Injured tree climber’s product liability suit proceeds

BALTIMORE — A federal court in Maryland declined to grant summary judgment to the manufacturer of tree climbing spikes, one of which came undone while a worker was repositioning his leg during a cutting job. He lost his balance and his chainsaw cut through his climbing rope and safety line, resulting in a 30-foot fall and serious injuries to his spine, hip and leg. Three expert witnesses’ testimony called the spikes’ safety into question, precluding judgment.