Carl Beckstedt Wins Defense Verdict in Virgin Islands Products Liability Case

On September 9, 2011, a local Virgin Islands jury returned a verdict for the defense on all counts in a products liability based suit defended by Attorney Carl Beckstedt. The claim arose from a three year old who ingested Dieffenbachia, a well-known houseplant that is toxic but commonly seen in doctors' offices and used for interior decorating. The child suffered acute respiratory asphyxiation as a result of swelling to his mouth and throat. After three days of observation in the hospital, the child was released home with no permanent injury. Plaintiffs alleged that Mr. Beckstedt's client, a local grocer, was negligent in selling the houseplant without a warning that it was toxic.