Man Hospitalized After Conveyor Belt Accident in Westford, MA

Westford, MA (August 14, 2026) – A 48-year-old man was seriously hurt on Friday, August 14, when his arm became trapped in a conveyor belt at an asphalt plant on Groton Road.

The Essex County Fire and Nashua NH Fire were called to the scene around 11:30 a.m. after the man's arm became caught in the machinery. A technical rescue team worked to free him as surgical teams were brought in to assist on site.

The man was extricated around 1:30 p.m. after suffering a partial amputation of his left arm. He was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital for further treatment.

Additional emergency units from neighboring communities were called in to assist during the two-hour rescue effort. 

The circumstances that led to the entrapment remain under review. 

We hope the man has the best possible recovery from his injuries.

Can an Injured Worker Sue Beyond Workers' Comp in Massachusetts?

Yes, in some cases. While Massachusetts workers' compensation generally provides the exclusive remedy against an employer for a workplace injury, an injured worker can still pursue a separate claim against a third party whose negligence contributed to the accident, such as an equipment manufacturer or an outside contractor. 

Conveyor belt entrapment injuries usually result in severe, life-altering harm, including partial or full amputation, nerve damage, and the need for multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation. Recovery from these injuries frequently involves prosthetic care, physical therapy, and an extended period away from work.

When a machine lacks adequate safety guards, an emergency stop mechanism, or proper warning labels, a product liability claim against the equipment's manufacturer may be possible independent of any workers' compensation claim. 

Massachusetts law allows an injured worker to pursue both workers' compensation benefits and a third-party claim simultaneously, though any workers' comp benefits received are typically factored into a later third-party recovery. 

Given how technical these cases can become, a personal injury lawyer can help determine whether faulty equipment, inadequate maintenance, or another party's negligence contributed to the entrapment.

Workplace machinery cases typically involve multiple potentially responsible parties, and sorting out where workers' compensation ends and a third-party claim begins can take careful review. At Fiorentino Legal, P.C., we are here to review your case and help you understand what your options may be. 

If you or a loved one was hurt in a workplace accident involving machinery, you can reach Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C. at (617) 990-2568. Our team can guide you through the claim process. 

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.