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October 01, 2024
Minnesota Worker Loses Legs After Shredder Incident
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55-year-old Jeff McLean was attempting to put paper into the shredder when he got caught and fell in at Shred Right in Bloomington, April 2.
His colleagues pulled him out of the shredder, applied tourniquets to his legs, and called 911—but his feet up to his lower calf had already suffered irreparable damage.
He was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) where the medical team decided to amputate his legs. McLean would then endure a long series of surgeries.
The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration has already opened an investigation into the case.
In the meantime, McLean will face a long recovery involving physical therapy and medical expenses. A family friend has organized a GoFundMe account for him to assist in necessary expenses.
The Response from Shred Right
McLean has worked with Shred Right for 23 years.
Ron Mason, the owner of the shredding services company, said in an interview that he followed the ambulance carrying his injured worker to the hospital.
“We run a very close company here, more of a family than a job where people just show up at,” Mason shared.
Additionally, he stated that McLean’s coworkers played a crucial role in rescuing him. If not for their actions, McLean could have suffered a lot more damage.
“We had two individuals who acted quite quickly and quite levelheaded… If they hadn’t…the accident could have been much worse.”
According to Mason, the company’s next concern is their injured worker’s speedy recovery and his possible return to work. If it is what McLean wants, they will make every effort to accommodate his wishes.
Lastly, Mason stated that his workforce has been deeply affected by this workplace accident. Trauma counselors have been provided for his employees.
About accidental dismemberment injuries in the workplace
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 58% (3,580 cases) of amputations in 2018 involved some type of machinery. Using heavy machinery in workplaces (like one would find in a factory, construction zone, or other industrial setting) – or even just working near them – comes with very real risks. Workers typically have several financial safety nets they can rely upon should they ever experience an injury that results in dismemberment or death.
Employers often have the option to offer accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance as part of their employee benefits. This type of insurance is an extra layer of coverage that can be added to one’s life insurance policy or sometimes purchased alone (though it is not a substitute for a full life insurance policy). If the policy holder suffers accidental death or dismemberment, the AD&D policy may pay a benefit equal to or a multiple of the regular policy’s typical amount – usually twice the amount.
AD&D insurance comes with coverage limitations and in most instances, excludes suicide or wartime injury, death from natural causes, toxic substances, and certain recreational activities. The cost of the accidental death and dismemberment policy also varies per policy or insurance company.
An accidental dismemberment lawyer can help you maneuver the complicated process of submitting and proving insurance claims. They can help you ensure that you do not get denied your benefits and that you get the rightful amount you deserve.
Workers’ compensation benefits can also support an injured worker or their family in the case of an accidental death or dismemberment due to a work injury.
Workers’ compensation lawyers for accidental dismemberment injuries
Victims of accidental dismemberment injuries face not only lengthy physical rehabilitation and recovery, but also financial challenges. Besides expensive medical bills, they will also tend to lose out on a lot of income due to the rehabilitation process. This is why the guidance of a workers’ compensation lawyer can be so invaluable. With an expert legal team, injured workers and their loved ones can secure the financial benefits they need to face their recovery – and their family’s future – with confidence.
If you’ve experienced a work injury, Pond Lehocky Giordano is here to help. For a free legal consultation, call us at 1-800-568-7500 or contact us online today.