Texas is home to some of the largest cotton gin factories in the world. These machines are marvels of modern industry, but they also pose serious safety hazards to workers at nearly every step of the process.
Need a Texas Cotton Gin Injury Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a cotton gin accident, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: Texas Man Dies After Getting Stuck in Cotton Gin
In October 2022, a man from Rosebud, Texas died in a cotton gin accident after getting stuck in the machine. He died before deputies arrived on the scene, according to Falls County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred at BF&M Co-op, a company that processes cotton and sells agricultural equipment in Texas.
The cause of the accident and the victim’s identity were not released.
Flower Grove Co-Op Cotton Gin Explosion Burns 3 Workers
On October 15, 2020, at least 3 people were burned in a propane explosion at the Flower Grove Co-Op Cotton Gin in Martin County, Texas. Two workers were airlifted to hospitals in Lubbock and Lamesa with severe 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns. Fire officials said static electricity or electrical problems may have sparked the explosion in the cotton gin facility’s office area.
Batesville Cotton Gin Fire
In January 2020, more than 1,000 cotton bales burned in a massive fire at the Winter Garden Co-op Cotton Gin in Batesville, Texas. No injuries were reported, but the town of Batesville was evacuated because there was so much smoke that it was visible from space.
Fire Burns 2 Workers At Cotton Processing Facility
In October 2019, two workers at a Britz Inc. cotton processing facility suffered serious burn injuries and had to be hospitalized after a fire broke out. Click here to read more.
What is the Problem?
Dozens of workers have been seriously injured or killed in cotton gin accidents. Most of these accidents involve finger amputations, hand lacerations, and crushing injuries. The victims also include a worker who died in 1998 when his head was crushed inside a cotton gin.
Here is an example of a common type of cotton gin accident:
Types of Cotton Gin Injuries
- Finger amputations
- Crushed limbs
- Arm and leg amputations
- Lacerations on the hands, face, fingers
- Crushed limbs
- Burns from mechanical fires
- Death
Hazards of Modern Cotton Gins
Workers can suffer amputations, crushing injuries, or death if they are pulled into a cotton gin by the spinning teeth. After the cotton enters the gin, large clumps are broken up by rotating, spiked cylinders. Then, rotating saws drag the cotton through a series of “ginning ribs” to remove debris. Lint cleaners also use saws and grid bars to remove any remaining debris from the fibers. Finally, the cotton is mechanically pressed into 500-pound bales called blocks for storage and shipping.
Alabama Man’s Finger Amputated in Cotton Gin Accident
In December 2017, a worker had his finger amputated in a cotton gin accident at Holtville Gin Cooperative, Inc. in Alabama. The worker reached into the lint cleaner to remove a piece of trash when his gloved hand was pulled into the roller, crushing his index finger.
Worker Loses Both Legs in Gruesome Cotton Gin Accident
In December 2014, a worker lost both of his legs in a gruesome cotton gin accident in Oklahoma. The sheriff’s department said his legs were stuck in the cotton gin for approximately 2 hours before he was rescued. Medics had to perform an on-scene amputation of one of his legs. He was airlifted to the OU Medical Center, where his other leg was amputated.
Cotton Gin Amputation Lawsuits
Amputations have major long-term consequences for victims of cotton gin accidents. The person may be unable to work. Even simple daily tasks become impossible. The medical expenses are also enormous. Workers’ compensation will typically pay for medical bills and lost wages in Texas. However, workers who suffered life-changing injuries may be eligible for additional compensation if they file a lawsuit.
How Much is My Lawsuit Worth?
Cotton gin amputation lawsuits may seek financial compensation for the victim’s permanent disability, decreased quality of life, lost income and future earnings, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more.
Cotton Gin Injury Lawsuits
Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of defective cotton gins by workers who suffered devastating injuries and amputations. In general, these lawsuits accuse the manufacturers of:
- Defective design and manufacturing
- Selling a machine with an unreasonably dangerous design flaw
- Failing to warn users about safety hazards
- Continuing to sell a machine with a known defect
- Choosing a more dangerous design over a similar but safer design
Need a Cotton Gin Injury Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: