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NY Prisoner Who Crushed Thumb Working at Ski Resort Awarded $40,000
Finding a prison official failed to properly train prisoners to use a log splitter, New York?s Binghampton Court of Claims held the state of New York was 75% liable for injuries sustained from use of that splitter.
While incarcerated at the Sullivan Annex minimum-security prison, on January 31, 2003, prisoner Rob Machare was assigned to work at Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort, in the Catskill Mountain area. Machare and another prisoner were required to use a 30-ton machine that splits logs.
After Machare loaded a 150 pound log that was about 2 feet in diameter and 3 feet long onto the railing for insertion into the splitter, the other prisoner activated the machine without warning. Machare?s right thumb, which was near the bottom of the log, was smashed between the log and a push plate.
When Machare screamed and hollered, the other prisoner stopped the machine. After he removed his leather work glove, Machare saw his right thumb looked ?very flat? and then ?burst? or ?popped,? exposing a ?cracked bone? and blood. Machare was ultimately transported to a hospital, where it was determined he incurred a ?tuft fracture,? a ?1 centimeter laceration,? and a ?subungal hematoma.? After spending 14 days in Sullivan?s infirmary, a doctor from Margaretville Memorial Hospital concluded Machare ?split the bone at the end of his right thumb.?
At the bifurcated trial, Machare testified he had not received formal or informal training in the use of the log splitter. A prison official, however, testified he instructed and demonstrated to Machare the proper use of the machine. Machare?s counsel submitted the machine?s operation manual, which specifically states only one person should operate the machine to avoid it being operated while someone was adjusting a log on the rails. The prison official, Craig Cherry, ?acknowledged that the state had instructed the work crew to operate the splitter as a three-man operation and that he had not seen or read the machine?s operations manual.? Thus, the Court concluded that proper operation could have prevented the accident. As such, he found the state 75% liable.
At the damages trial, it was learned Machare suffered significant pain and three months of physical therapy. While a doctor testified Machare would be back to normal in a year, the Court found he was not in May 2006. The Court observed Machare?s thumb appears to be ?flatter? than his left thumb. His right thumb nail is darker than the left, and it does not grow all the way in. He also experiences stiffness in it and pain when it rains. The Court awarded Machare $40,000. See: Machare v. State of New York, Court of Claims, Binghampton, Claim No. 107662.
While incarcerated at the Sullivan Annex minimum-security prison, on January 31, 2003, prisoner Rob Machare was assigned to work at Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort, in the Catskill Mountain area. Machare and another prisoner were required to use a 30-ton machine that splits logs.
After Machare loaded a 150 pound log that was about 2 feet in diameter and 3 feet long onto the railing for insertion into the splitter, the other prisoner activated the machine without warning. Machare?s right thumb, which was near the bottom of the log, was smashed between the log and a push plate.
When Machare screamed and hollered, the other prisoner stopped the machine. After he removed his leather work glove, Machare saw his right thumb looked ?very flat? and then ?burst? or ?popped,? exposing a ?cracked bone? and blood. Machare was ultimately transported to a hospital, where it was determined he incurred a ?tuft fracture,? a ?1 centimeter laceration,? and a ?subungal hematoma.? After spending 14 days in Sullivan?s infirmary, a doctor from Margaretville Memorial Hospital concluded Machare ?split the bone at the end of his right thumb.?
At the bifurcated trial, Machare testified he had not received formal or informal training in the use of the log splitter. A prison official, however, testified he instructed and demonstrated to Machare the proper use of the machine. Machare?s counsel submitted the machine?s operation manual, which specifically states only one person should operate the machine to avoid it being operated while someone was adjusting a log on the rails. The prison official, Craig Cherry, ?acknowledged that the state had instructed the work crew to operate the splitter as a three-man operation and that he had not seen or read the machine?s operations manual.? Thus, the Court concluded that proper operation could have prevented the accident. As such, he found the state 75% liable.
At the damages trial, it was learned Machare suffered significant pain and three months of physical therapy. While a doctor testified Machare would be back to normal in a year, the Court found he was not in May 2006. The Court observed Machare?s thumb appears to be ?flatter? than his left thumb. His right thumb nail is darker than the left, and it does not grow all the way in. He also experiences stiffness in it and pain when it rains. The Court awarded Machare $40,000. See: Machare v. State of New York, Court of Claims, Binghampton, Claim No. 107662.
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Related legal cases
Machare v. State of New York
| Year | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Court of Claims, Binghampton, Claim No. 107662 |
| Level | Court of Claims |
| Conclusion | Bench Verdict |
| Damages | 40,000.00 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |
MACHARE v. THE STATE OF NEW YORK, #2006-031-516, Claim No. 107662
Synopsis
Claimant awarded $40,000.00 for crushing injury to right thumb
Case Information
UID: 2006-031-516
Claimant(s): ROLANDO MACHARE
Claimant short name: MACHARE
Footnote (claimant name) :
Defendant(s): THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Footnote (defendant name) :
Third-party claimant(s):
Third-party defendant(s):
Claim number(s): 107662
Motion number(s):
Cross-motion number(s):
Judge: RENÃE FORGENSI MINARIK
Claimant's attorney: HOWARD M. FILE, ESQ., P.C.BY: MARTIN RUBENSTEIN, ESQ.
Defendant's attorney: HON. ELIOT SPITZER
New York State Attorney General
BY: DENNIS ACTON, ESQ.Assistant Attorney General
Third-party defendant's attorney:
Signature date: September 22, 2006
City: Rochester
Comments:
Official citation:
Appellate results:
See also (multicaptioned case)
.
