Injection Molding Accident Leads to Amputation

This case involves an engineer who was injured while using a Newbury Injection Molding Machine. She was not properly instructed on any safety precautions or procedures prior to working with the machine. Her employer instructed her to reach into the machine and pick up each finished piece by hand. While working with the machine, she did as her employer instructed and reached in to pull out a finished piece. However, the machine clamped down on her arm, completely crushing it. She was rushed to the hospital, where her arm had to be amputated.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please describe your background as an injection molding engineer.

2. Are you familiar specifically with the Newbury Injection Molding Machine? If not, are you familiar with similar machinery?

3. Have you reviewed any similar cases as an expert witness? If so, please explain.

Expert Witness Response E-008603

I have been a mechanical engineer for over 25 years and am very familiar with various types of injection molding machines. I have personally been involved in designing safeguards for such machinery and the development of various molding products, including insert molding. At the beginning of my career, I was responsible for the design and development of horizontal and vertical injection molding machines and automated plastic production lines. Working for the an architecture firm, I was responsible for the design and development of insert molding plastic components and modification of various molding machinery and tooling projects. I am familiar with machinery similar to Newbury injection molding machines, particularly with vertical insert molding presses. I have acted as an expert witness, mostly in patent litigation.