Industrial Accident Attorney | Damages for Injury Caused

The plaintiff was employed by one company but dispatched to work at a separate New York manufacturing facility operated by another entity. 

While performing assigned duties at the host company’s site, the plaintiff operated a press machine used in mass production. 

As a dispatched worker, he relied entirely on the host company’s equipment, safety systems, and on-site supervision, making workplace safety obligations a key issue for any Industrial Accident Attorney.

This type of multi-employer arrangement is common in New York’s industrial sector, but it also creates complex questions regarding responsibility for safe working conditions.

In October 2020, the safety sensor on the press machine malfunctioned and failed to stop the machine during operation. 

As a result, the plaintiff’s finger was crushed and severed, causing permanent physical impairment. 

The injury required immediate medical intervention and resulted in lasting disability, significantly affecting the plaintiff’s ability to work and quality of life.

An Industrial Accident Attorney quickly identified that the failure of a safety device pointed to potential negligence in equipment maintenance and safety oversight, forming the foundation of the damages claim.

The plaintiff filed a civil lawsuit in New York seeking damages for the industrial accident, including medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and compensation for permanent disability. 

The total claim amounted to approximately $69,438,500, along with statutory interest at an annual rate permitted under New York law.

Although workers’ compensation often limits employer liability, the Industrial Accident Attorney structured the case to pursue additional tort damages based on unsafe machinery and inadequate workplace management by the host company.

The defendants argued that the plaintiff failed to follow safety rules and ignored work instructions, asserting that his own negligence was the primary cause of the accident. 

They claimed that the injury resulted from improper handling of the machine rather than any defect or safety failure.

In response, the Industrial Accident Attorney emphasized that even if a worker makes a mistake, employers in New York retain a non-delegable duty to provide safe equipment and proper supervision, especially where dangerous machinery is involved.

The court ruled that the defendants were jointly liable for the accident and ordered them to pay the plaintiff $63,087,234 in damages, along with annual interest. 

The court also allocated litigation costs, requiring the defendants to bear the majority of the expenses.

In reaching this conclusion, the court accepted the Industrial Accident Attorney’s argument that the malfunctioning safety sensor and lack of proper machine oversight were decisive factors in causing the injury.

While the court acknowledged that the plaintiff may have contributed minimally to the accident, it found that his comparative fault was limited to approximately 10 percent. 

This was significantly lower than in typical industrial accident cases where worker error plays a larger role.

The reduction in comparative fault was directly attributable to evidence presented by the Industrial Accident Attorney, including witness testimony and documentation showing poor maintenance practices and inadequate safety training by the defendants.

The case reinforces that employers and host companies in New York must actively manage machinery safety and worker supervision. 

Safety devices must be properly maintained, and employers cannot rely solely on worker compliance to avoid liability.

For injured workers, the decision confirms that systemic safety failures can outweigh individual mistakes when properly demonstrated by an Industrial Accident Attorney.

This case illustrates how detailed evidence collection, expert testimony, and strategic litigation can dramatically affect outcomes in industrial accident claims. Without effective advocacy, the plaintiff’s compensation could have been significantly reduced.

At SJKP, we provide comprehensive representation for injured workers in New York industrial accident cases, including claims involving defective machinery, dispatched labor, and permanent disability. 

Our Industrial Accident Attorney team is committed to uncovering the true causes of workplace accidents and securing fair compensation. 

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact SJKP to discuss how we can help protect your rights.