ORDER
Currently before the Court is Defendants Terex Corporation and CMI Terex Corporation’s (“Defendants”) Motion to Strike the Testimony of Plaintiff’s Expert, Carl Finocchiaro, and Request for Rule 104(A) Hearing (Dkt.# 53) and Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment. (Dkt.# 57).1 After reviewing the pleadings and conducting oral argument on February 15, 2007, the Court issues the following Order.
I. Factual Background
On December 16, 2004, Plaintiff Esther V. Martinez (“Plaintiff’), individually and on behalf of the children of Jesse Martinez, filed the instant products liability action in the Superior Court of Maricopa County, Arizona. On April 18, 2005, Defendants, both corporations located outside the state of Arizona, removed this action to this Court. (Dkt.# 1). Plaintiffs claims of liability derive out of an accident occurring on January 15, 2004, resulting in the death of Plaintiffs husband, Jesse Martinez. (DSOF 117). Mr. Martinez was working as an employee of Ameron International (“Ameron”), which operates a cement manufacturing facility and fabrication facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Martinez was an employee of Ameron since 1998 and operated the cement mixer at the Ameron plant since 2001. (DSOF 1112). At the time of the accident, although not directly witnessed by anyone, Mr. Martinez was near the operating cement mixer when he was somehow caught in between the guard rail and the cement mixer and he was pulled under the cement mixer, trapping him. After a period of attempting to remove Mr. Martinez, he passed away due to blunt force trauma and positional asphyxiation. (PSOF 1113). Plaintiffs theory of liability against the Defendants is based upon products liability. Plaintiff asserts in her Complaint that the subject cement mixer “designed, manufactured, assembled, marketed, distributed, and sold by Defendants was defective and unreasonably dangerous ...” (Dkt. # 1, Complaint U 5). The cement mixer at issue, Model 430, was sold to Ameron in April of 2001, by Defendant CMI Terex Corporation’s predecessor in interest. (DSOF U1). At the time of the sale, certain warning labels accompanied the cement mixer at issue, including addressing the danger of wearing loose clothing in and around the cement mixer, and the possibility of serious injury or death resulting from the failure to heed such warnings. (DSOF U 4). In addition, the manual accompanying the sale of the cement mixer expressly stated to “NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLEAN, OIL OR ADJUST ANY MACHINE WHILE IT IS IN MOTION.” (Id.) (Emphasis original). The operating manual of the cement mixer also instructed that when performing maintenance, the user should shut down the machine, remove the operating key, lock the machine (“lock-out”) and tag the machine warning against operation (“tag-out”). (Id.).
It is disputed between the parties as to whether Mr. Martinez was attempting to clean the cement mixer during its operation at the time of the accident. (DSOF H 9; PSOF 118). Shortly before the accident Mr. Martinez’s co-worker, Mr. Jose Urias-Castro, observed Mr. Martinez on the platform next to the cement mixer spraying a cleaning agent into the operating cement mixer. (PSOF U 7). Mr. Castro testified that Mr. Martinez routinely cleaned the cement mixture while it was running and typically wore a jump suit or jacket while doing so. (DSOF 119). As a result of the accident, an investigation was performed by the Arizona division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (“OSHA”). The investigation
II. Standard
A motion for summary judgment may be granted only if the evidence shows “that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c). To defeat the motion, the non-moving party must show that there are genuine factual issues “that properly can be resolved only be a finder of fact because they may reasonably be resolved in favor of either party.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 250, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 2511, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). The party opposing summary judgment “may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of [the party’s] pleadings, but ... must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.” Rule 56(e). See Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co., v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586-87 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986). The evidence must be viewed in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Devereaux v. Abbey, 263 F.3d 1070,1074 (9th Cir.2001) (en banc).
