Workplace Setting
On January 30, 2017, Mark Garbitini operated machinery at the Rand-Whitney Container facility in Waterbury, Connecticut. He worked with the Langston Die Cutter, a large machine used to process corrugated cardboard. Sun Automation Group, along with Sun Source 1, LLC and Sun Automation, Inc., was responsible for assessing and servicing the machine. They had previously performed work related to safety and modifications.
Chain of Events
While trying to clear jammed cardboard from the Langston Die Cutter, Garbitini’s right hand was pulled into the rollers. The machine lacked adequate guarding to prevent this type of accident. Garbitini claimed the defendants neglected safety upgrades, failed to identify risks, and did not restore the machine to manufacturer safety standards. He asserted the companies overlooked basic industry protocols and left known hazards unaddressed.
Physical and Emotional Toll
The accident caused catastrophic injuries. Four of Garbitini’s fingers were amputated, and his thumb was fractured. Ligaments and tendons suffered severe damage. He underwent several surgeries, with lasting complications. The trauma left him in chronic pain and triggered anxiety, depression, and a diminished ability to engage in daily life.
Ongoing Consequences
Medical care involved extensive treatment, including hospital visits, imaging, medications, and rehabilitation. His injuries restricted his capacity to work and perform regular tasks. The loss of function in his dominant hand had permanent effects. He is seeking damages exceeding $15,000 for both current and future economic and emotional losses.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Mark Garbitini
Counsel for Plaintiff: Stephanie Z. Roberge
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Scott Buske | Daniel J. Mastella | Samuel Buonocore | Suzanne LaBranche | Joseph T. Crouse |
Defendants: Sun Automation Group | Sun Source 1, LLC | Sun Automation, Inc.
Counsel for Defendants: John C. Mayano
Expert Witness for Defendant: Thomas L. Hannon | Franklin C. Brown
Intervening Entity: Rand-Whitney Container
Counsel for Intervening Entity: Courtney C. Stabnick
Legal Action Taken
In the complaint, Garbitini accused the defendants of negligence. His claims focused on inadequate inspections, lack of safety upgrades, and failure to mitigate known dangers. Attorney Stephanie Z. Roberge of Kennedy Johnson Schwab & Roberge filed the case in the Waterbury Superior Court.
Intervening Complaint
Rand-Whitney Container filed an intervening complaint asserting its rights under the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act. Mark Garbitini was employed by Rand-Whitney on or before January 20, 2017. On that date, he suffered bodily injuries during the course of his employment. Rand-Whitney, as his employer, provided medical treatment and compensation under the Act and expects to incur further related costs.
Garbitini later filed a third-party negligence lawsuit against Sun Automation Group and affiliated companies. Rand-Whitney, under Connecticut General Statutes § 31-293, seeks reimbursement from any damages recovered in that action to cover the compensation and medical expenses it paid or may become obligated to pay.
Defense
The Defendants, Sun Automation Group, Sun Source 1, LLC, and Sun Automation, Inc., responded to the Amended Complaint by generally denying liability for the Plaintiff’s injuries. They admitted limited background facts but rejected claims of negligence and asserted that they lacked sufficient knowledge to confirm key allegations made by the Plaintiff.
In their Special Defenses, the Defendants argued that the Plaintiff’s own negligence caused or contributed to his injuries. They claimed he failed to follow workplace safety procedures, including proper shutdown protocols, and was distracted while operating the machine. The defense sought to reduce or eliminate liability by attributing fault to the Plaintiff’s actions during the incident.
Jury Verdict
On May 30, 2025, a jury in the Superior Court of Waterbury returned a verdict awarding Plaintiff Mark Garbitini $12,000,000 in damages, $1,570,741 in economic and $10,429,259 in noneconomic losses, arising from a workplace injury involving a Langston Die Cutter. The jury assigned 85.71% liability to Defendant Sun Automation Group and 14.29% to Garbitini, reducing the final award to approximately $10,285,200. However, an inconsistency arose as a separate verdict form stated that Sun Automation Group was not liable, conflicting with the substantial damages awarded on the Plaintiff’s verdict form.