After several days of trial, a Catholic church in Newburgh has agreed to pay $300,000 to settle a claim brought by an undocumented Mexican immigrant who lost his leg when a 530-pound statue fell on him. Jimenez v. St. Patrick’s, 2439/2011, centered on David Jimenez, 44, a pizzeria and bakery deliveryman who began praying at an outdoor statue of the crucifixion when his partner was stricken with cancer and continued his devotions after she was cured. Records show that Jimenez had volunteered to clean the statue and was doing so on his day off in 2010 when it suddenly fell from its pedestal. Jimenez’ leg was crushed and had to be amputated below the knee.
The issue in the trial before Orange County Supreme Court Justice Elaine Slobod (See Profile) was whether St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church had installed the statue on the pedestal since evidence showed it was not properly secured. Although proof indicated that an independent contractor had installed the statue, after four days of trial the defendant settled for $300,000.
A 530-pound crucifix at St. Patricks Church in Newburgh crushed the right leg of David Jiminez.
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