III. Arizona Products Liability Law
In order to establish a prima facie case of strict products liability, “the plaintiff must show that the product was in a defective condition that made it unreasonably dangerous, the defective condition existed when the product left the defendant’s control, and the defective condition proximately caused the plaintiffs injuries.” State Farm Ins. Co. v. Premier Manufactured Systems, Inc., 213 Ariz. 419, ¶ 26, 142 P.3d 1232,1239 (Ariz.App. 2006) (citation omitted). Three types of defects can result in an unreasonably dangerous product: (1) design defects, (2) manufacturing defects, and (3) informational defects encompassing instructions and warnings. Brown v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 136 Ariz. 556, 562, 667 P.2d 750, 756 (Ariz.App.1983). With respect to causation, to establish fault, “a plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence proximately caused the plaintiffs injury.” Stephens v. Bashas’, Inc., 186 Ariz. 427, 431, 924 P.2d 117, 121 (Ariz.App.1996). The proximate cause of an injury is defined in Arizona as “that which, in a natural and continuous sequence, unbroken by any efficient intervening cause, produces an injury, and without which the injury would not have occurred.” Robertson v. Sixpence Inns of Am., Inc., 163 Ariz. 539, 546, 789 P.2d 1040, 1047 (1990).
IV. Expert Testimony of Carl Finocchiaro
In asserting her product liability theory against Defendants, Plaintiff offers the expert report and testimony of Mr. Carl Finocchiaro (“Mr.Finocchiaro”). Mr. Finocchiaro has a masters degree in engineering management and a bachelors of science in aerospace engineering. His curriculum vitae indicates expertise in product liability issues including design defects, guarding, warning and instructions. (Plaintiffs Response, Dkt. # 61, Exhibit 5). Mr. Finoechiaro has authored four publications entitled: (1) Automotive Airbags; (2) Evidence Handling and Preservation of Evidence in Suspected Arson Cases; (3) Occupant Kinematics and Biomechanical Injury Evaluation in Recreational Rides; and (4) Vehicle Fires: Fire Dynamics and Investigation Methods. (Id.). On January 13, 2006, during the course of this litigation, after being retained by Plaintiffs counsel, Mr. Finoechiaro authored a report concluding in pertinent part:
(1) the power delivered to the mixer drum (80 horsepower) constituted a considerable potential hazard and therefore warranted an extensive guarding system to prevent contact with moving parts. Such was not provided.
(2) The barrier guards that were supplied with the mixer were in violation of safe engineering practices standards since they failed to prevent a body part from coming into contact with a hazardous location, and in addition, they also created a nip point hazard. Therefore, the design of the mixer was defectivePage 635and unreasonably dangerous due to its inadequate guarding system.
(3) The defective mixer caused and/or contributed to the subject accident.
(Plaintiffs Response, Dkt. # 61, Exhibit 8).
These conclusions were based upon a review of several materials including: (1) standards published by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME); (2) OSHA regulations; (3) Industrial Commission of Arizona’s investigate report; (4) Defendants’ Owners Manual for the concrete mixer; (5) Defendants’ expert disclosure statement, including the reports of Jerry Purswell, Ph.D, P.E. (“Dr.Purswell”), and Jay R. Taylor (“Mr.Taylor”); (5) Engineering drawings of the cement mixer; (6) the Complaint; and (7) Certificate of Death and Autopsy. (Id. Exhibit 5). Mr. Finocchiaro also personally inspected the cement mixer at issue in this case. On April 13, 2006, Mr. Finocchiaro was deposed by Defendants’ counsel regarding his opinions and the bases in support thereof. Based upon Mr. Finocchiaro’s background, experience, and methodology associated with his findings, Defendants move to strike his testimony on several grounds including that the proposed testimony does not meet the standards of admissibility of expert testimony as provided in the Federal Rules of Evidence. In conjunction with Defendants’ Motion to strike, the Defendants also move for summary judgment on Plaintiffs claims on the basis that Plaintiff cannot establish the requisite elements of her claims.
V. Motion to Strike/Exclude Expert Testimony of Mr. Finocchiaro
Defendants contend that it is appropriate to strike Mr. Finocchiaro’s expert testimony because it fails both the reliability and relevance prongs of Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence. Defendants further contend it is appropriate to strike pursuant to Rules 703 and 403 of the Federal Rules of Evidence as well.
