$400,000 Product Liability Settlement: Defective Picture Frame Causes Severe Hand Injury

In 2022, our client, an artist preparing for an upcoming exhibition, suffered a catastrophic hand injury due to a defective 16 x 20 glass picture frame. The frame, designed and distributed by a U.S. company and manufactured by a Chinese corporation, was purchased from a Chicago retailer. While cleaning the frame, our client unknowingly encountered a serious design flaw—the glass was not secured within the frame.  Furthermore, the manufacturer failed to warn that the glass was jagged and sharp, so much so that it could easily injure someone simply by handling it.  As our client lifted the frame and placed it under his left arm, the glass slid out, causing deep lacerations to his left hand and fingers.

Severe Injuries and Multiple Surgeries

The injuries to our client were significant, and as a result, he underwent four separate surgical procedures to preserve some function and mobility in his hand. The glass that severed our client’s left ring finger flexor tendon caused deep lacerations to his middle, ring, and small fingers. The immediate surgery to repair the tendon was only the beginning of a long, painful recovery. Contractures developed in his fingers, leading to additional medical interventions, including:

• Manipulation under anesthesia (temporary improvement but recurring contractures)
• Open contracture release and tenolysis (surgical release of scar tissue)
• Full-thickness skin grafting and percutaneous pinning (to restore mobility)
• Final surgery for pin removal

Despite extensive surgical treatment, our client continues to experience limitations in his hand function, affecting his ability to create art and engage in daily activities.

Why Illinois Recognizes Claims for Defective and Dangerous Products

Illinois product liability law is rooted in the principle that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers must be held accountable for placing unreasonably dangerous products into the hands of consumers. Illinois recognizes that individuals rely on companies to produce safe and functional goods. When a product contains design defects, manufacturing flaws, or inadequate warnings that expose consumers to a substantial risk of injury, those responsible must be liable for the harm caused. This doctrine ensures that businesses prioritize consumer safety and implement reasonable safeguards, rather than placing profits over protection.

Establishing Liability: Proving The Product Was Unreasonably Dangerous

At mediation, Illinois defective product attorney, Marilynn Frangella, demonstrated that the defendants failed to take reasonable steps to ensure consumer safety. Working with industry-leading safety and engineering experts, we provided compelling evidence that the product’s design posed an unreasonable risk to consumers. Under the Restatement (Second) of Torts and citing Jablonski v. Ford Motor Co., 2011 IL 110096, 955 N.E.2d 1138, we argued the frame was unreasonably dangerous due to:

1. The Nature of the Risk – The glass was not secured to the frame, creating a foreseeable risk of lacerations during handling and use.
2. The Severity of Harm – The injuries were severe, leading to permanent impairment and multiple surgeries.
3. Knowledge of Prior Incidents – Discovery revealed that a prior customer had suffered a deep laceration from the same product, yet no corrective action was taken.
4. Feasibility of Safer Design – The distributor admitted that pencil grinding the glass edges could make it safer, but they chose not to do so due to cost considerations.
5. Failure to Warn – The product lacked any warning indicating that the glass was not adhered to the frame and was sharp upon handling.

Under Jablonski, we argued that manufacturers and distributors have a duty to identify and mitigate foreseeable risks when an alternative design is feasible and practical. Our experts reinforced that simple modifications—such as securing the glass with adhesive or rounding the edges—could have prevented this injury entirely.

Mediation and $400,000 Settlement

Facing overwhelming evidence of negligence and defective design, the defendants agreed to a $400,000 settlement at mediation. This resolution accounted for our client’s past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity due to his diminished ability to create artwork.

“This case highlights why product safety should never be compromised for cost savings. Our client suffered devastating injuries because basic safety precautions—such as securing the glass or smoothing the edges—were ignored.  We are proud to have held the manufacturer and distributor accountable for their failure to protect consumers.” – Illinois defective product attorney, John J. Malm

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Defective Product Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of six experienced accident attorneys has over 90 years of combined experience handling complex product liability and personal injury cases. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we remain dedicated to securing justice for our clients and holding negligent manufacturers accountable.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a defective product, contact us today for a free consultation.