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Factory worker suffers fatal crush injuries when belt winder collides with support tower
April 6, 2021Doe, 25, worked in a rural Florida factory as part of a team removing a large commercial conveyor belt from an overhead track and replacing it with a new conveyor belt using a custom-designed 12,000-pound belt winder. The belt winder was placed into position with the help of a crane and not anchored into the ground.
During the replacement process, the belt became stuck and the tension this created caused the belt winder to slide forward rapidly, colliding with a steel support tower. Doe became caught between the belt winder and the support tower and suffered fatal crush injuries.
Suit against eight defendants, including the belt winder’s manufacturer and designer, the owner of the facility, Doe’s employer, a staffing agency, and several co-workers, alleged liability for Doe’s death.
The parties settled before trial for a confidential amount.
Citation: Doe v. Roe Mfr., Undisclosed Dkt. No. (Confidential Jxn., Ct. & Date).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Donald Fountain and Ben J. Whitman, both of West Palm Beach, Fla.
