Garden Solutions Has Invented a New Kind of Garden Cart

question 73

Essay

Garden Solutions has invented a new kind of garden cart for hauling away branches,limbs and other yard and garden waste.This cart is taller than other designs,and thus has a higher capacity.In addition,it folds for compact storage.These features,unfortunately,make this cart harder to handle and less stable than other models.Bob purchased one of these carts and has been using it in his yard for several months.On several occasions,when heavily loaded,the cart has tipped over.In one case it almost fell onto Bob,but he was able to escape.In the owners' manual there are warnings against overloading the cart,and one warning that material placed in the cart should be no higher than the side walls of the cart.There are no warnings on the cart itself.One day Bob has the cart heavily loaded with materials extending approximately a foot above the side walls.While pushing the cart,one of the wheels hits a rock and the cart tips backwards and falls onto Bob.He suffers several injuries,including a puncture wound from one of several protruding bolts on the exterior of the cart.Bob had wondered why the bolts were not installed in the opposite way,with the protruding bolt on the inside of the trailer,or made with a less-menacing design.These bolts were used for the hinges that allowed the cart to fold for storage.Bob has filed a products liability suit against Garden Solutions.Discuss this case,including any defenses that Garden Solutions might raise.

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Definitions:

Prototypes

Original or primary forms of something from which copies are made; in cognitive psychology, it refers to a mental image or best example of a particular category.

Likelihood

The probability or chance that a given event will occur.

Surveillance Strategy

A plan or approach designed to systematically monitor activities or behaviors, often for the purpose of gathering information, ensuring security, or enforcing policies.

Representativeness Heuristic

A cognitive shortcut where the likelihood of something is judged based on how similar it is to a typical case.