Defective Guardrails Fail To Protect

Highways and roads across the country are lined with guardrails intended to reduce injury when a motor vehicle strikes them. But, what happens when a piece of the guardrail malfunctions and does not perform as intended?

Guardrails are designed to protect you by absorbing the impact of a crash in order to decrease the risk of injury. This is not the case with the new ET-Plus guardrail system manufactured by Texas-based company Trinity Industries. Instead, it is being reported that people are suffering from catastrophic injuries because the product does not function to the highest level.

Trinity Industries made alterations to its original guardrail system by shrinking a piece of metal on the end terminal (ET) from 5 inches in width to four. This slight modification decreased the crashworthiness of the guardrail system, and since its introduction in 2005, multiple people have been killed, maimed, and suffered a loss of limbs.

Many people have suffered due to the new ET-Plus guardrail system because it doesn’t work properly, and this is not acceptable. The experienced product liability lawyers at Graves McLain have represented many people who have suffered injuries due to product defects and have won many clients the justice and financial compensation they deserve.

There are many people questioning why Trinity Industries is manufacturing and selling this new guardrail system, which does not function, as well as its prior design. According to Trinity Industries’ internal email communication, the new ET-Plus saved the company $2 a unit; equivalent to saving $50,000 annually and $250,000 over five years.

Furthermore, the author of the email, which defines the cost analysis of the new ET-Plus, goes on to say, “I’m feeling we can make this change with no announcement.”

Trinity Industries failed to inform the Federal Highway Administration of the changes made with the ET-Plus system, claiming the new patent documents inadvertently omitted the new design specifications.

Click here to read Trinity Industries’ internal email.

Missouri and Massachusetts have halted the use of the ET-Plus in these states until further investigations are conducted.

When an individual is injured due to defective product design, someone should be held accountable. If you have suffered because of a faulty product, the Tulsa Oklahoma attorneys at Graves McLain can help. We will fight for your rights to get you the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.

At Graves McLain, we understand product liability law and can guide you through a difficult experience.

Designers, manufacturers, distributors, and resellers of defective products and goods must be held accountable for the damage and pain they cause to you, a family member, or a loved one.

The experienced, caring attorneys at Graves McLain, Tulsa personal injury law firm, have substantial experience in representing these often difficult, complicated product liability cases.

We have the financial resources to conduct a thorough investigation to prosecute the case through trial and appeal if necessary.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product, we may be able to help. An experienced Tulsa Oklahoma attorney will review the details of your case and determine the best course of action.

Contact Graves McLain today toll-free at 918-359-6600, email us directly, or request a free consultation online. An experienced attorney will review your situation at no cost to you. You can trust our team. We’re here to help.

Graves McLain, helping Oklahomans every day seek the justice they deserve.

Click here to read the ABC News report on Trinity Industries’ new ET-Plus guardrail design.