Exercise equipments maker Cybex International Inc. (CYBI) Wednesday said that a $66 million jury verdict has been rendered in the product liability litigation, Barnhard v. Cybex International Inc. The plaintiff in Barnhard was rendered a quadriplegic after she pulled a Cybex weight machine over on herself.
Medway, Massachusetts-based Cybex said that it is extremely disappointed in this verdict, which it does not believe is supported by the facts or the law. The company said it will pursue all available options, including post-trial motions and appeal.
Chief Executive Officer of Cybex John Aglialoro said, "This piece of equipment has been in continuous operation for over 25 years in the same facility as Barnhard was injured to the current date, with no incidents reported other than this one event. We strongly believe that CYBEX was not negligent and is in no way responsible for this tragic accident. We will vigorously pursue all avenues to attain a reversal of this verdict."
The verdict was apportioned 75% to Cybex, 20% to Amherst Orthopedic Physical Therapy, P.C. and 5% to the plaintiff. Cybex would be responsible for 95% of the verdict but may collect 20% of the verdict from Amherst Orthopedic. The company's available insurance coverage for this claim is currently less than $4 million.
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