Decision
The liability portion of this case was tried by the Hon. Ferris D. Lebous, wherein he determined liability at 75% to the Defendant and 25% to the Claimant. I tried the damages portion of this trial in Binghamton on July 25, 2006. The parties requested and were granted additional time to submit post-trial memoranda.
On January 31, 2003, Claimant was an inmate residing at Sullivan Correctional Facility ("Sullivan") and assigned to an outside work crew at Belleayre Mountain ski resort ("Belleayre") where he cut his hand on a 30-ton log splitter.
[1]
Claimant testified that his right hand, specifically the right thumb, had been caught between the push plate at the end of the machine and the flat end of the log he was adjusting when another inmate started the machine. Claimant recalled that first he felt pain in his right thumb and then began to scream and holler, which caused the other inmate to stop the machine. He believes his thumb was caught between the push plate and the log for approximately three to five seconds.
When the push plate was released, Claimant said he pulled out his hand and removed the leather working glove to get a better look at his thumb. He observed that his right thumb looked "very flat" and then "burst" or "popped," exposing a "cracked bone" and blood. Immediately at the scene, the correction officer and civilian supervisor wrapped his hand in paper toweling and, for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, attempted to stop the bleeding. They then put Claimant in a van to transport him to the Belleayre First Aid Station.
At the First Aid Station, two nurses attended to Claimant. Claimant described their treatment of his injury as just cleaning, bandaging and advising that he be taken to a hospital right away. Claimant described his hand at this point as immobile, "stiff." He also stated that the bandage the nurses applied became blood soaked, which scared him. He was then transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital in Margaretville, New York.
Claimant was seen in the emergency room at 1:10 p.m. by a physician's assistant who removed the bandage, soaked his thumb, treated his fingernail to relieve pressure, administered a local anesthetic and sutured the wound. The wound was then bandaged and splinted. The medical record indicates that Claimant suffered a "tuft fracture distal thumb (right side)" and a "1 centimeter laceration." In addition, Claimant sustained a "subungual hematoma" (Exh. 21). He was given Vicodin and Keflex and told to keep the wound dry for two days and follow up with a doctor in three days. He was also instructed not to work until he was seen by a hand surgeon (Exh. 21). X-rays were also taken at this time, confirming the fracture on the right thumb (Exhs. 21, 19). Claimant returned to Sullivan Correctional Facility ("Sullivan") at approximately 4:15 p.m. on the date of the accident and was admitted to the infirmary (Exh. A). A correction officer photographed Claimant's hand as bandaged by the physician's assistant in the emergency room. The bandage covered his wrist to the knuckles on his hand and then it appeared to cover his thumb and splint (Exh. 15).
Claimant stated he was in the Sullivan infirmary for 14 days. During that time, he was given painkillers and Motrin for the swelling. He was given a sling to keep his hand elevated and a special bed that allowed him to sleep sitting up. Claimant testified that his whole hand was swollen and he was in pain for the entire 14 days. He observed his hand when his bandages were changed, too. He noted that the blood had dried up, the thumbnail was black and blue, that he could see the stitches, and that his hand was still swollen; he stated it looked like that for one to two months.
It was during this time that Claimant was seen at the Albany Medical Center Emergency Department ("Albany"). The attending medical doctor at Albany examined claimant on February 12, 2003. He noted that Claimant was on Tylenol every four hours and that Claimant "showed decreased flexion of his thumb secondary to pain" and that he still had sensation in the area. The doctor also noted that, after receiving a seven-day course of Keflex, Claimant showed no signs of infection. The diagnosis was an "open distal phalanx fracture of the right thumb" and a "subungual hematoma." The plan was to augment the pain control regimen with different drugs and have Claimant evaluated in the Bone & Joint Center at Albany Medical Center (Exh. 22).
Claimant was examined by Dr. Paul Hospodar, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Albany Medical College. Dr. Hospodar's testimony was introduced at trial by his deposition taken on November 15, 2005. It was admitted into evidence by stipulation.
Dr. Hospodar first saw Claimant on February 20, 2003. Based on an examination of Claimant's x-rays from Margaretville Memorial Hospital, he concluded that Claimant split the bone at the end of his right thumb (the bone under the thumbnail). Dr. Hospodar noted that there was no sign of infection and that it "looked O.K." so he removed the stitches, gave Claimant a "stacked splint" to immobilize the thumb and instructed him to return in two weeks. In addition, Claimant was to undergo physical therapy to increase his range of motion (Exh. 17, pp. 5 - 6).
Claimant commenced an intense schedule of physical therapy ("PT") on February 27, 2003 and received PT on March 11, 2003; March 13, 2003; March 14, 2003; March 25, 2003; March 27, 2003; March 28, 2003; April 1, 2003; April 3, 2003; April 4, 2003; and April 8, 2003. As I understand the testimony, the distal joint of the thumb, or "DIP" joint, is the joint closest to the thumbnail, the location where Claimant had the most trouble bending his thumb. The second joint, or "PIP" or "IP" joint is the joint closest to the hand, which also had diminished ability to move because of the flesh wound (Exh. 17, p.12).
Claimant started PT unable to do anything with only a three to four degree flexion at the DIP and a 30 degree flexion at the PIP (Exh. A [2/27/03 consult]). By the end of his intensive course of treatment, his right thumb DIP had a 75 degree flexion (compared to 85 degree flexion on the left) and the PIP had a 65 degree flexion (compared to 90 degree flexion on the left). The PT notes also indicate that Claimant had greatly improved his arm strength and was able to squeeze 50 pounds on the Dynamometer. Despite mild swelling and a recommendation that he continue PT once a week for four weeks, his "functional capacity level in using his [right] thumb is almost [normal]" and he was ready for discharge (Exh. A [4/8/03 consult]).
Dr. Hospodar saw Claimant again on March 17, 2003. He determined that Claimant was "doing well" and recommended he continue with the splint and the physical therapy. He observed that Claimant's thumb was still swollen (Exh. 17, pp. 6 -7). At Claimant's next visit, on April 7, 2003, Dr. Hospodar determined that the "thumb was healed at this point" and that the "x-rays looked good" (Exh. 17, p. 7, Exh. 18).
Dr. Hospodar also reviewed entries in Claimant's Ambulatory Health Record and opined that the entries related to swelling and nail discoloration through March 28, 2003 were not unusual, given the severity of the trauma (Exh. 17, pp. 11 - 12).
Dr. Hospodar was asked to comment on a March 11, 2003 entry regarding a "tingling sensation" and high "sensitivity to touch" as well as soreness in his thumb. He opined that the "distal nerve" that normally gives the fingertip and finger sensation was injured when the thumb was crushed and the tingling sensitivity and soreness Claimant was experiencing was because the nerve was slowly repairing itself (Exh. 17, pp. 13 - 14).
Claimant also exhibited "weak grip strength" in his right hand at this time. Dr. Hospodar stated that, although Claimant did not injure any muscle, the healing process - that is stiffness, pain and swelling - has an impact on his ability to force a tighter grip at that time.
Regarding physical deformity, Dr. Hospodar opined that any visible deformity would likely be permanent (Exh. 17, p. 15). Dr. Hospodar stated that Claimant's progress three months from the date of injury was normal and opined that he expected Claimant to have full range of motion and normal sensation back in six months to a year (Exh. 17, p.16).
Dr. Hospodar last saw Claimant in April 2003. Between that time and Claimant's discharge from the system, Claimant stated he gradually completed his physical therapy and began to see movement at the base of this thumb and eventually in the other joints as well. However, he has never been able to move his right thumb as well as his left thumb. Claimant often requested Motrin, ibuprofen, and arthritis cream at sick call.
Since leaving Sullivan in late May 2006, Claimant states he still experiences stiffness in his right thumb and, when it rains, pain. Although Dr. Hospodar believed that Claimant would be back to normal in a year at the latest, during the trial, Claimant testified that he is still unable to lift heavy things, such as ladders and paint buckets. In addition, Claimant states the physical appearance of his thumb has changed since the bone fracture and the laceration healed. I examined Claimant's thumb and observed that the scarring is visible and after careful study, it appears to be "flatter" than his left thumb. The right thumbnail is a bit darker in color as compared to his left thumbnail and, Claimant testified, the right thumbnail does not grow all the way in and where it does grow, it grows "into the skin."
Having carefully reviewed the evidence and trial testimony, I award Claimant $40,000.00 for past pain and suffering with appropriate interest from August 11, 2005 (the date that the liability decision was signed). I make no award for future pain and suffering as Claimant failed to prove a permanent disability by a preponderance of the evidence. To the extent that Claimant has paid a filing fee, it may be recovered pursuant to Court of Claims Act § 11-a(2). Any motions on which the Court may have previously reserved decision are hereby denied.
LET JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.
September 22, 2006
Rochester, New York
HON. RENÃE FORGENSI MINARIK
Judge of the Court of Claims
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1].A more detailed description of the accident is in the liability decision which may be viewed at www.nyscourtofclaims.state.ny.us, UID #2005-019-012, Claim No. 107662.
Synopsis
Claimant awarded $40,000.00 for crushing injury to right thumb
Case Information
UID: 2006-031-516
Claimant(s): ROLANDO MACHARE
Claimant short name: MACHARE
Footnote (claimant name) :
Defendant(s): THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Footnote (defendant name) :
Third-party claimant(s):
Third-party defendant(s):
Claim number(s): 107662
Motion number(s):
Cross-motion number(s):
Judge: RENÃE FORGENSI MINARIK
Claimant's attorney: HOWARD M. FILE, ESQ., P.C.BY: MARTIN RUBENSTEIN, ESQ.
Defendant's attorney: HON. ELIOT SPITZER
New York State Attorney General
BY: DENNIS ACTON, ESQ.Assistant Attorney General
Third-party defendant's attorney:
Signature date: September 22, 2006
City: Rochester
Comments:
Official citation:
Appellate results:
See also (multicaptioned case)
.
Decision
The liability portion of this case was tried by the Hon. Ferris D. Lebous, wherein he determined liability at 75% to the Defendant and 25% to the Claimant. I tried the damages portion of this trial in Binghamton on July 25, 2006. The parties requested and were granted additional time to submit post-trial memoranda.
On January 31, 2003, Claimant was an inmate residing at Sullivan Correctional Facility ("Sullivan") and assigned to an outside work crew at Belleayre Mountain ski resort ("Belleayre") where he cut his hand on a 30-ton log splitter.
[1]
Claimant testified that his right hand, specifically the right thumb, had been caught between the push plate at the end of the machine and the flat end of the log he was adjusting when another inmate started the machine. Claimant recalled that first he felt pain in his right thumb and then began to scream and holler, which caused the other inmate to stop the machine. He believes his thumb was caught between the push plate and the log for approximately three to five seconds.
When the push plate was released, Claimant said he pulled out his hand and removed the leather working glove to get a better look at his thumb. He observed that his right thumb looked "very flat" and then "burst" or "popped," exposing a "cracked bone" and blood. Immediately at the scene, the correction officer and civilian supervisor wrapped his hand in paper toweling and, for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, attempted to stop the bleeding. They then put Claimant in a van to transport him to the Belleayre First Aid Station.
