Defective & Dangerous Power Tools
Power tools are widely used in the construction, wood working and logging industries, and contribute to making workers' jobs much easier. They are popular not only for the speed with which they can perform a task, but also for their precision and accuracy. However, defects in the design and manufacturing of these tools can have a major impact on worker safety.
Why a Product Liability Attorney
Immediately involving a product liability attorney is one of the best choices an injured worker can make. When a worker is injured by a defective power tool, he or she may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the tool. This may apply in addition to any workers' compensation claim that the worker may have. By filing a product liability lawsuit, the injured worker can seek financial compensation for medical bills, loss of earnings, emotional trauma, pain and suffering and various other economic and non-economic damages.
Without legal representation, it may be difficult for the worker to recover fair compensation. The manufacturer is likely to deny liability, possibly claiming that it was the worker's own inexperience or carelessness that led to the accident. A product liability lawyer can work with expert witnesses, investigators and various other professionals to thoroughly investigate the incident and build evidence that proves that the tool was poorly designed or was defective. A manufacturing or design defect, lack of proper instructions or inadequate warning label may provide sufficient grounds for a lawsuit – if this led to the worker's injuries.
At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we represent individuals and families throughout the U.S. in all types of product liability claims involving defective and dangerous power tools. This includes the specific tools we have listed below.
Types of Dangerous Power Tools
Table Saw
These are used in wood working factories around the world, and are widely regarded as some of the most dangerous power tools. Operation by trained workers can ensure some amount of safety, but small defects in manufacturing and design can place the most experienced operator at risk for injuries. Serious injury can occur if blades are not correctly tightened, the hood guard malfunctions, or if there are faulty or missing anti-kickback devices or splitters.
Shaper
Shaper accidents are usually linked to the sharpness and speed of the cutter. It is very important to be aware of the radius around the cutter that poses the maximum risk of injuries. A shaper should come with a guard that must be used every time the machine is operated. Machine defects can manifest themselves in the form of clattering noises that signify looseness when the tool is operated. If the tongue washer is improperly installed, or the cutter is positioned improperly, the resulting accidents and injuries can be severe.
Chain Saws
Chain saws are responsible for approximately 30 percent of all woodwork related accidents every year. The absence of safety devices or anti-kickback devices on a chain saw can increase the possibility of these accidents. For instance, a chain brake can stop the chain in the event of a kickback. A hand guard can prevent a worker's hand from accidentally moving into the chain. Other safety devices like anti-kickback chains and throttle interlocks can help prevent serious accidents. A chain saw that does not include these safety devices can cause serious injuries.
Other power tools like cordless drills, hand held blowers, and gasoline back pack blowers come with extremely high decibel levels that can impact hearing.
Injured by a defective power tool? Contact a lawyer.
Working with power tools does not have to be dangerous at all. If the worker is properly trained in the right methods for operating the tools, they can be safely operated. Even the most highly trained user, however, may not be able to spot concealed defects in the tool that can cause malfunctioning during operation. Manufacturers often forego testing procedures in order to quickly introduce a product to the market, exposing people to accidents caused by these dangerous power tools.
Our defective product lawyers believe that manufacturers should be held accountable for injuries that their products cause. That is why we fight to protect the rights of those injured by defective power tools, construction equipment and consumer products of all kinds. To learn more about our services and how we can help with a case involving a defective power tool, contact a product liability attorney at our firm today.