Mechanized Gate Malfunction Leads to Severe Injury

Case Overview

This case involves an individual who sustained injuries from a mechanized heavy steel gate. The gate, approximately 20 feet wide, was activated by the plaintiff when they pressed a button for access. Allegedly, the gate rolled out, fell forward, and struck them, leading to significant injuries. An expert in gate installation has been consulted to evaluate the situation, focusing on the possible causation and compliance with industry standards regarding mechanized gates.

Questions to the Construction expert and their responses

What industry standards exist, if any, to ensure a mechanized gate is installed and functioning properly?

It appears they didn’t put positive stops on this gate. An automatic gate that rolls out and falls on someone is in violation of every code in the gate industry. The building code requires that you comply with the ASTM code, and the ASTM code requires compliance with the UL codes. A gate that falls on someone is inadequate and is not meeting codes, guidelines, or industry practices.

Please describe your experience in gate installation, specifically as it pertains to larger mechanized gates, if applicable.

I have extensive experience in the door, gate, and dock industry. Additionally, I am a licensed gate and door contractor in six states.

About the expert

This expert has over 40 years of experience in contracting, specializing in door and gate contracting. He earned his BS in Business Management with an emphasis in engineering from the University of Utah. Today, this expert is a licensed door and gate contractor in several states, including Nevada. He is an active member of the International Door Association, the Door and Operator Dealers of America, and the Far Western Garage Door Association. This expert previously served as a door manufacturing designer and engineer and as the president of Martin Door Manufacturing. He later served as a residential and commercial contractor at Martin Doors of California and Martin Factory Sales and Service. Currently, he is a residential and commercial contractor and a commercial doors and gates contractor a door contracting company in Nevada. Additionally, he is a door and gates consultant at a private consultancy in Nevada.

E-1003341

Specialties:

Construction

Celia Guo is the Vice President of Multidisciplinary Research at Expert Institute. With a background rooted in public policy and criminal justice, Celia brings a wealth of experience in data-driven legal analysis. Prior to joining The Expert Institute, she conducted research for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, focusing on drug diversion cases, and collaborated with the American Civil Liberties Union to analyze officer-involved shootings in Fresno, California. Her policy advocacy work also includes lobbying with the Drug Policy Alliance for the RISE Act, aimed at reforming sentencing enhancements for minor drug offenses.

Celia holds a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University and an M.P.P. from the University of Southern California. She combines her policy expertise with a passion for justice to lead a dynamic research team that supports litigation strategy across a wide range of practice areas.