At the First Aid Station, two nurses attended to Claimant. Claimant described their treatment of his injury as just cleaning, bandaging and advising that he be taken to a hospital right away. Claimant described his hand at this point as immobile, "stiff." He also stated that the bandage the nurses applied became blood soaked, which scared him. He was then transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital in Margaretville, New York.
Claimant was seen in the emergency room at 1:10 p.m. by a physician's assistant who removed the bandage, soaked his thumb, treated his fingernail to relieve pressure, administered a local anesthetic and sutured the wound. The wound was then bandaged and splinted. The medical record indicates that Claimant suffered a "tuft fracture distal thumb (right side)" and a "1 centimeter laceration." In addition, Claimant sustained a "subungual hematoma" (Exh. 21). He was given Vicodin and Keflex and told to keep the wound dry for two days and follow up with a doctor in three days. He was also instructed not to work until he was seen by a hand surgeon (Exh. 21). X-rays were also taken at this time, confirming the fracture on the right thumb (Exhs. 21, 19). Claimant returned to Sullivan Correctional Facility ("Sullivan") at approximately 4:15 p.m. on the date of the accident and was admitted to the infirmary (Exh. A). A correction officer photographed Claimant's hand as bandaged by the physician's assistant in the emergency room. The bandage covered his wrist to the knuckles on his hand and then it appeared to cover his thumb and splint (Exh. 15).
Claimant stated he was in the Sullivan infirmary for 14 days. During that time, he was given painkillers and Motrin for the swelling. He was given a sling to keep his hand elevated and a special bed that allowed him to sleep sitting up. Claimant testified that his whole hand was swollen and he was in pain for the entire 14 days. He observed his hand when his bandages were changed, too. He noted that the blood had dried up, the thumbnail was black and blue, that he could see the stitches, and that his hand was still swollen; he stated it looked like that for one to two months.
It was during this time that Claimant was seen at the Albany Medical Center Emergency Department ("Albany"). The attending medical doctor at Albany examined claimant on February 12, 2003. He noted that Claimant was on Tylenol every four hours and that Claimant "showed decreased flexion of his thumb secondary to pain" and that he still had sensation in the area. The doctor also noted that, after receiving a seven-day course of Keflex, Claimant showed no signs of infection. The diagnosis was an "open distal phalanx fracture of the right thumb" and a "subungual hematoma." The plan was to augment the pain control regimen with different drugs and have Claimant evaluated in the Bone & Joint Center at Albany Medical Center (Exh. 22).
Claimant was examined by Dr. Paul Hospodar, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Albany Medical College. Dr. Hospodar's testimony was introduced at trial by his deposition taken on November 15, 2005. It was admitted into evidence by stipulation.
Dr. Hospodar first saw Claimant on February 20, 2003. Based on an examination of Claimant's x-rays from Margaretville Memorial Hospital, he concluded that Claimant split the bone at the end of his right thumb (the bone under the thumbnail). Dr. Hospodar noted that there was no sign of infection and that it "looked O.K." so he removed the stitches, gave Claimant a "stacked splint" to immobilize the thumb and instructed him to return in two weeks. In addition, Claimant was to undergo physical therapy to increase his range of motion (Exh. 17, pp. 5 - 6).
Claimant commenced an intense schedule of physical therapy ("PT") on February 27, 2003 and received PT on March 11, 2003; March 13, 2003; March 14, 2003; March 25, 2003; March 27, 2003; March 28, 2003; April 1, 2003; April 3, 2003; April 4, 2003; and April 8, 2003. As I understand the testimony, the distal joint of the thumb, or "DIP" joint, is the joint closest to the thumbnail, the location where Claimant had the most trouble bending his thumb. The second joint, or "PIP" or "IP" joint is the joint closest to the hand, which also had diminished ability to move because of the flesh wound (Exh. 17, p.12).
Claimant started PT unable to do anything with only a three to four degree flexion at the DIP and a 30 degree flexion at the PIP (Exh. A [2/27/03 consult]). By the end of his intensive course of treatment, his right thumb DIP had a 75 degree flexion (compared to 85 degree flexion on the left) and the PIP had a 65 degree flexion (compared to 90 degree flexion on the left). The PT notes also indicate that Claimant had greatly improved his arm strength and was able to squeeze 50 pounds on the Dynamometer. Despite mild swelling and a recommendation that he continue PT once a week for four weeks, his "functional capacity level in using his [right] thumb is almost [normal]" and he was ready for discharge (Exh. A [4/8/03 consult]).
Dr. Hospodar saw Claimant again on March 17, 2003. He determined that Claimant was "doing well" and recommended he continue with the splint and the physical therapy. He observed that Claimant's thumb was still swollen (Exh. 17, pp. 6 -7). At Claimant's next visit, on April 7, 2003, Dr. Hospodar determined that the "thumb was healed at this point" and that the "x-rays looked good" (Exh. 17, p. 7, Exh. 18).
Dr. Hospodar also reviewed entries in Claimant's Ambulatory Health Record and opined that the entries related to swelling and nail discoloration through March 28, 2003 were not unusual, given the severity of the trauma (Exh. 17, pp. 11 - 12).
Dr. Hospodar was asked to comment on a March 11, 2003 entry regarding a "tingling sensation" and high "sensitivity to touch" as well as soreness in his thumb. He opined that the "distal nerve" that normally gives the fingertip and finger sensation was injured when the thumb was crushed and the tingling sensitivity and soreness Claimant was experiencing was because the nerve was slowly repairing itself (Exh. 17, pp. 13 - 14).
Claimant also exhibited "weak grip strength" in his right hand at this time. Dr. Hospodar stated that, although Claimant did not injure any muscle, the healing process - that is stiffness, pain and swelling - has an impact on his ability to force a tighter grip at that time.
