Life-Altering Accident: $2.475 Million Settlement Secured For Factory Worker

Kendall Dunson recently secured a $2.475 million settlement for our client, Aretia McLean. Aretia, a dedicated line worker at a Georgia food processing plant, suffered devastating injuries while performing her usual duties. What began as a routine task quickly turned into a life-altering event.

A Routine Day Turns Tragic

In November 2016, Aretia was cleaning a machine used to compress tuna into cans—something she had done countless times before. But on this day, her right hand was caught in a rotating component. The result was catastrophic: multiple fingers were completely amputated, one was partially severed, and she sustained permanent damage to her hand. The trauma extended beyond the physical—Aretia also endured emotional distress and a significant loss in her ability to work and enjoy life as she once did.

The Machine in Question

The equipment involved in the incident was a specialized industrial filler used in food processing. The machine lacked proper safety guards and failed to meet industry standards for protecting workers from entrapment hazards. It was designed and leased by two out-of-state manufacturers and maintained by a service technician who worked closely with the plant.

Despite knowing—or having reason to know the risks, the companies failed to provide adequate safety features, warnings, or instructions. Their negligence put workers like Aretia in harm’s way.

The Legal Claims

The lawsuit focused on two main things: strict liability and negligence.

• Strict Liability: The machine’s defective design and lack of safety features made the manufacturers and lessors legally responsible for Aretia’s injuries.
• Negligence: The companies and their technician failed to properly inspect and maintain the equipment, neglected to provide safety training, allowed unqualified personnel to operate the machinery, and failed to warn workers of known hazards.

Seeking Justice and Recovery

Aretia’s injuries led to overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and a diminished ability to earn a living. The settlement will help cover these losses and provide compensation for her ongoing pain and suffering.

This case is a powerful reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the legal responsibility companies have to protect their employees. No one should suffer life-changing injuries because of preventable equipment failures. At Beasley Allen, our goal is to make the workplace safer for all.