Case Details - What to Know
A Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., client has won a $10.2 million jury verdict over a workplace injury that resulted in the amputation of most of his right hand. The client was operating a machine at a Waterbury factory when the accident occurred. The Waterbury Superior Court jury found that Sun Automation Group, which had rebuilt the machine, did not verify that the machine’s safety guarding met industry standards. This verdict is a massive win for workers, sending a message to corporations and their insurers that workplace safety must be paramount.
Safety Failures That Led to the Accident
While working on the machine, our client noticed the cardboard jammed at the feed section. Per his training, he attempted to clear the jam manually. However, his hand was pulled under the guarding and into the machine, causing crush injuries to his right hand that led to the amputation of all the fingers except the thumb. He has also developed severe PTSD due to the traumatic industrial accident and the prolonged medical treatment that followed.
Sun Automation had rebuilt the machine just before the accident, but failed to verify that its safety guarding met industry safety standards. The jury found Sun Automation negligent and returned an award that reflects the severity of the injuries and their impacts on our client’s life.
“While the verdict amount is significant, it’s the recognition of the seriousness of the injuries that truly matters,” said attorney & partner Stephanie Roberge. “This jury understood not only the physical toll on our client but also the emotional and psychological suffering that accompanied it.”
The Insurance Company’s Unfair Treatment
Our client has faced significant hurdles throughout the legal process, particularly from Sun Automation’s insurance company. The insurer never offered a fair settlement despite multiple mediation attempts. The defense also sought to shift blame to the client’s employer, which the KJSR legal team successfully refuted.
“Even after years of litigation and multiple failed settlement discussions, we stood firm in our commitment to our client,” said Patrick Kennedy, partner and attorney at the firm. “This verdict not only secures financial stability for our client but sends a powerful message to insurance companies who try to profit on the backs of injured workers.”
Why It Matters
Not only does this verdict have a massive impact on the lives of our client and his family, but it also sets a precedent for future workplace accident cases. The significant jury award for our client indicates the extreme importance of workers’ rights and occupational safety.
A Long Legal Journey
Our client’s case took several years to reach trial, but the legal team at Kennedy Johnson Schwab & Roberge remained steadfast. The key to proving Sun Automation’s negligence was the testimony of two expert witnesses—one hired by the plaintiff and the other hired by the defense. Both experts gave damaging testimony indicating that Sun Automation improperly positioned the safety guard.
Our team needed to show the jury not just the physical impact of the accident on our client, but the psychological toll that trauma took. Workplace accidents, especially those involving heavy machinery and serious injuries, can cause significant, lifelong mental health issues for victims, and Sun Automation needed to pay for causing that level of harm.
“This victory means everything to our client, who now has a chance to move forward with his life,” said Stephanie Roberge. “It also demonstrates the importance of having a lawyer who is willing to fight for justice, no matter how long it takes.”
A Broader Message for Corporations
This case underscores the importance of ensuring that workplace machinery and safety protocols meet strict standards. The victory serves as a reminder to employers, contractors, and equipment mechanics, especially in manufacturing, to take proactive steps to prevent workplace accidents and ensure the safety of their employees.
In this case, Sun Automation was very cavalier about safety. Had they measured the guarding, they would have discovered the problem and saved our client’s hand. This shows that improving and strictly adhering to safety measures is the most important thing for every industry.
The Verdict - What the $10.2 Million Award Means for the Client and Workplace Safety
The $10.2 million award is a landmark workplace accident verdict. When deciding how much to award our client, the jury considered not just physical injuries, but emotional trauma, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, and Sun Automation’s recklessness.
Given the severity of the injuries, KJSR believes this was a very appropriate verdict. It is a significant amount of money, but more importantly, it shows that the jury understood how serious the injuries were and the impact on our client’s life.
About KJSR
Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., was founded in 1988 to provide legal representation to injured people throughout Connecticut. Since then, our attorneys have developed a strong reputation as aggressive and knowledgeable advocates in workplace accident cases like our client’s above. Our team is committed to supporting workers’ rights and securing justice for those who suffer injuries in the workplace.
Over the years, KJSR has achieved several multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for employees injured in workplace accidents, especially in dangerous fields like construction and manufacturing. We pride ourselves on our ability to handle complicated cases as a team and empathize with clients during the most difficult times of their lives.