Rule 702 Fed.R.Evid. provides in pertinent part:
If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise, if (1) the testimony is based upon sufficient facts or data, (2) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods, and (3) the witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case.
The plaintiff bears the burden in establishing the pertinent admissibility requirements are met by a preponderance of the evidence. See Bourjaily v. United States, 483 U.S. 171, 175, 107 S.Ct. 2775, 97 L.Ed.2d 144 (1987). It is the trial court’s obligation to act as a “gatekeeper” to admission of expert scientific testimony under Rule 702. Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharms., Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 597, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d 469 (1993). In performing its “gatekeeper” role, the trial court is not obligated to conduct a separate evidentiary hearing on the admissibility of the proffered expert testimony. See United States v. Alatorre, 222 F.3d 1098, 1102 (9th Cir.2000). The first prong of the Daubert analysis requires the trial court to evaluate evidentiary reliability, or trustworthiness. See Daubert, 509 U.S. at 590 n. 9, 113 S.Ct. 2786. The Supreme Court has articulated four non-exclusive factors to consider: (1) whether the scientific theory or technique can be (and has been) tested; (2) whether the theory or technique has been subjected to peer review and publication; (3) whether a particular technique has a known potential rate of error; and (4) whether the theory or technique is generally accepted in the relevant scientific community. Id. at 593-94,113 S.Ct. 2786. In addition, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has noted that a “very significant fact to be considered is whether the experts are proposing to testify about matters growing naturally and directly out of research they have conducted independent of the litigation, or whether they have developed their opinions expressly for purposes for testifying.” Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharms., Inc., 43 F.3d 1311, 1317 (9th Cir. 1995) (“Daubert II”). If the evidence is not
precisely [explaining] how [the experts] went about reaching their conclusions and pointing] to some objective source—a learned treatise, the policy statement of a professional association, a published article in a reputable scientific journal or the like—to show that they have followed the scientific method, as it practiced by (at least) a recognized minority or scientists in their field.
Id. at 1319 (citing United States v. Rincon, 28 F.3d 921, 924 (9th Cir.1994)).
The Supreme Court noted in Kumho Tire, that “the test of reliability is ‘flexible,’ and Daubert’s list of specific factors neither necessarily nor exclusively applies to all experts or in every case. Rather, the law grants a district court the same broad latitude when it decides how to determine reliability as it enjoys in respect to its ultimate reliability determination.” Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137, 141-42, 119 S.Ct. 1167, 143 L.Ed.2d 238 (1999).
Rule 702’s second prong concerns relevancy, or “fit.” See Daubert, 509 U.S. at 591, 113 S.Ct. 2786. The trial court “must ensure that the proposed expert testimony is ‘relevant to the task -at hand,’ ... i.e., that it logically advances a material aspect of the proposing party’s case.” Daubert II, 43 F.3d at 1315. “[T]he standard for fit is higher than bare relevance.” In re Paoli R.R. Yard PCB Litig., 35 F.3d 717, 745 (3d Cir.1994).
Finally, even under Daubert, this Court must still weigh the balancing factors of Fed.R.Evid. 403. Specifically, Rule 403, permits the exclusion of relevant evidence “if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury ...” Daubert, 509 U.S. at 595, 113 S.Ct. 2786.
