Products Liability Law Reporter

Selena Chatman, 23 and Luis Nunez, 27, purchased a food truck from Trending Group, Inc., d/b/a The Fud Trailer. While setting up one day, Nunez turned on the food truck’s generator and propane tank and lit the grill. Chatman heard a hissing sound, and Nunez attempted to turn off the grill. When he turned the knob, an explosion occurred and a fire erupted. Nunez had to roll on the ground to extinguish the flames covering his body. In addition to burns, he suffered a knee injury that necessitated surgery. Chatman suffered burns and PTSD. Nunez’s past medical expenses totaled over $114,900, and Chatman’s exceeded $58,400.

Chatman and Nunez sued Trending Group, Inc., alleging claims for manufacturing defect, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, and negligence. Among other things, the plaintiffs asserted that the defendant negligently failed to completely hand thread the truck’s gas pipe, which lacked a gas-tight connection; ensure the truck was safe for use; make the area where the plaintiffs were injured safe; and properly inspect the truck. Suit alleged $150,000 in total past lost income.

The jury awarded the plaintiffs more than $2.68 million. Interest and costs increased the award to approximately $3.19 million. Posttrial motions and the defendant’s appeal have been dismissed.

Citation: Chatman v. Trending Grp., Inc., No. 2021-CV-033962 (Colo. Dist. Ct. Denver Cnty. Aug. 22, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Neil Solomon and Shivangi Mehta, both of Austin, Texas.

Plaintiff expert: Carl Finocchiaro, fires and explosions, Englewood, Colo.

Defense expert: Farhad Booeshaghi, engineering, Tallahassee, Fla.