Regarding physical deformity, Dr. Hospodar opined that any visible deformity would likely be permanent (Exh. 17, p. 15). Dr. Hospodar stated that Claimant's progress three months from the date of injury was normal and opined that he expected Claimant to have full range of motion and normal sensation back in six months to a year (Exh. 17, p.16).
Dr. Hospodar last saw Claimant in April 2003. Between that time and Claimant's discharge from the system, Claimant stated he gradually completed his physical therapy and began to see movement at the base of this thumb and eventually in the other joints as well. However, he has never been able to move his right thumb as well as his left thumb. Claimant often requested Motrin, ibuprofen, and arthritis cream at sick call.
Since leaving Sullivan in late May 2006, Claimant states he still experiences stiffness in his right thumb and, when it rains, pain. Although Dr. Hospodar believed that Claimant would be back to normal in a year at the latest, during the trial, Claimant testified that he is still unable to lift heavy things, such as ladders and paint buckets. In addition, Claimant states the physical appearance of his thumb has changed since the bone fracture and the laceration healed. I examined Claimant's thumb and observed that the scarring is visible and after careful study, it appears to be "flatter" than his left thumb. The right thumbnail is a bit darker in color as compared to his left thumbnail and, Claimant testified, the right thumbnail does not grow all the way in and where it does grow, it grows "into the skin."
Having carefully reviewed the evidence and trial testimony, I award Claimant $40,000.00 for past pain and suffering with appropriate interest from August 11, 2005 (the date that the liability decision was signed). I make no award for future pain and suffering as Claimant failed to prove a permanent disability by a preponderance of the evidence. To the extent that Claimant has paid a filing fee, it may be recovered pursuant to Court of Claims Act § 11-a(2). Any motions on which the Court may have previously reserved decision are hereby denied.
LET JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.
September 22, 2006
Rochester, New York
HON. RENÃE FORGENSI MINARIK
Judge of the Court of Claims
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1].A more detailed description of the accident is in the liability decision which may be viewed at www.nyscourtofclaims.state.ny.us, UID #2005-019-012, Claim No. 107662.
Machare v. State of New York
| Year | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Cite | #2006-031-516, Claim No. 107662 |
| Level | Court of Claims |
| Conclusion | Bench Verdict |
| Damages | $40,000.00 |
MACHARE v. THE STATE OF NEW YORK, #2006-031-516, Claim No. 107662
Synopsis
Claimant awarded $40,000.00 for crushing injury to right thumb
Case Information
UID: 2006-031-516
Claimant(s): ROLANDO MACHARE
Claimant short name: MACHARE
Footnote (claimant name) :
Defendant(s): THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Footnote (defendant name) :
Third-party claimant(s):
Third-party defendant(s):
Claim number(s): 107662
Motion number(s):
Cross-motion number(s):
Judge: RENÃE FORGENSI MINARIK
Claimant's attorney: HOWARD M. FILE, ESQ., P.C.BY: MARTIN RUBENSTEIN, ESQ.
Defendant's attorney: HON. ELIOT SPITZER
New York State Attorney General
BY: DENNIS ACTON, ESQ.Assistant Attorney General
Third-party defendant's attorney:
Signature date: September 22, 2006
City: Rochester
Comments:
Official citation:
Appellate results:
See also (multicaptioned case)
.
Decision
The liability portion of this case was tried by the Hon. Ferris D. Lebous, wherein he determined liability at 75% to the Defendant and 25% to the Claimant. I tried the damages portion of this trial in Binghamton on July 25, 2006. The parties requested and were granted additional time to submit post-trial memoranda.
On January 31, 2003, Claimant was an inmate residing at Sullivan Correctional Facility ("Sullivan") and assigned to an outside work crew at Belleayre Mountain ski resort ("Belleayre") where he cut his hand on a 30-ton log splitter.
[1]
Claimant testified that his right hand, specifically the right thumb, had been caught between the push plate at the end of the machine and the flat end of the log he was adjusting when another inmate started the machine. Claimant recalled that first he felt pain in his right thumb and then began to scream and holler, which caused the other inmate to stop the machine. He believes his thumb was caught between the push plate and the log for approximately three to five seconds.
When the push plate was released, Claimant said he pulled out his hand and removed the leather working glove to get a better look at his thumb. He observed that his right thumb looked "very flat" and then "burst" or "popped," exposing a "cracked bone" and blood. Immediately at the scene, the correction officer and civilian supervisor wrapped his hand in paper toweling and, for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, attempted to stop the bleeding. They then put Claimant in a van to transport him to the Belleayre First Aid Station.
At the First Aid Station, two nurses attended to Claimant. Claimant described their treatment of his injury as just cleaning, bandaging and advising that he be taken to a hospital right away. Claimant described his hand at this point as immobile, "stiff." He also stated that the bandage the nurses applied became blood soaked, which scared him. He was then transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital in Margaretville, New York.
Claimant was seen in the emergency room at 1:10 p.m. by a physician's assistant who removed the bandage, soaked his thumb, treated his fingernail to relieve pressure, administered a local anesthetic and sutured the wound. The wound was then bandaged and splinted. The medical record indicates that Claimant suffered a "tuft fracture distal thumb (right side)" and a "1 centimeter laceration." In addition, Claimant sustained a "subungual hematoma" (Exh. 21). He was given Vicodin and Keflex and told to keep the wound dry for two days and follow up with a doctor in three days. He was also instructed not to work until he was seen by a hand surgeon (Exh. 21). X-rays were also taken at this time, confirming the fracture on the right thumb (Exhs. 21, 19). Claimant returned to Sullivan Correctional Facility ("Sullivan") at approximately 4:15 p.m. on the date of the accident and was admitted to the infirmary (Exh. A). A correction officer photographed Claimant's hand as bandaged by the physician's assistant in the emergency room. The bandage covered his wrist to the knuckles on his hand and then it appeared to cover his thumb and splint (Exh. 15).