A. Reliability
In evaluating the reliability of Mr. Finocchiaro’s findings it is important to first evaluate the matters that he intends to address with this expert analysis. In Plaintiffs response, to Defendants’ Motion to Strike, the Plaintiff articulates four areas that Mr. Finocchiaro intends to address. First, Plaintiff states that Mr. Finocchiaro intends to testify regarding “the design and configuration of the Model 430 cement mixer manufactured and sold by Defendants including certain aspects relating to the accident such as ‘how and why [the] metal guards collapsed in the subject accident allowing Mr. Martinez to be drawn into the machinery.’ ” (Plaintiffs Response, Dkt. # 61, pp. 5-6). Second, Mr. Finocchiaro intends to provide his expert testimony regarding the safety hierarchy used in the field of engineering. Plaintiff relates that “Mr. Finocchiaro will tell the jury about this safety hierarchy and explain how Defendants failed to meet the requirements of the safety hierarchy in connection with the failure to provide guard (sic) against the hazards presented by the mixer and by failing to provide warmings and instructions about the hazards, specifically, the need to incorporate additional guards to protect workers in close proximity to the mixer.” (Id. p. 7). Third, Plaintiff discloses that Mr. Finocchiaro will offer his opinion that the cement mixer “as manufactured and sold by Defendants, was defective and unreasonably dangerous as a result of its design and inadequate warnings and instructions.” (Id. p. 7-8). Fourth, and lastly, Plaintiff relates that Mr. Finocchiaro will testify “that it was technologically feasible to design an adequate and effective guard that would have prevented the fatal accident involving Jesse Martinez.” (Id., p. 8). The Court will review each of these identified opinions to determine if they are sufficiently reliable to satisfy this Court in its gatekeeping function regarding expert testimony.
(1) Testimony Regarding the Overall Design of the Cement Mixer Model 430
Plaintiff relates that Mr. Finocchiaro will offer his expert testimony regarding the
(2) Safety Hierarchy
As with Mr. Finocchiaro’s foundational testimony regarding the design of the cement mixer and related explanation as to the guards of the mixer and their involvement in the accident, the Court finds that Mr. Finocchiaro is also sufficiently qualified with respect to his ability to render a reliable expert opinion as to the basic concept of the safety hierarchy used in the field of engineering: specifically that: (1) a machine be engineered to eliminate a hazard; (2) if the hazard cannot be eliminated, then to guard the hazard; and (3) if the hazard cannot be eliminated or guarded, to provide appropriate warnings. As noted above, Mr. Finocchiaro has an educational and professional background in the field of engineering, providing him with a sufficient ability to provide expert testimony regarding the safety hierarchy. The issue; however is more complex with Plaintiffs purported intention to elicit from Mr. Finocchiaro testimony that Defendants failed to comply with the safety hierarchy with respect to the cement mixer and provide sufficient warnings. The Court will address Mr. Finocchiaro’s qualifications and reliability on that issue directed at the cement mixer at issue below.
(3) Defective Design and Inadequate Warnings Re: the Subject Cement Mixer
Plaintiff intends to call Mr. Finocchiaro as an expert witness to offer his opinion that the cement mixer “as manufactured and sold by Defendants, was defective and unreasonably dangerous as a result of its design and inadequate warnings and instructions.” (Id. p. 7-8). This testimony is significant as it is directed specifically at the subject cement mixer and the related accident. The Defendants argue at length that Mr. Finocchiaro’s testimony on these points is not reliable and cite to several specific areas of Mr. Finocchiaro’s deposition testimony to support their position that Plaintiff cannot offer any reli
(а) Defective Design
(i) Testing
[б] As noted by Defendants, and apparently conceded by omission by Plaintiff, Mr. Finocchiaro has not done any testing regarding his theory of an inadequate design and manufacture of the cement mixer at issue in this litigation; that is, the lack of a sufficient guarding system protecting against dangerous contact. For instance, at Mr. Finocchiaro’s deposition, the following exchange took place:
Q: Okay. Have you done any experiment related to the theories that you have asserted in this lawsuit.
A: I’ve done no experiments.
Q: Have you done any testing relating to the theories that you have asserted in this lawsuit?
A: No, sir.
(Defendants’ Motion, Dkt. # 53, Exhibit D, p. 126, ll. 3-9).
In addition to Mr. Finocchiaro not performing any testing regarding his theory of an improper design of the subject cement mixer, he also did not perform any testing regarding his proposed alternative design of the “total barrier guard system” for the cement mixer. {Id. at p. 253,11. 7-23). In fact the first time Mr. Finocchiaro sketched a diagram of his total barrier guard system was during the deposition itself. {Id. at p. 295, 11.1-5). Moreover, Mr. Finocchiaro admitted that he had never designed, built, installed, fabricated or even saw a prototype of the total barrier guard system he suggested. (Id. pp. 202-03, ll.19-12).
