Ohio appeals court dismisses worker’s suit over finger amputation

The Ohio Court of Appeals Friday dismissed an appeal by a worker who alleged his employer intentionally created a hazardous condition that led to one of his fingers being amputated by a table saw.

The appeals court said little evidence existed to prove that Multi-Cast Corp., an aluminum castings company, committed an intentional tort that led to the June 2016 workplace incident.

Kevin Bechtel filed suit in the Fulton County Common Pleas Court in June 2018 alleging that Multi-Cast knowingly required him to use a saw that lacked “necessary equipment safety guards.” The trial court granted summary judgment to Multi-Cast in October 2023.

Mr. Bechtel, who received workers compensation benefits, noted that a comp hearing officer in February 2018 granted his application for a “violation of specific safety requirement,” finding that Multi-Cast failed to ensure the table saw was equipped with an anti-kickback or spreader device.

The appeals court, in affirming the trial court’s dismissal of the lawsuit, wrote that an “employer’s mere knowledge of a hazardous condition is insufficient to show intent to injure” under state law.