This case involves a worker at rubber making plant in North Dakota, who fell into a piece of mixing equipment and died as a result. At the time of the incident in question, the man had showed up for his evening shift at the factory on-time and, according to witness statements, sober. Nevertheless, following the accident the man’s managers claimed that he had been acting erratically, and that his breath smelled of alcohol. Nevertheless, it was later determined that at the time of the accident, the decedent’s BAC was well within the legal limit to operate heavy machinery. It was claimed that the small amount of alcohol in his system would not have impaired his ability to operate machinery in a safe manner.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Please briefly describe any experience you may have working on similar cases.
2. Would a similar BAC typically impair an individual beyond working capacity?
Expert Witness Response E-035156
I am a pharmacist by training and a tenured Professor of Pharmacotherapy. Regarding this particular case, the AMA defines impairment at a BAC of 0.04% or higher; I would support the argument that alcohol created no significant impairment to the decedent's ability to work. It is generally accepted that BAC levels up to 0.03% do not cause loss of coordination. This BAC level may induce slight euphoria, loss of shyness, and relaxation; however, the experience of these symptoms is highly dependent on the individual. These symptoms are primarily seen in naïve drinkers; those who drink regularly (like most people) but not too excess, will have developed tolerance to these symptoms and not usually experience them. I have publications in the field of substance abuse, and one in particular dealing with alcohol.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