In response to Defendants’ reliance on the lack of any testing by Mr. Finocchiaro regarding his theory of inadequate design and an alternative total barrier guard system, the Plaintiff appears to argue that it is the Defendants that have failed to comply with the testing requirement. For instance, Plaintiff states “[Mr. Finocchiaro] will ... offer testimony concerning the complete lack of any testing by the Defendants regarding the adequacy of the guards that they designed and installed on the cement mixer.” (Plaintiffs Response, Dkt. # 61, pp. 12-13). However, the Court struggles to see how this is relevant to the Court’s Daubert inquiry with respect to Mr. Finocchiaro’s expert opinion regarding an improper design of the cement mixer at issue. The burden is on the proponent to demonstrate that the expert opinion or theory is reliable, which takes into consideration any testing that has been done of the theory. In this ease, Plaintiff has provided no indication that the opinion or theory offered by Mr. Finocchiaro regarding improper design of the cement mixer or a safer alternative total barrier guard system has been tested. Thus, under such circumstances, it is clear that the testing factor of the Daubert analysis cuts against a finding of reliability.
(ii) Peer Review and Publication
In reviewing the deposition testimony of Mr. Finocchiaro it also appears clear that his theory regarding an improper design or his alternative design of the total barrier guard system has never been subject to any material peer review or publication. For instance, Mr. Finocchiaro testified that he has never written any articles or published any works regarding guarding of equipment such as cement mixing drums. (Defendants’ Motion, Dkt. # 53, Exhibit D, p. 123, ll.4-7). Moreover, the only peer review done of Mr. Finocchiaro’s reports submitted in this case was done in-house, through a co-worker at Mr. Finoechiaro’s engineering firm. (Id. p. 126,11.7-15). Such circumstances do not rise to the level of publication or peer review contemplated in Daubert to test the soundness of the methodology used in the analysis. Daubert II, 43 F.3d at 1318 (stating “[t]hat the research is accepted for publication in a reputable scientific journal after being subjected to the usual rigors of peer review is a significant indication that it is taken seriously by other scientists, i.e., that it meets at least the minimal criteria of good science.”). Again, in opposition to the lack of any peer review and publication of Mr. Finocchiaro’s theories, Plaintiff concedes by omission that this prong of the Daubert analysis is not
(iii) Known Potential Rate of Error
Similar to the two factors discussed above, there is no known rate of error regarding the techniques or theories articulated by Mr. Finocchiaro regarding an improper design or the proposed alternative of the total barrier guard system he disclosed at the deposition. Mr. Finocchiaro admitted as much during the deposition when asked if he knew of the rate of error of his alternative theory. (Defendants’ Motion, Dkt. # 53, Exhibit D, pp. 256-57,11.24-3). While not dispositive, this factor also cuts against admission of Mr. Finoechiaro’s expert opinions regarding an improper design of the cement mixer and his alternative design.
(iv) General Acceptance Within the Scientific Community
The Fourth factor of general acceptance of the theory or technique articulated by Mr. Finocchiaro does not support admission of his expert testimony as to the issues of defective design or an alternative design system identified by Mr. Finocchiaro. As with the other factors, there is no indication that the theory or methodology supporting Mr. Finocchiaro’s theories regarding the cement mixer are generally accepted, or have even been discussed for that matter, within the scientific community. Again, Plaintiff offers no material argument in opposition to the lack of any acceptance of these theories other than Mr. Finocchiaro is qualified to render this opinion based upon his review of relevant materials and background as well as that his testimony will be helpful to the trier of fact. However, this argument falls short in providing any material rebuttal to the lack of reliability associated with the opinions given that they are not generally accepted in the scientific community combined with the other Daubert factors discussed above.
