He crossed the U.S. border, into the maw of a machine
February 17, 2008
Leonardo Cos Elias, a Guatemalan farmer, came to the United States in 2006 hoping to find work that would allow him to support the family he left behind. Finding his way to Rhode Island, Cos “first swept floors”.
Then he worked at a computer-numerically controlled (CNC) router, a high-speed machine that can cut metals, acrylic and wood while simultaneously engraving — or carving — intricate designs.
But then disaster struck. On Dec. 14, Cos got tangled in a CNC router and was “pinned to a table while overhead routing drills bore down on him.” Cos suffered suffered serious injuries to his pelvis and buttock. Half his leg was amputated.
According to Dr. Steven G. McCloy, an occupational physician experienced in treating non-English-speaking workers, the machine lacerated Cos’ femoral artery and split his hip joint.
Attorney Stephen J. Dennis told The Journal that his client was currently receiving the appropriate benefits under the workers’ compensation statutes, and that Cos would also be receiving reimbursements for future medical costs resulting from his injuries.
Source: The Providence Journal
February 17, 2008
(emphasis added)
