A 21-year-old man was seriously hurt while working as a tree trimmer in Ross Township, Allegheny County on Monday afternoon. Police say that the man was in a tree using a chainsaw when it kicked back and lodged into his upper torso and neck.

The man, who works for Adler Tree Service in Gibsonia, PA, was situated in a harness about halfway up the tree when accident occurred. He and his crewmates were working at a house along Route 19 / Perry Highway. 

The blade of the chainsaw became lodged in the man's neck. Police told reporters they were able to turn the chainsaw's motor off, but had to leave the blade stuck between his neck and collarbone to prevent him from bleeding to death.  

The man was rushed to Allegheny General Hospital where the chain was first removed, and then, eventually, the blade. Surgeons told reporters that the man was extremely lucky because the blade missed hitting major arteries by mere inches and only cut into raw muscle.

Accidents at work are no laughing matter. Although this man was lucky enough to have survived this particular incident, the events leading to his hospitalization will likely affect him for the rest of his life. If he is somehow alright enough to eventually climb and trim trees again, it will likely not be for a very long time and the man is looking at losing significant income until he is cleared to work again. He may be able to file a workers' compensation claim and collect while he is incapacitated. If you are hurt at work, it is highly recommended to contact a trusted workers' compensation attorney like Kathleen Hayne Robertson at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. for a free preliminary consultation. Call today with any of your work injury questions at 1-800-777-4081.

Source: CBS Pittsburgh, "X-ray Released Of Tree Trimmer With Chainsaw Embedded Into His Neck" 1 April 2014