(v) Opinions Generated for Litigation
The Ninth Circuit has made clear that a very relevant factor to be considered in the context of a Daubert analysis is “whether the experts are proposing to testify about matters growing naturally and directly out of research they have conducted independent of the litigation, or whether they have developed their opinions expressly for purposes for testifying.” Daubert II, 43 F.3d at 1317. In the instance case, the deposition testimony of Mr. Finocchiaro makes clear that the opinions he has expressed result solely from the instant litigation and do not have any independent basis. Prior to this litigation, Mr. Finocchiaro had no specific experience with respect to analyzing or evaluating concrete mixing drums or similar machines. This factor cuts against the admission of Mr. Finocchiaro’s expert testimony in this case regarding a design defect or a safer alternative design theory. The reasoning regarding the question governing expert witnesses who have not performed independent research on the issue outside the scope of the litigation discussed in Daubert II in pertinent part:
That an expert testifies based on research he has conducted independent of the litigation provides important, objective proof that the research comports with the dictates of good science.... For one thing, experts whose findings flow from existing research are less likely to have been biased toward a particular conclusion by the promise of remuneration; when an expert prepares reports and findings before being hired as a witness, that record will limit the degree to which he can tailor his testimony to serve a party’s interests. Then too, independent research carries its own indicia of reliability, as it is conducted, so to speak, in the usual course of business and must normally satisfy a variety of standards to attract funding and institutional support.
Id. at 1317.
To rebut this suggestion of unreliable expert testimony, the Plaintiff, though its ex
(vi) Summary of Daubert Analysis Re: Design Defect
In evaluating the relevant factors discussed above, while Mr. Finocchiaro’s testimony regarding general matters associated with the design of the cement mixer is reliable, there is significant unreliability associated with Mr. Finocchiaro’s proposed testimony addressing the specific issues of a defective design or an alternative design of the subject cement mixer. Plaintiff fails to satisfy any of the relevant Daubert factors on these issues, discussed above. Under such circumstances, the Court, in its gatekeeper capacity will exclude such expert testimony of Mr. Finocchiaro on the basis that it is unreliable and incompatible with Rule 702 Fed.R.Evid. Moreover, considering the unreliability of the testimony, it would also be inconsistent with Rule 403 Fed.R.Evid, to permit such evidence to be introduced to the jury as its potential prejudicial effect resulting from the lack of a well-reasoned analysis supporting the opinion outweighs any probative value.
(b) Information Defect/Inadequate Warning
The Court also finds that it is appropriate to exclude any expert opinion from Mr. Finocchiaro regarding the existence of an information defect associated with the cement mixer. In Plaintiffs Response to Defendants’ Motion to Strike, Plaintiff asserts that Mr. Finocchiaro also plans to testify that Defendants failed to provide a sufficient warning regarding the inherent dangers of the cement mixer because “there were no instructions or warmings concerning the need for additional guarding in the event workers were in close proximity to the equipment while it was in operation.” (Plaintiffs Response, Dkt. # 61, p. 13). However, as with Mr. Finocchiaro’s design defect testimony, it is clear that any such testimony also fails under the relevant factors of the Court’s DaubeH analysis. For instance, there is no indication in the record, that Plaintiffs theory has even been tested; been subject to peer review or publication or has received general acceptance within the relevant scientific community. Moreover, it is clear that the opinion is not based upon any independent research, but rather has arisen solely in the context of this litigation. Given these circumstances, the Court finds Plaintiffs proposed testimony regarding the theory of inadequate warnings unreliable and insufficient to survive the Court’s gatekeeping function to preclude such unreliable testimony. In addition, because of the inherent unreliability, the proposed expert testimony on this point also fails scrutiny under Rule 403 Fed. R.Evid.
In addition to the unreliability surrounding any testimony from Mr. Finocchiaro regarding an information defect, it is important to note that the expert report disclosed by Plaintiff provides no indication suggesting that Mr. Finocchiaro would offer any such testimony. (Plaintiffs Response, Dkt. # 61, Exhibit 8). Moreover, during Mr. Finocchiaro’s deposition he made clear that his opinion did not involve any information defect and in fact when asked if he found anything wrong
B. Relevance
Because of the Court’s finding regarding the inherent unreliability associated with Plaintiffs proposed expert testimony of a design or information defect, the Court will not reach the merits of the relevance of the proposed expert testimony regarding improper design and inadequate warnings.
