Woman lost fingers after work accident

A young woman who had three fingers amputated after her hand got caught in a machine during her first job has brought a High …

A young woman who had three fingers amputated after her hand got caught in a machine during her first job has brought a High Court action for damages.

Clodagh McNally, Freffans, Trim, Co Meath, sued envelope manufacturers Trimfold Ltd, Duggan Industrial Estate, Athboy Road, Trim, for damages arising from the accident that happened when she was a production operative on May 21st, 2002.

Liability has been admitted and the case is proceeding before Mr Justice Richard Johnson for assessment of damages only.

Ms McNally was trying to take out envelopes that had accumulated in a machine when her hand was drawn into it, crushing the fingers on her left hand, the court was told. Her left middle, ring and little fingers later had to be amputated.

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Ms McNally said she was devastated when she saw her hand after her fingers had been amputated. Breaking down, she said she had been left-handed and was in a lot of pain. "Everything had to be done for me," she said.

Before the accident, she said, she had expectations of marriage. "I suppose I thought I would get a ring on my finger. It won't happen now."

The case resumes on Tuesday.