Iraq Vet Claims Pyrotechnic |Knew Grenades Were Defective

PHILADELPHIA (CN) - A decorated former U.S. Marine claims Pyrotechnic designed a defective MK 141, or flashbang grenade, that exploded in his body armor vest pocket while he was serving as an infantry squad leader in Fallujah, Iraq.

Nels Cooper Brannan claims in Federal Court that he noticed one of his squad members did not have a flashbang grenade during a pre-combat inspection. Brannan says he reached into the flashbang pouch of his body armor vest to get an extra grenade, when it "exploded suddenly, spontaneously, and without warning." Flashbang grenade detonations create intense noise and light, meant to incapacitate enemies for easier arrest.

A finger and thumb on his left hand had to be nearly amputated, and he suffered a perforated eardrum, shrapnel wounds, hearing loss, short-term memory loss and post-traumatic stress disorder, the complaint states. "Unfortunately, there have been several reported accidents involving serious injury associated with the subject flashbang grenade," Brannan and his wife, Lindsay, claim.

They say Pyrotechnic knew the grenades were defective and unreasonably dangers, but sold them anyway. They are represented by Kline & Specter P.C.

Defendants include Pyrotechnic CEO David Karlson, owner Ero Holding Co. Inc., Ero Holding CEO Jacob Kravel, property owner WTI Inc., and Pyrotechnic's managers and operating companies, Combined Tactical Systems Inc. and Combined Systems Inc.See complaint.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit