$7,220,538.59 Settlement

Case Overview

Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP represented a temporary warehouse worker who suffered a catastrophic arm injury while operating industrial equipment without proper safeguards.

The worker had recently started at a textile recycling facility and trusted that safety protocols were in place. While assisting with a baling press — a machine capable of exerting 60 tons of compressive force — the press cycle was activated without warning, crushing the worker’s arm and causing permanent damage.

Initially, responsibility was denied, leaving the worker without resources for medical care or income replacement. Through our relentless advocacy, we secured a $7,220,538.59 settlement, reflecting the true cost of the injuries and the failures that caused them.

Incident Details

The incident occurred when the worker was placing a cardboard end cap inside the press chamber. The operator, stationed on the opposite side, initiated the cycle without confirming clearance.

Key factors:

• The baler lacked essential safety features, including interlocked doors and warning systems.
• The machine operated in violation of ANSI Z245 safety standards.
• OSHA inspection and video evidence confirmed the absence of proper safeguards and training.

The crushing injury resulted in severe tissue and nerve damage, requiring extensive medical intervention and leaving the worker unable to return to prior employment.

Legal Strategy & Steps Taken

Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP undertook a comprehensive approach to establish liability and secure justice:

• Product Safety Failures: Demonstrated that the baler’s design and lack of interlocks violated industry standards.
• Operational Negligence: Proved the employer failed to train workers and allowed unsafe practices.
• Regulatory Evidence: Incorporated OSHA findings and ANSI standards to show systemic safety violations.
• Expert Testimony: Engaged engineering and safety experts to analyze machine hazards and causation.
• Economic Impact Analysis: Worked with forensic economists to quantify lost earning capacity and future economic loss.
• Medical Documentation: Partnered with life care planners and physicians to detail long-term treatment needs and functional limitations.

Through meticulous preparation and aggressive litigation, we built a case that exposed the full scope of negligence and the devastating consequences for our client.

Settlement Outcome

After extensive litigation and negotiation, the case resolved for $7,220,538.59, covering:

• Past and future medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Permanent impairment and loss of mobility
• Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life

This result provided the client with financial stability, access to ongoing care, and the ability to move forward with dignity after a devastating and preventable injury.

Impact

This case underscores the dangers of inadequate machine safeguards and the critical importance of enforcing workplace safety standards. Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP was honored to fight for this worker, ensuring accountability and positioning them for the resources needed to rebuild life after a preventable tragedy.