Firefighter Sues SCBA Manufacturer for $600k

Posted by: Curt Varone November 10, 2014 0

A firefighter from Eugene, Oregon who was injured during a training exercise in 2012 is suing an SCBA manufacturer and a local vendor.

David Pickett, 35, was injured on December 19, 2012 when an MSA Firehawk M7 SCBA malfunctioned causing an explosion that he claims seriously damaged his hearing. The Firehawk M7 had recently been purchased by the Eugene Fire Department. Pickett and others were training with the devices when the one he was using malfunctioned causing a loud explosion near his right ear.

Pickett claims the loud noise resulted in hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches and balance problems, requiring him to wear a hearing aid.

The suit was filed last week in Lane County Circuit Court and names the SCBA manufacturer Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA) and the local vendor, Sea-Western Inc. Pickett is seeking $600,000 in damages including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Here is more on the story.

I reached out to Pickett’s attorney and hope to obtain a copy of the complaint. The post will be updated at that time.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
© Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
x

Check Also

New Hampshire Firefighter Claims He Was Sexually Harassed

A New Hampshire firefighter who resigned last December after enduring what he claims was years of sexually harassing comments and retaliation is now suing his former employer. Christopher R. Golomb filed suit against the City of Concord last month in Merrimack County Superior Court.

Sacramento Settles Restraint Death Suit for $4.45 Million

The City of Sacramento has agreed to settle a wrongful death suit with the family of a man who died while being restrained during an EMS response, for $4.45 million. Reginald “Reggie” Payne, 48, suffered a cardic arrest while being restrained by police, who responded at the request of firefighters.