Earlier this month, a former Navy pilot in California filed a lawsuit claiming that the PlayStation 3 game, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, is defective and dangerous because of its fast blinking strobe lights. The plaintiff alleges that in March 2010, the game’s graphical effects caused him to suffer a grand mal seizure. He says he suffered “excruciating pain” and the Navy stripped him of his flying credentials as a result. Bethesda Softworks is the creator of the game.
According to his complaint, the video game exceeds the acceptable limit of more than three flashes in one second. The defendant did not make the risks known to consumers prior to, or at the time of purchase, says the complaint.
The plaintiff is asking for punitive reparations, damages for negligence, breach of warranty and product liability. In addition to Bethesda Softworks, the lawsuit also names Sony and Zenimax (Bethesda Softworks’ parent company) as defendants. The exact amount of damages is unclear at this time.
Contact a Florida lawyer for information on how to proceed in a lawsuit against the maker of a defective or dangerous product. A Florida injury attorney experienced in product liability cases can represent you in all phases of your claim.