This case involves a plaintiff who was seriously injured when his shotgun malfunctioned. The plaintiff was an amateur shooter who purchased a pre-owned shotgun one week before the incident. While shooting, a shell exploded and the shrapnel went through the plaintiff’s chest and head. The plaintiff subsequently developed a brain abscess. An expert in firearm design was sought to examine and test the shotgun in question to determine if there was a design or manufacturer’s defect in the firearm.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Please briefly describe your familiarity with firearm design specifically as it relates to shotguns.
2. Will you be able to examine and test the rifle in question to determine if there is a design and/or manufacturer's defect in the firearm?
Expert Witness Response E-006690
I am a third generation gunsmith with a degree in gunsmithing and a degree in criminal justice. I served as both a U.S. border patrol agent and a federal police officer. I have 50 years experience as a gunsmith and ammunition reload or/remanufacturer with multiple shooting champion awards. I am experienced with shotgun design. Virtually all shotguns operate on one of about 11 different designs. So this variant probably differs only very slightly. I can examine it to see if there is a malfunction or defect. I can also procure exemplars and test them. I have examined many exploding firearms in the course of my career, all of which to date have ended favorably for the plaintiff. The problem was either a defect in ammunition or the firearm itself. These lawsuits involved either suing the ammunition manufacturer, the firearms manufacturer, or both.
About the author
Victoria Negron
Victoria Negron has extensive experience in journalism and thought leadership in the legal space, with a background crafting content, whitepapers, webinars, and current event articles pertaining to the role of expert witnesses in complex litigation matters. She is a skilled professional specializing in B2B product marketing and content marketing. Currently, she serves as an Enterprise Product Marketing Manager at Postman, and previously held the position of Technical Product Marketing Manager at Palantir Technologies, where she developed her skills in launch strategies, go-to-market strategy, and competitive analysis.
Her expertise in content marketing was further refined during her tenure at the Expert Institute, where she progressed from a Marketing Writer to Senior Content Marketing Manager, and eventually to Associate Director of Content & Product Marketing. In these roles, she honed her abilities in digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, and thought leadership.
Educationally, Victoria holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Art, and Hispanic Studies from Hamilton College. Her diverse educational background and professional experience have equipped her with a robust skill set in product marketing, content development, and strategic marketing initiatives.
