Man with cut fingers claims saw's manufacturers to blame

A Godfrey man who was injured while using a radial arm saw filed suit against Sears and Emerson Tool Co. alleging the defendants failed to warn of the saw's dangers.

Alvin Wellenreiter alleges while using a Sears radial arm saw at his father's home on Dec. 19, 2005, his left fingers were cut by the blade of the saw, causing severe injuries.

According to the suit filed Dec. 18 in Madison County Circuit Court, at the time the defendants manufactured, marketed and sold the saw, the defendants carelessly and negligently failed to adequately warn as to the dangers of using certain saw blades when operating the saw.

Wellenreiter claims the defendants failed to place a guard at the places where people were likely to come in contact with the blade and have their limbs cut. He also claims they failed to provide adequate devices to prevent kickbacks during the operation of the radial arm saw.

He further alleges the defendants inadequately designed the hooks on the "Excalibur Dado" blade and failed to warn of the dangers of the blade when operating certain saws and performing certain cuts.

Wellenreiter claims he sustained permanent injuries to his left hands and limbs, sustained a severe injury to his nervous system which caused great pain, medical expenses and lost wages.

Represented by Laef Lorton of Jerseyville, Wellenreiter is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, plus costs.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder.

07 L 1068