Claimant stated he was in the Sullivan infirmary for 14 days. During that time, he was given painkillers and Motrin for the swelling. He was given a sling to keep his hand elevated and a special bed that allowed him to sleep sitting up. Claimant testified that his whole hand was swollen and he was in pain for the entire 14 days. He observed his hand when his bandages were changed, too. He noted that the blood had dried up, the thumbnail was black and blue, that he could see the stitches, and that his hand was still swollen; he stated it looked like that for one to two months.
It was during this time that Claimant was seen at the Albany Medical Center Emergency Department ("Albany"). The attending medical doctor at Albany examined claimant on February 12, 2003. He noted that Claimant was on Tylenol every four hours and that Claimant "showed decreased flexion of his thumb secondary to pain" and that he still had sensation in the area. The doctor also noted that, after receiving a seven-day course of Keflex, Claimant showed no signs of infection. The diagnosis was an "open distal phalanx fracture of the right thumb" and a "subungual hematoma." The plan was to augment the pain control regimen with different drugs and have Claimant evaluated in the Bone & Joint Center at Albany Medical Center (Exh. 22).
Claimant was examined by Dr. Paul Hospodar, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Albany Medical College. Dr. Hospodar's testimony was introduced at trial by his deposition taken on November 15, 2005. It was admitted into evidence by stipulation.
Dr. Hospodar first saw Claimant on February 20, 2003. Based on an examination of Claimant's x-rays from Margaretville Memorial Hospital, he concluded that Claimant split the bone at the end of his right thumb (the bone under the thumbnail). Dr. Hospodar noted that there was no sign of infection and that it "looked O.K." so he removed the stitches, gave Claimant a "stacked splint" to immobilize the thumb and instructed him to return in two weeks. In addition, Claimant was to undergo physical therapy to increase his range of motion (Exh. 17, pp. 5 - 6).
Claimant commenced an intense schedule of physical therapy ("PT") on February 27, 2003 and received PT on March 11, 2003; March 13, 2003; March 14, 2003; March 25, 2003; March 27, 2003; March 28, 2003; April 1, 2003; April 3, 2003; April 4, 2003; and April 8, 2003. As I understand the testimony, the distal joint of the thumb, or "DIP" joint, is the joint closest to the thumbnail, the location where Claimant had the most trouble bending his thumb. The second joint, or "PIP" or "IP" joint is the joint closest to the hand, which also had diminished ability to move because of the flesh wound (Exh. 17, p.12).
Claimant started PT unable to do anything with only a three to four degree flexion at the DIP and a 30 degree flexion at the PIP (Exh. A [2/27/03 consult]). By the end of his intensive course of treatment, his right thumb DIP had a 75 degree flexion (compared to 85 degree flexion on the left) and the PIP had a 65 degree flexion (compared to 90 degree flexion on the left). The PT notes also indicate that Claimant had greatly improved his arm strength and was able to squeeze 50 pounds on the Dynamometer. Despite mild swelling and a recommendation that he continue PT once a week for four weeks, his "functional capacity level in using his [right] thumb is almost [normal]" and he was ready for discharge (Exh. A [4/8/03 consult]).
Dr. Hospodar saw Claimant again on March 17, 2003. He determined that Claimant was "doing well" and recommended he continue with the splint and the physical therapy. He observed that Claimant's thumb was still swollen (Exh. 17, pp. 6 -7). At Claimant's next visit, on April 7, 2003, Dr. Hospodar determined that the "thumb was healed at this point" and that the "x-rays looked good" (Exh. 17, p. 7, Exh. 18).
Dr. Hospodar also reviewed entries in Claimant's Ambulatory Health Record and opined that the entries related to swelling and nail discoloration through March 28, 2003 were not unusual, given the severity of the trauma (Exh. 17, pp. 11 - 12).
Dr. Hospodar was asked to comment on a March 11, 2003 entry regarding a "tingling sensation" and high "sensitivity to touch" as well as soreness in his thumb. He opined that the "distal nerve" that normally gives the fingertip and finger sensation was injured when the thumb was crushed and the tingling sensitivity and soreness Claimant was experiencing was because the nerve was slowly repairing itself (Exh. 17, pp. 13 - 14).
Claimant also exhibited "weak grip strength" in his right hand at this time. Dr. Hospodar stated that, although Claimant did not injure any muscle, the healing process - that is stiffness, pain and swelling - has an impact on his ability to force a tighter grip at that time.
Regarding physical deformity, Dr. Hospodar opined that any visible deformity would likely be permanent (Exh. 17, p. 15). Dr. Hospodar stated that Claimant's progress three months from the date of injury was normal and opined that he expected Claimant to have full range of motion and normal sensation back in six months to a year (Exh. 17, p.16).
Dr. Hospodar last saw Claimant in April 2003. Between that time and Claimant's discharge from the system, Claimant stated he gradually completed his physical therapy and began to see movement at the base of this thumb and eventually in the other joints as well. However, he has never been able to move his right thumb as well as his left thumb. Claimant often requested Motrin, ibuprofen, and arthritis cream at sick call.
