A Houston worker who was severely injured while operating a machine has filed a lawsuit against his employer and the staffing agency that helped him obtain the job.
Blas Esteban Solis, an independent contractor and machine operator at Mauser USA in Houston, was working on a machine that applies seams to metal drums. He was attempting to fix the machine with another employee. Solis placed his arm inside the machine, while it was inoperable, and repaired a broken piece. After securing the fixed piece, Solis watched as the other employee turned the machine to the “on” position so that it would activate by a manual command from the operator, the lawsuit states. Once the machine was turned on, it began operating in an unsafe manner. Solis’ arm became caught in the machine, and the machine severed his arm, just above the elbow.
“At this time, the machine malfunctioned and unexpectedly engaged without being manually turned on by the operator,” the lawsuit states.
It is unclear how or why the machine began to malfunction improperly. One possibility is that Solis failed to properly install the new piece of machinery, but even if this is true, it is due to his improper training by his employer.
In the past decade, most blue-collar industrial jobs, as well as the risks associated with them, have been going overseas. It is good to hear that manufacturing jobs still do exist in the U.S.A. However, it is unfortunate when a tragic accident occurs, such as the loss of a limb. Working conditions and standards are higher in America than in other countries.
This accident occurred a year ago, and Solis is still undergoing physical therapy, as well as psychological therapy relating to the injury.
Whatever the cause of the injury, Solis’ life will never be the same.
Mauser is an international packing company with offices in 15 countries, including the United States. The company handles a wide range of packaging, including composites, steel, fiber, reconditioning and machinery.
The lawsuit seeks damages for financial losses, physical pain and mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages and court costs.
The lawsuit also names as defendants Demand Staffing & Consulting, which assisted Solis in getting the job. Officials at Mauser USA and Demand Staffing & Consulting could not be immediately reached for comment.
Feel free to comment on this blog post. For more information, contact a Gacovino Lake attorney at 1-800-246-HURT (4878).
