Forensic Analysis Of Tilting File Cabinets

Abstract

This Case Involved A File Clerk Inserting Files Into An Office 4 Drawer File Cabinet. The File Cabinet Did Not Have Latching Devices For The Drawers. The File Drawers Were Designed To Be Stabilized With A Small Indent In The Suspension Track To Prevent The Drawers From Unexpectedly Opening. The File Cabinet Unexpectedly Tilted And Opened All The Drawers With A Force Sufficient To Knock The Clerk To The Floor With The File Cabinet On Her Back. The Clerk Sustained Substantial Back Injuries. The Jury Agreed With The Forensic Engineering Analysis And Were Shocked At The Ease Of The Drawers Opening, The Cabinet Falling, And The Force Of Overturning Of The File Cabinet. The Jury Awarded The Verdict To The Plaintiff With A Surprising Twist.