$490,000 Settlement for Industrial Accident

RAM Law Partner Ed Rebenack settles industrial accident litigation for $490,000. The RAM Law client was employed as a master mechanic at a manufacturing plant in Somerset, New Jersey. The manufacturer contracted an outside firm to install a new piece of production equipment. Although the new equipment weighed much more than 5,000 pounds, the installer attempted to lift the equipment with a forklift rated for no more than 5,000 pounds. In addition, the installer used an improper rigging method for the equipment. As the forklift blade bent, a C clamp shot off the blade and struck the RAM Law client in the neck. Injuries included a puncture wound to the neck, a shoulder tear requiring surgery and post-concussive syndrome. After deposing multiple representatives from the installation firm, their insurance company agreed to pay $490,000 to settle the claims before trial.