St. Patrick’s Church in Newburgh, New York,is being sued after its 600-pound crucifix fell atop a man, causing him to lose his leg.

On May 30, 2010, David Jimenez was cleaning Christ’s face with soapy water when the marbled statue came loose and knocked him to the ground. The crucifix then landed on his right leg, crushing it so badly that doctors had to amputate.

The church raised more than $7,000 for Jimenez, but the money was not enough to compensate for his lost income now that the 45-year-old cannot work. He is suing for $3 million. Jimenez’s lawyer also contends the Newburgh church was at fault for not properly anchoring the statue.

Jimenez was cleaning the crucifix on a voluntarily basis. He offered to do so after he prayed for his wife, Delia, to recover from ovarian cancer, which she did.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Latino with Missing Leg Sues New York Church for Crucifix Mishap (by Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News Latino)

David Jimenez, Man Who Lost Leg In Crucifix Mishap, Sues Church (by Chris Carola, Associated Press)