Since leaving Sullivan in late May 2006, Claimant states he still experiences stiffness in his right thumb and, when it rains, pain. Although Dr. Hospodar believed that Claimant would be back to normal in a year at the latest, during the trial, Claimant testified that he is still unable to lift heavy things, such as ladders and paint buckets. In addition, Claimant states the physical appearance of his thumb has changed since the bone fracture and the laceration healed. I examined Claimant's thumb and observed that the scarring is visible and after careful study, it appears to be "flatter" than his left thumb. The right thumbnail is a bit darker in color as compared to his left thumbnail and, Claimant testified, the right thumbnail does not grow all the way in and where it does grow, it grows "into the skin."
Having carefully reviewed the evidence and trial testimony, I award Claimant $40,000.00 for past pain and suffering with appropriate interest from August 11, 2005 (the date that the liability decision was signed). I make no award for future pain and suffering as Claimant failed to prove a permanent disability by a preponderance of the evidence. To the extent that Claimant has paid a filing fee, it may be recovered pursuant to Court of Claims Act § 11-a(2). Any motions on which the Court may have previously reserved decision are hereby denied.
LET JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.
September 22, 2006
Rochester, New York
HON. RENÃE FORGENSI MINARIK
Judge of the Court of Claims
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1].A more detailed description of the accident is in the liability decision which may be viewed at www.nyscourtofclaims.state.ny.us, UID #2005-019-012, Claim No. 107662.
Synopsis
Claimant awarded $40,000.00 for crushing injury to right thumb
Case Information
UID: 2006-031-516
Claimant(s): ROLANDO MACHARE
Claimant short name: MACHARE
Footnote (claimant name) :
Defendant(s): THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Footnote (defendant name) :
Third-party claimant(s):
Third-party defendant(s):
Claim number(s): 107662
Motion number(s):
Cross-motion number(s):
Judge: RENÃE FORGENSI MINARIK
Claimant's attorney: HOWARD M. FILE, ESQ., P.C.BY: MARTIN RUBENSTEIN, ESQ.
Defendant's attorney: HON. ELIOT SPITZER
New York State Attorney General
BY: DENNIS ACTON, ESQ.Assistant Attorney General
Third-party defendant's attorney:
Signature date: September 22, 2006
City: Rochester
Comments:
Official citation:
Appellate results:
See also (multicaptioned case)
.
Decision
The liability portion of this case was tried by the Hon. Ferris D. Lebous, wherein he determined liability at 75% to the Defendant and 25% to the Claimant. I tried the damages portion of this trial in Binghamton on July 25, 2006. The parties requested and were granted additional time to submit post-trial memoranda.
On January 31, 2003, Claimant was an inmate residing at Sullivan Correctional Facility ("Sullivan") and assigned to an outside work crew at Belleayre Mountain ski resort ("Belleayre") where he cut his hand on a 30-ton log splitter.
[1]
Claimant testified that his right hand, specifically the right thumb, had been caught between the push plate at the end of the machine and the flat end of the log he was adjusting when another inmate started the machine. Claimant recalled that first he felt pain in his right thumb and then began to scream and holler, which caused the other inmate to stop the machine. He believes his thumb was caught between the push plate and the log for approximately three to five seconds.
When the push plate was released, Claimant said he pulled out his hand and removed the leather working glove to get a better look at his thumb. He observed that his right thumb looked "very flat" and then "burst" or "popped," exposing a "cracked bone" and blood. Immediately at the scene, the correction officer and civilian supervisor wrapped his hand in paper toweling and, for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, attempted to stop the bleeding. They then put Claimant in a van to transport him to the Belleayre First Aid Station.
At the First Aid Station, two nurses attended to Claimant. Claimant described their treatment of his injury as just cleaning, bandaging and advising that he be taken to a hospital right away. Claimant described his hand at this point as immobile, "stiff." He also stated that the bandage the nurses applied became blood soaked, which scared him. He was then transported to Margaretville Memorial Hospital in Margaretville, New York.
Claimant was seen in the emergency room at 1:10 p.m. by a physician's assistant who removed the bandage, soaked his thumb, treated his fingernail to relieve pressure, administered a local anesthetic and sutured the wound. The wound was then bandaged and splinted. The medical record indicates that Claimant suffered a "tuft fracture distal thumb (right side)" and a "1 centimeter laceration." In addition, Claimant sustained a "subungual hematoma" (Exh. 21). He was given Vicodin and Keflex and told to keep the wound dry for two days and follow up with a doctor in three days. He was also instructed not to work until he was seen by a hand surgeon (Exh. 21). X-rays were also taken at this time, confirming the fracture on the right thumb (Exhs. 21, 19). Claimant returned to Sullivan Correctional Facility ("Sullivan") at approximately 4:15 p.m. on the date of the accident and was admitted to the infirmary (Exh. A). A correction officer photographed Claimant's hand as bandaged by the physician's assistant in the emergency room. The bandage covered his wrist to the knuckles on his hand and then it appeared to cover his thumb and splint (Exh. 15).
Claimant stated he was in the Sullivan infirmary for 14 days. During that time, he was given painkillers and Motrin for the swelling. He was given a sling to keep his hand elevated and a special bed that allowed him to sleep sitting up. Claimant testified that his whole hand was swollen and he was in pain for the entire 14 days. He observed his hand when his bandages were changed, too. He noted that the blood had dried up, the thumbnail was black and blue, that he could see the stitches, and that his hand was still swollen; he stated it looked like that for one to two months.
It was during this time that Claimant was seen at the Albany Medical Center Emergency Department ("Albany"). The attending medical doctor at Albany examined claimant on February 12, 2003. He noted that Claimant was on Tylenol every four hours and that Claimant "showed decreased flexion of his thumb secondary to pain" and that he still had sensation in the area. The doctor also noted that, after receiving a seven-day course of Keflex, Claimant showed no signs of infection. The diagnosis was an "open distal phalanx fracture of the right thumb" and a "subungual hematoma." The plan was to augment the pain control regimen with different drugs and have Claimant evaluated in the Bone & Joint Center at Albany Medical Center (Exh. 22).
