BELLEVILLE – Hartmann Turf and Tractor is being sued after a customer allegedly suffered severe hand injuries after a brushcutter attachment malfunctioned.
Plaintiff Kris Rowe filed a lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against defendants Hartmann Farm Supply of Millstadt, Inc. doing business as Hartmann Turf and Tractor and Echo, Inc., citing negligence.
According to the lawsuit, on Aug. 24, 2022, Rowe bought a brushcutter attachment that was designed, manufactured and distributed by Echo, Inc. from Hartmann Turf and Tractor. Rowe was allegedly using the product in a reasonable manner when it lacerated the plaintiff's right hand, causing serious injuries.
Rowe claims the product was defectively designed in a way that the product failed to have an adequate blade guard, a proper automatic shutoff and failed to have adequate weight distribution. Rowe adds that the defendants negligently sold the product that they knew or should have known lacked critical safety features.
Rowe allegedly suffered severe lacerations to the right hand. The plaintiff allegedly suffered permanent injuries, pain, suffering and emotional trauma. The suit states that the injury has forced the plaintiff to incur substantial medical costs and that Rowe will continue to require the services of medical staff to recover from the injuries.
The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 plus court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. Rowe is represented in this case by attorney Thomas Q. Keefe of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 23LA0047