A laborer is suing a sheet metal business and punch press maker after having two fingers cut off by a punch press while working as a day worker.
Orlando Castro filed a lawsuit July 1 in Cook County Circuit Court against Heim, doing business as the Heim Group, Bedford Enterprises Inc., PGC Enterprises Inc., Heim Corp., Valdez Building and Service Sheet Metal Works Inc.
According to the complaint, on March 5, Castro was working as a laborer for Minuteman Labor Services Inc., performing duties on a subject punch press when his left thumb and index figure were amputated. The suit says the press lacked a cutting device and foot pedal, lacked proper and adequate guarding, lacked adequate warnings and instructions about the dangers associated with its use and was unreasonably dangerous to operate.
The suit alleges Service Sheet Metal Works removed safety guards, modifying the press's electrical components, overhauled its components, failed to inspect the press for unsafe conditions and failed to repair the press. The plaintiff says he sustained pain and suffering, loss of a normal life and earning capacity, and medical expenses.
Castro seeks damages in excess of the court's jurisdictional limit, plus costs. He is represented by attorney Donald J. Nolan of Nolan Law Group in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L006740.