July Trial Date Set in Case of Roofer Killed when Defective Lift Tips Over

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.--Rafael Campos, a married father of five children, began his day on March 25, 2006, like every other, at his job as a roofer for Tornado Roofing Company in Palm Beach County. Little did he know that this spring day would be his last to see his wife, children, and colleagues.

Mr. Campos was operating a lift which had been fitted onto a Ford F-620 truck. The lift holds and transports, on a conveyer belt, thousands of pounds of tiles and other roofing materials in the distance from truck to rooftop. Before operating the lift the stabilizing outriggers are suppose to be engaged in order to stabilize the truck and prevent it from tipping over. Unfortunately and tragically this was not done in this instance and when the lift was operated the truck overturned and landed on top of Mr. Campos crushing him to death.

It was discovered that none of the companies involved in the purchase, manufacture, design and distribution of the vehicle and lift, including Tornado Roofing, had given instruction, guidance, training or warning to the employees of Tornado Roofing regarding its use. There was not even a manual or adequate warnings available for employees to consult before operating the lift and stabilizers. Additionally the manufacturer of the equipment failed to provide any fail safe design, such as an interlock design that would prevent the operation of the lift from being operated without the engagement of the stabilizing outriggers. 

"The manufacturer and distributor of the lift had a duty to warn foreseeable users of the product of the dangers and proper use of the lift. Their failure to do so created an unreasonable if almost certain risk of injury or death to employees, said Ted Leopold, managing partner with the law firm of Ricci~Leopold, P.A.

The defective product caused the death of a good, hard-working man, who worked tirelessly to support his family. Ricci~Leopold will do everything within our power to achieve a full measure of justice for Rafael Campos's wife and children. Moreover, we hope through this trial to prevent other senseless

Roofing company takes no precautions to protect workers - death occurs

tragedies from occurring in the future to individuals working with these types of machines," added Spencer Kuvin, partner with the firm.

Complaint - Campos

Case Management Order - Campos

(This case will go to trial in Palm Beach County Circuit Court on July 7, 2008.)

Ted Leopold is the managing partner in the law firm of Ricci~Leopold, P.A. As consumer justice advocates, the attorneys at Ricci~Leopold pursue justice for those who are harmed by the misconduct of insurance companies and corporations. The firm, founded in 1982, has six attorneys and is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with offices located at 2925 PGA Blvd. Mr. Leopold can be contacted at (561)684-6500. Additional information about Ricci~Leopold , P.A. may be obtained from the firm's website at www.riccilaw.com