VI. Significance of Striking Plaintiffs Expert Re: Summary Judgment
In light of the Court’s determination to strike Mr. Finocchiaro’s expert testimony regarding the existence of a design or information defect, the Court must evaluate the merits of Plaintiffs claims without such testimony. Clearly, the striking of Mr. Finocchiaro as to these issues is significant as he is the only expert witness identified by Plaintiff to address such theories. In certain situations, this fact alone, is sufficient to the granting of summary judgment. See Cabrera v. Cordis Corp., 134 F.3d 1418, 1423 (9th Cir.1998) (affirming district court’s exclusion of plaintiffs experts in products liability involving brain shunt design, finding that without the experts, plaintiff could not prove causation or liability); Cloud v. Pfizer, Inc., 198 F.Supp.2d 1118, 1138-39 (D.Ariz.2001) (excluding plaintiffs expert witness in products liability action involving antidepressant medication, finding that without such testimony, plaintiff could not prove causation). However, in light of the Parties’ supplemental briefing, it is apparent that there is no requirement under Arizona law that expert testimony be given in a products liability action. See Dietz v. Waller, 141 Ariz. 107, 110, 685 P.2d 744, 747 (1984) (“[plaintiffs ... must be permitted to rely upon circumstantial evidence alone in strict liability cases ... ”) (citation omitted). As such, the issue before the Court is whether Plaintiffs design or information defects theories survive summary judgment without the assistance of any expert testimony.
A. Defective Design
With respect to Plaintiffs defective design theory regarding the subject cement mixer, Plaintiff has the burden to demonstrate that the cement mixer was in a defective condition that made it unreasonably dangerous, the defective condition existed when the cement mixer left the Defendant’s control, and the defective condition proximately caused the injuries. State Farm, 142 P.3d at 1239. While the striking of Mr. Finocchiaro is significant it does not preclude Plaintiffs design defect theory at the summary judgment stage. In Arizona, two tests may be used in determining whether a product is defectively designed. First, under the “consumers expectations test,” the fact-finder determines whether the product “failed to perform as safely as an ordinary consumer would expect when used in an intended or reasonable manner.” Golonka v. General Motors Corp., 204 Ariz. 575, 581, 65 P.3d 956, 962 (Ariz.App.2003) (citation omitted). Moreover, under the risk/benefit analysis, the fact-finder is asked to decide, in light of certain relevant factors, whether “the benefits of [a] challenged design ... outweigh the risk of danger inherent in [the] design.” Id. Such relevant factors to the risk/benefit analysis include: (1) the usefulness and desirability of the product; (2) the availability of other and safer products to meet the same need; (3) the likelihood of injury and its probable seriousness; (4) the obviousness of the danger; (5) common knowledge and normal public expectation of the danger; (6) the
B. Information Defect
As a preliminary matter regarding Plaintiffs information defect claim, Defendants contend that Plaintiffs failure to specifically allege and identify this claim requires that the Court summarily dismiss such a theory at this late stage of the litigation. Defendants argue that Plaintiffs complaint asserts only a design defect claim, rather than an information defect claim and that such failure precludes Plaintiffs information defect claim from going forward. Plaintiff, on the other hand, asserts that she was not required to make an election as to which products liability theory to proceed under and that such alternative theories were adequately raised in the Complaint and the Parties’ Joint Case Management Plan. (Dkt.# 16, p. 4,6).
