Accident Victims

“When Something Goes Wrong, You Simply Can’t Move Faster Than A Spinning Blade.”

Below are the stories of individuals who suffered tragic incidents using a table saw that was not a SawStop.

“I’m not whole anymore. I had a part of me that…I don’t have anymore. And I can’t get it back.”

Patrick Callahan was working at his stone and countertop production business in 1998, cutting Corian on the table saw—without the blade guard in place—for a custom job. Unfortunately, the Corian rode up on the blade, then snapped back down and shattered, pulling Patrick’s left hand—his dominant hand—into the blade. Instantly, he suffered severe injuries to his thumb and two fingers.

“I didn’t know how to react at first,” Patrick said. “I was pretty much in shock that this might be the end for me in a way. It sounds ridiculous, but I didn’t know at the time how much damage was done to my hand, and since I work with my hands, what my future would be.” Fortunately, doctors were able to save a finger and thumb, but he lost most of his index finger. The ensuing months and years of surgeries and rehabilitation, lost wages, exorbitant medical bills, and personal strain nearly broke Patrick.

Watch video testimonials from other victims who suffered devastating table saw injuries

A Split Second Can Drastically Change Your Life

Black Friday took on a whole new meaning for JS (name withheld). He was working in his home shop the day after Thanksgiving, ripping a narrow piece of walnut on his contractor saw, with only the riving knife in place for safety. His right hand was gripping a push stick to push the wood forward…

One little slip, one mistake can change your life forever

When you hear that a table saw injury can be drastically life-altering, you can’t really appreciate what that means until you live it. Dennis Melton lives it. The Portland, Oregon man suffered a workplace injury that forever changed his life.

“I’m not whole anymore. I had a part of me that…I don’t have anymore. And I can’t get it back”

SawStop

Patrick Callahan was working at his stone and countertop production business in 1998, cutting Corian (a synthetic material used for countertops) on a contractor-style table saw—without the blade guard in place—for a custom job. Unfortunately, the Corian rode up on the blade, then snapped back down and shattered, pulling Patrick’s left hand—his dominant hand—into the blade. Instantly, he suffered severe injuries to his thumb and two fingers.

Table Saw Accident Victims

These woodworkers have honored us with their stories. Please take a moment to listen.

David Stivelman testimonial

David Stivelman had to learn to care for his newborn son just nine months after suffering a horrific accident in his home woodworking shop. The accident cost him half of the index finger on his right hand, as well as permanently damaging two other fingers.

Two Accidents in One Month

Joe M. (woodworker)

Joe, now retired, worked for 30 years as a general contractor. Joe had two accidents in a one month period doing woodworking as a hobbyist. As result of the accident, he no longer has feeling in the tips of his fingers on his left hand, and his right hand appears deformed.

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