I am investigating a case against Shimano American Corporation and a local bike shop here in California. My client suffered a fractured shoulder when a new bike with a Shimano bottom bracket (105 BB-5500) was improperly assembled. (The bottom bracket was apparently tightened down without the splines properly seating in the interlocking fashion. When the client took off for his first ride, the crank broke free and rotated loosely, causing him to fall sideways.)
Have you heard of a similar case, or of warnings from Shimano or any safety organization related to such assembly problems?
Shimano American just answered interrogatories claiming that only the parent company in Japan, Shimano, Inc, knows anything about design and manufacture, or has relevant documents. Do you know of a California attorney or expert witness who has been involved with claims against Shimano?
"Bike attorney" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
I am investigating a case against Shimano American Corporation and a local bike shop here in California. My client suffered a fractured shoulder when a new bike with a Shimano bottom bracket (105 BB-5500) was improperly assembled. (The bottom bracket was apparently tightened down without the splines properly seating in the interlocking fashion. When the client took off for his first ride, the crank broke free and rotated loosely, causing him to fall sideways.)
Have you heard of a similar case, or of warnings from Shimano or any safety organization related to such assembly problems?
Shimano American just answered interrogatories claiming that only the parent company in Japan, Shimano, Inc, knows anything about design and manufacture, or has relevant documents. Do you know of a California attorney or expert witness who has been involved with claims against Shimano?
I am investigating a case against Shimano American Corporation and a local bike shop here in California. My client suffered a fractured shoulder when a new bike with a Shimano bottom bracket (105 BB-5500) was improperly assembled. (The bottom bracket was apparently tightened down without the splines properly seating in the interlocking fashion. When the client took off for his first ride, the crank broke free and rotated loosely, causing him to fall sideways.)
Have you heard of a similar case, or of warnings from Shimano or any safety organization related to such assembly problems?
Shimano American just answered interrogatories claiming that only the parent company in Japan, Shimano, Inc, knows anything about design and manufacture, or has relevant documents. Do you know of a California attorney or expert witness who has been involved with claims against Shimano?
Any advice or input would be appreciated.
The crank would have been standing noticeably proud if the splines weren't engaged. An elementary error, but as far as I can see it's the assembler of the bike that is at fault, not Shimano. These things are not difficult to install.
The crank would have been standing noticeably proud if the splines weren't engaged. An elementary error, but as far as I can see it's the assembler of the bike that is at fault, not Shimano. These things are not difficult to install.
The reason he didn't mention the shop owner is because suing him and his mechanics is already a given. Now they are looking for anybody else that might be even slightly related to the accident, the bigger the company the better. There is a big chance that after the company is served they will settle out of court, never see a jury. This means more money for the lawyer and a little for the client, higher prices for you and I.
RTFM indeed! To hold a manufacturer responsible for what someone does WRONG with it once it leaves the factory...
This reminds me, though, of an ISIS BB I bought from Nashbar. The "Instruction sheet" consisted of a single sentence telling you to go have a mechanic put it in for you.
me said:
"Bike attorney" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
I am investigating a case against Shimano American Corporation and a local bike shop here in California. My client suffered a fractured shoulder when a new bike with a Shimano bottom bracket (105 BB-5500) was improperly assembled. (The bottom bracket was apparently tightened down without the splines properly seating in the interlocking fashion. When the client took off for his first ride, the crank broke free and rotated loosely, causing him to fall sideways.)
Have you heard of a similar case, or of warnings from Shimano or any safety organization related to such assembly problems?
Shimano American just answered interrogatories claiming that only the parent company in Japan, Shimano, Inc, knows anything about design and manufacture, or has relevant documents. Do you know of a California attorney or expert witness who has been involved with claims against Shimano?