CLEARWATER — A Pennsylvania couple is suing a Florida manufacturer of outdoors equipment, alleging loss of consortium, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, gross negligence, product liability and strict liability.
William and Theresa Kuhnert of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, filed a complaint Oct. 16 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Barnett Outdoors LLC of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Synergy Outdoors LLC and Wildgame Innovations LLC, alleging they failed to follow applicable safety guidelines and regulations.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 19, 2015, William Kuhnert was injured when the bowstring of his raptor crossbow, a product manufactured and designed by the defendants, was released and hit his left hand. The suit says this caused severe injuries to Kuhnert's left thumb, leading to medical expenses, lost wages, disfigurement, deformity, scarring, pain and suffering and mental anguish.
Additionally, Theresa Kuhnert alleges she has lost the services, protection, affection and consortium of her husband.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to warn Kuhnert of such danger, and failed to properly design, manufacture, assemble, test, inspect, service, market, distribute and sell the crossbow.
The Kuhnerts seek trial by jury, compensatory damages between $15,000 and $75,000, plus all other damages to which they may be justly entitled as well as attorney fees and all costs of court. They are represented by attorney Joseph H. Saunders of Saunders & Walker PA in Pinellas Park.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 17-CA-6255