Case at a glance
- Recovery: $985,000 Settlement
- Injury: Left hand amputation
- Location: Pearland, Texas
- Practice: Personal Injury · Industrial Explosions & Accidents
- Attorney: Vuk Vujasinovic
A machine injury became a permanent loss
On April 5, 2006, the worker was helping at Le Bouf’s Bindery in Pearland, Texas. He was 17 years old. While the paper-binding machine was running, he put his hand inside and part of the equipment came down on his wrist.
The injury required surgical amputation of his left hand at the wrist two days later. Losing a hand created medical and practical needs that would continue beyond the initial hospitalization, including prosthetics, rehabilitation and changes to daily activities.
The bindery disputed its responsibility
Vuk Vujasinovic represented the injured worker in a lawsuit against Le Bouf’s Bindery in Brazoria County. The claim focused on the company’s failure to supervise him while he worked around the running machine.
The bindery maintained that it had supervised the worker and argued that he alone caused the incident. It also argued that the treating surgeon was responsible for the amputation and that the hand could otherwise have been saved.
Those defenses raised separate questions: what supervision the job required, how the injury happened and what caused the loss of the hand. Both sides designated safety experts to address the workplace issues.
Building a claim around life after the amputation
Vuk’s case included a physician specializing in life-care planning, a vocational rehabilitation expert and an economist. Their work addressed the worker’s future medical needs, ability to earn a living and financial losses.
The claim included prosthetics, therapy, medication, diagnostic services and potential modifications to a home and vehicle. It also addressed lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain, physical impairment and disfigurement.
These were distinct consequences of the same injury. The cost of the initial treatment was only one part of the claim. A teenager who had lost a hand also faced questions about the work he could perform and the assistance and equipment he would need in the years ahead.
Discovery revealed a $1 million umbrella policy
When the worker first sued, Le Bouf’s Bindery denied having insurance. During litigation, discovery disclosed a $1 million umbrella policy.
That finding identified coverage the company had initially denied having. Vuk continued pursuing the claim against the bindery, and the case resolved through a $985,000 settlement.
The settlement addressed the worker’s hand loss and the resulting medical, vocational and personal losses.
Questions about the case
Related legal help
Learn about injury claims and amputation and crush injuries, or read about a worker who lost part of his foot in a vessel winch.
To speak with Vuk Vujasinovic about an injury at work, call 877-724-7800 for a free consultation.
Every case is different. Prior results depend on the facts of the individual case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.