Workplace Lawsuit: Machine Guard Result in Amputation

While Doe was at work her boss noticed excess glue on the machine she was working on. The machine was created to glue boxes and Doe believed it was best to use a rag to wipe off the inside of the machine. However, the 37-year-old was quickly surprised when her right hand became stuck in the still running motor. The worker had both her right index finger and her middle finger amputated by the machine and had a piling amount of medical bills totaling close to $152,700. After further medical analysis, Doe’s future expenses projected around $548,000 to $747,000. Since Doe permanently injured her dominant hand she is also unable to work and reported lost earnings from her job close to $75,600 with future lost earnings totaling $125,800.

The victim attempted to sue the company who removed the operation guards from the machine as well as the glue manufacturer. Doe believed that if the glue did not create a mess on the machine she wouldn’t have had to reach in and clean the machine in the first place.

The court ruled Doe $664,000 with a large portion being paid by the owner of the previous company and the glue manufacturer paying $50,000 in suit for the excess glue leaking from the machine.

If you or someone you know has been injured or hurt at work you need information. Contact our Ohio Workers’ Compensation lawyers at 800.637.8170 to order your free copy of “The Ohio Workers’ Compensation Book”. 

 

AB