Widow Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Buffer Manufacturer

Chrissie Cole

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A Texas widow has filed a wrongful death lawsuit for her husband's death, against OPC/Floor Blazer and American Honda Motor Company, the manufacturers of a floor buffer that she believes was defective and dangerous and to blame for his death.

In January, while he was working as a floor technician, he was sent to clean floors at an office building in Longview. He used a propane powered floor buffer, which included a Honda GXV LPG engine.

The suit claims after beginning his work, "he became overwhelmed by carbon monoxide gas and was rendered unconscious." The suit further claims "the LPG engine on the floor buffer continued to run for hours and emit deadly carbon monoxide gas which ultimately led to his tragic death."

The Honda propane engine owner's manual states that the "engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide. Do not run the engine without adequate ventilation, and never run the engine indoors." Further, the manual states under operating precautions, "carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you. Avoid any areas or actions that expose you to carbon monoxide."

The lawsuit alleges the floor buffer engine was not equipped with proper safety equipment, which caused his untimely and tragic death.

Causes of action include: breach of warranty, negligence, strict product liability and violations under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Filing under the Texas Wrongful Death statute, plaintiffs are seeking damages for pecuniary losses, loss of companionship and society, mental anguish, loss of inheritance, funeral and burial expenses and attorney's fees. Survival damages sought include mental anguish, physical pain, funeral, and burial expenses.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Wrongful Death.