for hot water thus causing more than one boiler to operate at a time.
Boilers #1 and #3 were online and running and Plaintiff was instructed by Chuck Chamberlain to test boiler #2 and make a recommendation. On September 15, 2022, Plaintiff arrived on the job site and took his hand tools into the boiler room. Plaintiff turned on the power switch to boiler #2 and watched the pilot light. Plaintiff has no memory of what happened after turning on the power switch.
Interrogatory No. 11: If you contend that you suffered damages as a proximate result of any acts, errors, or omissions on the part of any of the Defendants, identify and outlined in detail a precise description of each alleged act, error, or omission, specifically itemizing the elements of such damages including the nature and amount of any such damage, the date it was sustained, the method of computation, the specific Defendant you contend is responsible for the damage, and the identity of all persons who have personal knowledge thereof. Include in your Answer the details of any damages related to additional costs, expenses, and/or attorneys’ fees allegedly incurred in your attempt to mitigate damages allegedly suffered.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 11: See Plaintiff’s Expert Designations, which lay out with particularity the $1,456,364.45 in economic damages Plaintiff will claim in this case. Since that answer was filed, we now know that Plaintiff will be required to take medication for the rest of his life because of the injuries sustained in this accident, the plaintiff has also been told that he needs 3 to 4 additional follow-up surgeries which will take him out of work for one month for each surgery. Plaintiff will supplement this answer for future medical expenses and lost wage information as necessary.
Interrogatory No. 12: If you have received workers’ compensation benefits as a result of your injuries, provide your disability rating and the dates for the period in which you received workers’ compensation benefits.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 12: The Plaintiff objects to this request as to the relevance and the discovery of which is not likely to lead to information that would be admissible at the trial of this matter. However, without waiving said objection, Plaintiff never received a disability rating.
Interrogatory No. 13: How long did you remain out of work after the occurrence on September 25, 2022?
Answer to Interrogatory No. 13: Plaintiff was out of work for approximately two years due to the accident.
Interrogatory No. 14: Provide all of the dates on which you serviced the boiler system at Frederick Davis High School and the nature of the work performed.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 14: Plaintiff worked at Frederick Davis High School for approximately six months before the accident on various occasions.
Interrogatory No. 15: Describe in detail your experience and qualifications as an HVAC Technician and/or contractor. Include in your answer your relevant employment history, educational history, and any relevant certifications that you possess (including the date on which they were obtained).
Answer to Interrogatory No. 15: Plaintiff has a journeyman’s HVAC license and twenty years of experience working on boilers and all types of heating systems.
Interrogatory No. 16: State whether you have been involved in any other claim, lawsuit, or another proceeding in any way relating to incidents alleged in the Complaint. If so, provide the names of all such opposing parties, the captions of all such cases (with case numbers), and the dates of those matters.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 16: Plaintiff did file a Worker’s Compensation Claim as a result of the incident of September 25, 2022, claim Number B-535930.
Interrogatory No. 17: If you intend to rely on any documents or other tangible things to support a position that you have taken or intend to take in the action, including any claim for damages, provide a brief description, by category and location, of all such documents and other tangible things, and identify all persons having possession, custody, or control of them.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 17: Plaintiff intends to rely on medical records and bills to prove his claim for damages. Plaintiff has these documents and they are attached to the Plaintiff’s responses to the request for the production of documents, as for the plaintiff’s position on liability, Plaintiff reserves the right to rely on all documents exchanged during discovery between the parties and any applicable codes, rules regulations or standards in the industry.
Interrogatory No. 18: Outlined in detail the nature of any physical, emotional, or mental conditions that you allege suffered as a result of any act or omission of the Defendant and, for each condition, state whether you continue to suffer that condition.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 18: After Plaintiff’s treatment was completed, he still has to take 250 mg of Depocote twice a day to help him deal with daily chores and to keep from feeling frustrated or panicked due to brain damage to the left side of his head. Plaintiff’s left ear has lost hearing and clogs easily because the ear was reattached and rebuilt. Plaintiff’s left eye is blurred and drips all the time because his tear ducts were damaged. Plaintiff’s mouth cannot open fully because his jaw is wired together making it hard to talk, eat, sing, smile, or yell. Plaintiff’s nerves and muscles are damaged and his cheek sags on the left side making him permanently disfigured and unattractive. Plaintiff’s left side is permanently numb along with both ankles where nerves were removed. The damage to Plaintiff’s ankle nerves makes it difficult to go up and downstairs. Plaintiff experiences pain from these injuries every day of his life.
Interrogatory No. 19: Identify all health care providers who have treated or examined you because of any physical, mental or emotional conditions you allegedly suffered as a result of any alleged act or omission by the Defendant. Include in your answer the nature, dates, and places of each examination or treatment and the costs associated with each treatment.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 19: See Answer to Interrogatory No. 11. Additionally, the plaintiff has been examined by Dr. Leroy Gaber, Dr. Jeff Freedenburg, and Drs. Friedler & Jones and Dr. Lawrence Wines.
Interrogatory No. 20: Identify all health care providers, other than those otherwise identified in your Answers, who have examined or treated you during the period commencing five years before the occurrence on or about September 25, 2022, and extending to the present, identify all hospitals and other facilities at which you were examined or treated, and describe the condition for which you were examined or treated.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 20: Approximately one year before the accident Plaintiff was taken to the emergency room in Towson for cracked ribs caused by coughing due to the flu. No follow-up care was needed.
Interrogatory No. 21: State whether before or after the occurrence on or about September 25, 2022, you have sustained an accidental injury for which you received medical care or treatment. If so, describe the date and circumstances of the accidental injury and identify all healthcare providers, including hospitals and other institutions that furnished care to you.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 21: None.
Interrogatory No. 22: If you contend that a person not a party to this action acted or erred in such a manner as to cause or contribute to any of the injuries or damages alleged in your Complaint, outlined in detail all facts upon which you rely.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 22: Plaintiff makes no such contention.
Interrogatory No. 23: State whether you or any other person has entered into any release, settlement, or other agreement, formal or informal, whether reduced to writing or not, under which the liability or the liability of any other person for damages arising out of the occurrences described in the Complaint has been limited, reduced, released or modified in any manner whatsoever, and if so, state the person(s) with whom such agreement was made, the date each such agreement was made, describe the terms of each such agreement, and identify any documents constituting, referring to or reflecting each such agreement.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 23: Plaintiff has settled his Worker’s Compensation Claim.
Interrogatory No. 24: Describe in detail all safety precautions and/or equipment you utilized in servicing the subject boiler system on or about September 25, 2022.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 24: Plaintiff followed all proper HVAC procedures when servicing the boiler at Frederick Davis High School on September 25, 2023.
Interrogatory No. 25: Do you contend that Matthews and Todd sold and/or built the subject boiler system? If so, identify all facts and documents supporting that contention.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 25: See Answer to Interrogatory No. 8.
Interrogatory No. 26: State the names and addresses of all persons not previously listed in your Answers to these Interrogatories having personal knowledge of facts and matters relevant to your claims or this cause of action, and for each specify the area of personal knowledge.
Answer to Interrogatory No. 26: Plaintiff is unaware of anyone who is not mentioned in these Answers or the documents produced by Plaintiff and Defendant. Plaintiff will supplement this answer as necessary.