The Porter Law Group is handling a complex case involving a devastating injury that occurred when a man’s hand became entangled in the unguarded husking rolls of a corn picker machine, resulting in severe trauma and multiple surgeries.
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On December 4, 2017, the client was assisting his father with corn harvesting when he tripped and fell towards a New Idea Model 323 Corn Picker. As he attempted to catch himself, his right hand was pulled into the machine’s exposed husking rolls, causing catastrophic injuries including degloving, massive crushing trauma, and nerve damage to his dominant hand.
The incident led to nine surgeries over several years, including reconstruction attempts, nerve repairs, and eventually amputation of his right index finger. Despite extensive medical intervention, the patient continues to suffer from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS II), severely limiting the use of his dominant hand and causing chronic, debilitating pain. Medical experts predict his condition will worsen over time.
According to the lawsuit, the corn picker’s manufacturer, AVCO Corporation and Textron, Inc., knew of the machine’s hazardous design but failed to incorporate crucial safety features. Expert testimony indicates that proper guarding over the husking rolls and an accessible emergency stop device could have prevented or minimized the severity of injury. Documents reveal the manufacturers were aware of numerous similar incidents before the patient’s accident.
A modification made to the machine’s slip clutch mechanism by the co-defendant allegedly exacerbated the injuries by preventing the safety feature from functioning as designed. However, experts maintain that proper guarding would have prevented the incident regardless of this modification.
The injuries have devastated the client’s career as an auto body technician. Though he attempted to return to work, his limitations forced him to take a lower-paying position. Economic analysis projects over $6 million in economic damages alone, including past and future medical care, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity.
The plaintiff’s team has issued a settlement demand of $5.2 million, citing the manufacturers’ prior knowledge of the hazards, the catastrophic nature of the injuries, and the profound impact on the victim’s life and livelihood. The case highlights critical safety issues in agricultural equipment design and the devastating consequences of inadequate machine guarding.
The Porter Law Group emphasizes that cases like this underscore the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for proper safety design and protecting workers from preventable injuries. Anyone involved in similar agricultural equipment accidents is encouraged to seek immediate legal consultation to understand their rights and options.
For more information about machinery-related injuries or to discuss a potential case, contact the Porter Law Group at their Syracuse office.
