×
You have 2 more free articles available this month. Subscribe today.
New York Court Awards $33,000 For Saw-Related Hand Injury
In August 1997, a New York court of claims awarded $33,000 to the estate of
a prisoner who lacerated three fingers on his left hand while using a table
saw as part of his work assignment at the state prison. According to the
suit, the injury occurred when the prisoner slipped while using the saw.
His hand was able to enter the saw, he claimed, because the safety guard
had been removed.
The finger lacerations required 45 stitches and resulted in permanent
deformity. The distal phalanx of his left index finger was also fractured.
The prisoner, 44, claimed the State of New York was negligent for failing
to provide a safe work place. The state alleged contributory negligence,
arguing the prisoner was partially responsible for the September 1988
accident because he failed to use a push stick to move the wood through the
saw. See: Vargas v. State of New York, New York Court Of Claims, Case No.
79562, 1997 WL 850441.
a prisoner who lacerated three fingers on his left hand while using a table
saw as part of his work assignment at the state prison. According to the
suit, the injury occurred when the prisoner slipped while using the saw.
His hand was able to enter the saw, he claimed, because the safety guard
had been removed.
The finger lacerations required 45 stitches and resulted in permanent
deformity. The distal phalanx of his left index finger was also fractured.
The prisoner, 44, claimed the State of New York was negligent for failing
to provide a safe work place. The state alleged contributory negligence,
arguing the prisoner was partially responsible for the September 1988
accident because he failed to use a push stick to move the wood through the
saw. See: Vargas v. State of New York, New York Court Of Claims, Case No.
79562, 1997 WL 850441.
As a digital subscriber to Prison Legal News, you can access full text and downloads for this and other premium content.
Already a subscriber? Login
Related legal case
Vargas v. State of New York
| Year | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Cite | New York Court Of Claims, Case No. 79562, 1997 WL |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Bench Verdict |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 33000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |