Accident Victims

Accident Victims

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

One little slip, one mistake can change your life forever 

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.  While working in a production shop, Dennis was ripping boards on a table saw, same Read more…

David Stivelman testimonial 

David Stivelman testimonial 

“I just knew my life was changed. I lost most of the dexterity in my right hand and will never get it back.”  ––David Stivelman  Every first-time parent knows how challenging it can be to care for an infant. From changing diapers to buttoning or snapping onesies and other clothing to feeding them to bathing Read more…

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

“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 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 Read more…

Table Saw Accident Victims

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

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.

Amputation of Finger

Brandan S. (hobbyist)

“It flung my finger. I couldn’t turn the saw off because I was in shock.”