Man says he lost three fingers in saw, sues former employer

BECKLEY - An employee is suing his former company after allegedly losing fingers in an unguarded saw blade.

Chester Hayes filed a lawsuit April 1 against Lantern Property Management LLC and Carl Murray in the Circuit Court of Raleigh County, alleging unsafe workplace and deliberate intent.

According to the complaint, Hayes was employed by Lantern Property Management and operated a table saw as part of his employment. On May 22, 2011, Hayes says he was using a table saw provided by the defendants.

Hayes alleges that the defendants removed the blade guard and that while he was using the saw, his left hand was lacerated by the unguarded blade, resulting in amputation of his left index, middle and ring fingers.

Hayes is seeking an undisclosed amount of compensatory and punitive damages plus court costs and attorneys fees. He is being represented in the case by J. Kristofer Cormany of Cormany Law PLLC.

Circuit Court of Raleigh County Case No. 13-C-246.