Claimant was examined by Dr. Paul Hospodar, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Albany Medical College. Dr. Hospodar's testimony was introduced at trial by his deposition taken on November 15, 2005. It was admitted into evidence by stipulation.
Dr. Hospodar first saw Claimant on February 20, 2003. Based on an examination of Claimant's x-rays from Margaretville Memorial Hospital, he concluded that Claimant split the bone at the end of his right thumb (the bone under the thumbnail). Dr. Hospodar noted that there was no sign of infection and that it "looked O.K." so he removed the stitches, gave Claimant a "stacked splint" to immobilize the thumb and instructed him to return in two weeks. In addition, Claimant was to undergo physical therapy to increase his range of motion (Exh. 17, pp. 5 - 6).
Claimant commenced an intense schedule of physical therapy ("PT") on February 27, 2003 and received PT on March 11, 2003; March 13, 2003; March 14, 2003; March 25, 2003; March 27, 2003; March 28, 2003; April 1, 2003; April 3, 2003; April 4, 2003; and April 8, 2003. As I understand the testimony, the distal joint of the thumb, or "DIP" joint, is the joint closest to the thumbnail, the location where Claimant had the most trouble bending his thumb. The second joint, or "PIP" or "IP" joint is the joint closest to the hand, which also had diminished ability to move because of the flesh wound (Exh. 17, p.12).
Claimant started PT unable to do anything with only a three to four degree flexion at the DIP and a 30 degree flexion at the PIP (Exh. A [2/27/03 consult]). By the end of his intensive course of treatment, his right thumb DIP had a 75 degree flexion (compared to 85 degree flexion on the left) and the PIP had a 65 degree flexion (compared to 90 degree flexion on the left). The PT notes also indicate that Claimant had greatly improved his arm strength and was able to squeeze 50 pounds on the Dynamometer. Despite mild swelling and a recommendation that he continue PT once a week for four weeks, his "functional capacity level in using his [right] thumb is almost [normal]" and he was ready for discharge (Exh. A [4/8/03 consult]).
Dr. Hospodar saw Claimant again on March 17, 2003. He determined that Claimant was "doing well" and recommended he continue with the splint and the physical therapy. He observed that Claimant's thumb was still swollen (Exh. 17, pp. 6 -7). At Claimant's next visit, on April 7, 2003, Dr. Hospodar determined that the "thumb was healed at this point" and that the "x-rays looked good" (Exh. 17, p. 7, Exh. 18).
Dr. Hospodar also reviewed entries in Claimant's Ambulatory Health Record and opined that the entries related to swelling and nail discoloration through March 28, 2003 were not unusual, given the severity of the trauma (Exh. 17, pp. 11 - 12).
Dr. Hospodar was asked to comment on a March 11, 2003 entry regarding a "tingling sensation" and high "sensitivity to touch" as well as soreness in his thumb. He opined that the "distal nerve" that normally gives the fingertip and finger sensation was injured when the thumb was crushed and the tingling sensitivity and soreness Claimant was experiencing was because the nerve was slowly repairing itself (Exh. 17, pp. 13 - 14).
Claimant also exhibited "weak grip strength" in his right hand at this time. Dr. Hospodar stated that, although Claimant did not injure any muscle, the healing process - that is stiffness, pain and swelling - has an impact on his ability to force a tighter grip at that time.
Regarding physical deformity, Dr. Hospodar opined that any visible deformity would likely be permanent (Exh. 17, p. 15). Dr. Hospodar stated that Claimant's progress three months from the date of injury was normal and opined that he expected Claimant to have full range of motion and normal sensation back in six months to a year (Exh. 17, p.16).
Dr. Hospodar last saw Claimant in April 2003. Between that time and Claimant's discharge from the system, Claimant stated he gradually completed his physical therapy and began to see movement at the base of this thumb and eventually in the other joints as well. However, he has never been able to move his right thumb as well as his left thumb. Claimant often requested Motrin, ibuprofen, and arthritis cream at sick call.
Since leaving Sullivan in late May 2006, Claimant states he still experiences stiffness in his right thumb and, when it rains, pain. Although Dr. Hospodar believed that Claimant would be back to normal in a year at the latest, during the trial, Claimant testified that he is still unable to lift heavy things, such as ladders and paint buckets. In addition, Claimant states the physical appearance of his thumb has changed since the bone fracture and the laceration healed. I examined Claimant's thumb and observed that the scarring is visible and after careful study, it appears to be "flatter" than his left thumb. The right thumbnail is a bit darker in color as compared to his left thumbnail and, Claimant testified, the right thumbnail does not grow all the way in and where it does grow, it grows "into the skin."
Having carefully reviewed the evidence and trial testimony, I award Claimant $40,000.00 for past pain and suffering with appropriate interest from August 11, 2005 (the date that the liability decision was signed). I make no award for future pain and suffering as Claimant failed to prove a permanent disability by a preponderance of the evidence. To the extent that Claimant has paid a filing fee, it may be recovered pursuant to Court of Claims Act § 11-a(2). Any motions on which the Court may have previously reserved decision are hereby denied.
LET JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.
September 22, 2006
Rochester, New York
HON. RENÃE FORGENSI MINARIK
Judge of the Court of Claims
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1].A more detailed description of the accident is in the liability decision which may be viewed at www.nyscourtofclaims.state.ny.us, UID #2005-019-012, Claim No. 107662.