Man Sues After 600-Pound Crucifix Crushes His Leg in Bizarre Church Accident

A bizarre church accident has led David Jimenez, 45, to sue St. Patrick's Church in Newburgh, New York. The tragedy unfolded in May 2010, when a giant, 600-pound crucifix fell on Jimenez, crushing his leg and requiring a subsequent amputation. As a result, he is now taking the church to court, demanding money as a result of the incident.

According to The Associated Press, a trial is scheduled for January in Orange County Court. Jimenez's attorney, Kevin Kitson, told the wire service that his client, before losing his leg, prayed outside of the crucifix after finding out that his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After she recovered, recognizing the significance of the cross, the pizza worker decided to help clean the structure.

WCBS-TV has more:

"David attributed the cure to his devotion to that cross," Kitson told WCBS-TV, explaining that his client received permission to clean the stone structure out of gratitude.

It was during this process that Jimenez was seriously injured. As a result, he is now claiming that he is unable to work and he's seeking $3 million from St. Patrick's. Kitson is arguing that the cross was barely held in place by a single, "useless" screw and that the church is, thus, responsible.

"The screw was useless. The screw is useless. It supported no anchoring system," he explained.

Despite the church's insurance company not yet being willing to settle, St. Patrick's has collected food and nearly $7,000 in funds for Jimenez and his family in an effort to assist them following the tragic accident.

Jimenez, a deeply-religious man, is hopeful that the court will rule in his favor.