In a riveting turn of events, a Georgia federal judge has issued a critical blow to a police commander’s lawsuit, demanding concrete evidence to support his startling claim that he was shot by his Sig Sauer service weapon without pulling the trigger. The judge, Thomas Thrash Jr., underscored the necessity of expert testimony to navigate the intricate inner workings of the firearm.
Judge Thrash Jr. Emphasizes Need for Expert Analysis
In a bold Thursday opinion endorsing summary judgment, Judge Thrash Jr. ruled that the commander’s claims must be substantiated by expert evidence, asserting that the complexities of a gun’s mechanics exceed the understanding of the average person. He emphasized the defendant, Sig Sauer, had effectively showcased similar cases where the absence of expert opinions led to dismissals.
“[Sig Sauer] has therefore carried its burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine dispute of material fact as to the issue of a defect,” Judge Thrash declared, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown.
Plaintiff’s Claims Hang in the Balance
Leonce White, the plaintiff and police commander, contends that his Sig Sauer P320 pistol discharged unexpectedly during training, causing a gunshot wound to his thigh. White filed a lawsuit in May 2022, alleging defects in the weapon’s design, including a “far too large and heavy” trigger, lack of mechanical disconnect, and an inadequate sear.
Search for Expert Support Hits Roadblocks
However, White’s case faces a formidable hurdle. The judge noted that he failed to produce an expert supporting his claim that the gun fired without a trigger pull. Furthermore, White missed a crucial June deadline to submit an expert report, leaving his case hanging by a thread.
