Industrial Bread Machine Crushes Woman’s Arm

Nicola Hall

Woman left suicidal after her arm is severely crushed in an industrial bread machine

Nicola Hall is supporting a young woman in her fight for justice after a traumatic workplace accident left her with permanent injuries and emotional distress.

The victim thought she was going to die when her arm was dragged into an industrial bread machine and crushed, fracturing it in five places.

Madalina Chirica, 28, said she has been left feeling suicidal after suffering a deformed right arm and a lifelong disability.

Now Madalina is taking legal action against her employer Signature Flatbreads through Osbornes Law so she can rebuild her life.

What happened?

Madalina, who is originally from Romania and now lives in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, had been working for the company for five years when in February 2023 the life changing incident happened.

She was scraping dough off a conveyor belt leading to an oven when her tunic got caught and her right arm was pulled and crushed in the belt mechanism. Protective covers that should have been in place had been removed for cleaning, but the company denies liability.

Madalina said: “In that moment, as my arm was being pulled into the machine, I thought I was going to die. I was terrified.

“When I went to the hospital I saw the X-ray of five fractures in my arm and the doctors said they would have to see if there was any nerve damage and whether I would be able to use my arm again.

“I was thinking that I was going to be seriously disabled and if there was any point in carrying on living if I couldn’t use my arm again.”

Madalina had several plates inserted in her arm and was left in severe pain and unable to use her right arm.

She added: “My life has been drastically affected by the incident. My relationship with my boyfriend became strained as I was under a lot of stress. I was feeling suicidal and he had to keep an eye on me to make sure I didn’t hurt myself.

“I wake up at night because of the nightmares about the incident, shouting and screaming. When I go outside I feel ashamed of my arm and how I look and I get angry and upset.”

Madalina is no longer able to return to her previous job, as she cannot lift more than 2kg with her right arm.

She said: “I just want to be able to rebuild my life. I don’t understand why my employer won’t admit they were at fault and take responsibility. I am struggling and I don’t know what to do.”

Nicola Hall, specialist personal injury solicitor from Osbornes Law, said:

“My client suffered horrendous injuries as a result of an incident at work that was no fault of her own. She has not only been left with a physical disability but also the mental scars. I would urge her employer to do the right thing and settle this matter so she can move on with her life. This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when workplace safety procedures are not properly followed. Madalina has shown immense courage in speaking out about her experience. No one should go to work and suffer life-changing harm due to preventable failures. We are committed to securing justice for Madalina and ensuring she receives the support and compensation she needs to rebuild her life with dignity and hope.”

How can we help?

At Osbornes Law, our award-winning personal injury team is dedicated to securing justice for those who have suffered life-changing injuries. With a proven track record of success, compassionate client care, and deep expertise in complex workplace accident claims, we fight tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation and support they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured through no fault of your own, we’re here to help you rebuild your life. Contact us by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811