Case Info
The Punkin Chunkin Incident
The Punkin Chunkin incident occurred on November 6, 2016, at Wheatley Farms in Bridgeville, Delaware, and was televised by the Science Channel. The competition involves dozens of contestants launching pumpkins from homemade contraptions. The “Pumpkin Reaper,” a cannon capable of launching pumpkins nearly a mile, malfunctioned during the final launch, sending shrapnel into the crowd of spectators.
A television producer, who had been sent to cover the event, was struck in the head by a heavy metal plate and debris that flew from the malfunctioning air cannon. They were critically injured, initially reported as deceased, and required emergency surgery after being airlifted to the nearest trauma center. She sustained severe and permanent injuries, including brain damage, multiple fractures, blindness in one eye, and significant loss of function in her left arm, leaving her unable to work or perform daily tasks.
Punkin Chunkin Litigation
The lawsuit was filed in 2016 in the Superior Court of Delaware, Sussex County, bringing claims of personal injury and negligence. Seeger Weiss served as plaintiffs’ co-counsel, representing the plaintiff. The firm played a central role in pursuing the case against the event organizers and property owners, advocating for the plaintiff’s rights, and seeking recovery for her substantial injuries and related damages.
The defense sought to minimize liability by disputing the extent of negligence and emphasizing contributory factors; however, the plaintiff’s expert testified to safety standards and the organizers’ failure to implement them.
Result
Seeger Weiss’s trial team demonstrated the scope of the injuries suffered by the plaintiff and the failures in event safety protocols. The firm’s strategic advocacy and negotiation efforts were instrumental in ensuring meaningful relief and accountability in the wake of the tragic accident, along with a $5 million settlement.
The Punkin Chunkin case established legal precedents regarding the liability of event organizers for high-risk activities and highlighted safety concerns at large-scale events. As a result, it prompted stricter safety regulations and higher insurance requirements.
The case remains a notable example of Seeger Weiss’s commitment to holding event organizers accountable for safety failures.