Many workplace injuries are minor, causing bruises and lacerations. Unfortunately, though, some accidents can cause more serious injuries such as severed limbs. A New York teen recently lost his arm while working at a restaurant.
The work-related accident occurred on the evening of April 24. The 17-year-old boy was cleaning a pasta machine at Violi’s Restaurant in Massena when it suddenly turned on and severed one of his arms at the elbow. The restaurant manager heard screams and saw the boy with his missing arm.
Paramedics were dispatched to the restaurant, but two customers took him to Massena Memorial Hospital in their car. The boy was airlifted to a hospital in Boston. He underwent surgery to have his arm reattached.
An accident on the job can cause serious injuries, as seen in this case. The teen is lucky to be able to have his arm reattached, since many accident victims are not so fortunate. Now that the boy is recovering, the next step will be to see who is held liable for the accident.
It is possible that negligent operating of machinery by the teen could be to blame. Did he properly ensure that the machine was fully turned off before attempting to clean it? Was he even trained on how to safely clean the machine? It is likely that OSHA will be investigating the incident to find out the answers to these questions and determine who should be held liable.
If it is determined that the accident and subsequent injuries were caused by employer negligence, the teen might be able to file a lawsuit against his employer. He could receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.
Source: North Country Now, “Teen has arm severed in workplace accident at Violi’s Restaurant in Massena,” April 25, 2014