In reviewing the arguments advanced, the Court finds that the Defendants were adequately informed of Plaintiffs information defect theory. First, under Rule 8, Fed. R.Civ.P., the Defendants were adequately informed with Plaintiffs Complaint as to the informational defect theory. The Complaint asserts broad language such as that the cement “as designed, manufactured, assembled,
In addition to contending that Plaintiffs information defect theory should be considered waived, the Defendants contend that any such theory fails on the merits as well. For instance, Defendants note that Plaintiffs own expert acknowledged at his deposition that he did not believe there to be any defect with respect to the Defendants’ owners manual or that it caused or contributed the accident involving Mr. Martinez. (Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment, Dkt. #58, Exhibit 8, p. 282, 11.1-6). Moreover, Defendants cite the warnings and instructions that accompanied the sale of the cement mixer to Ameron in support of their argument that no such information defect existed. In opposition to Defendants’ argument, Plaintiff contends that a fact question remains as to whether Defendants supplied proper information to Ameron with regard to well recognized dangers associated with the product. Specifically, Plaintiff contends that the Defendants failed to provide any warning or instruction advising Ameron that employees should not be permitted to work in the area of the rotating cement mixer or that the guards on the cement mixer would not provide adequate protection for workers working in close proximity to the mixer while it was rotating. (Plaintiffs Response, Dkt.63, p. ID-
In Arizona, to make out a prima facie case of strict products liability based upon an information defect, a plaintiff must establish that: (1) the defendant had a duty to warn regarding; (2) the lack of the warning made the product unreasonably dangerous and defective; (3) the lack of sufficient warnings existed when the product left the defendant’s control; and (4) the failure to provide an adequate warning proximately caused the injuries. Gosewisch v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., 153 Ariz. 400, 403, 737 P.2d 376, 379 (Ariz.1987). In reviewing these elements, the Court finds that there is sufficient evidence to support the assertion of an information defect claim beyond summary judgment. For instance, Mr. Martinez, as an employee of Ameron and the cement mixer operator, clearly qualifies as a foreseeable user of the cement mixer, thus implicating the Defendant’s obligation to provide adequate warnings and instructions addressing the use of the cement mixer. The Defendants point out that the cement mixer did possess multiple warnings such as directing the operator to shut down, lock-out and tag-out the machine while performing maintenance or lubricating the mixer. (DSOF H 4). Moreover, Defendants conspicuously instructed to “NEVER ATTEMPT TO CLEAN, OIL, OR ADJUST ANY MACHINE WHILE IT IS IN MOTION.” (Emphasis original). (Id. Exhibit 6). There was also a warning stating that failure to conduct such safety procedures could result in death or serious injury. (DSOF 115). These warnings clearly warn against such activities as cleaning, oiling, adjusting, or performing maintenance on the cement mixer while operating. However, at the time of the accident, neither party can identify with certainty the type of activity that Mr. Martinez was engaged in. As such, to the extent that Mr. Martinez was performing other activities in close proximity to the operating cement mixer, it raises the possibility that Defendants should have provided a warning against work performed in close proximity to the cement mixer. Moreover, the Court cannot find as a matter of law that the danger associated with such work was so open or obvious to eliminate the Defendant’s obli
VII. Summary
The Court finds that it is appropriate to strike, in part, Plaintiffs expert, Mr. Finocchiaro, and his proposed expert testimony regarding the existence of a design or information defect regarding Defendants’ cement mixer. Mr. Finoechiaro’s expert testimony on these issues is not reliable when evaluated in the context of a Daubert analysis and Rule 702 Fed.R.Evid and runs afoul of Rule 403 Fed.R.Evid. However, even without certain expert testimony from Mr. Finocchiaro, the Court finds that summary judgment is not warranted regarding Plaintiffs design and information defect theories. Such theories are supported by the circumstances surrounding the accident and the witness testimony.
Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED granting in part and denying in part, Defendants’ Motion to Strike the Testimony of Plaintiffs Expert, Carl Finocchiaro. (Dkt.# 53)
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED denying Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment. (Dkt.# 57).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED setting this matter for a status hearing on April 23, 2007, at 4:00 p.m.
1.
Defendants should take note that the font presented in much of their briefing to the Court does not comply with LRCiv 7.1(b), which requires 13 point font.
2.
While Mr. Radcliffe may not be qualified to offer any expert opinion on specialized matters such as whether the cement mixer was defectively designed, he is qualified to render lay testimony regarding his observations of the accident.
3.
Other such witness testimony may come from Mr. Jose Luis Urias-Castro, who discovered Mr. Martinez after he became trapped. (PSOF V 7).