Guide to Table Saw Defects and Power Tool Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?
It may be surprising to know the number of injuries that result from power tools each year. Table saw accidents, for example, cause approximately 40,000 victims to require emergency medical treatment every year. These injuries can involve lacerations, amputations, and bone fractures.
Most often, these types of accidents are caused by defective design and manufacturing, and/or faulty or nonexistent safety features. Victims of table saw accidents may have the legal right to pursue compensation through product liability lawsuits.
What Makes a Table Saw Defective?
A product can become the subject of a legal claim for being defective in various ways. One scenario is when a safer, more effective alternative is available in the market but is not utilized in the product in question. For instance, the omission of a safety feature like “Saw/Stop” in a table saw, which could reduce the risk of injury or death, can lead to a defective product claim. In product liability litigation, claims generally hinge on demonstrating one of three key issues, which may include the following:
- Design defect: This refers to situations where, at the time of design and manufacturing, a safer and more practical design was available but was not used by the manufacturer. This indicates that the product’s design was inherently flawed from the beginning.
- Manufacturing defect: This defect occurs when the final product, as produced and distributed, deviates significantly from the original design, making it more hazardous than intended.
- Labeling defect: This involves the manufacturer’s failure to adequately warn users about the known dangers of using the product. This is particularly relevant in cases where advancements in technology that could enhance safety are known but not implemented by the manufacturer.
The table saw market in the U.S. includes several major manufacturers and distributors, such as Ryobi, Kwikset, DeWalt, Bosch, Skil, Delta, Makita, Grizzly, Craftsman, Sears, and Woodcraft, among others. These companies are known for producing and distributing a range of table saws and related equipment.
Table saw defect claims are vital in ensuring that products are as safe as possible for consumers and that manufacturers are held accountable for the safety standards of their products.
Filing a Lawsuit for Defective Power Tools
Pursuing a lawsuit for defective power tools involves several steps centered on establishing that the tool was defective, and that the defect directly caused your injury, which may include the following:
- Gather evidence: This includes the defective tool itself, any medical records of injuries sustained, photographs of the injury and the tool, and any witness statements. Keep the tool in the same condition as it was at the time of the accident, as it serves as a key piece of evidence.
- Document the incident: Record incident details, including the date, time, and circumstances under which the injury occurred. If there were any witnesses, their accounts could be vital.
- Seek medical attention: Immediate medical attention ensures your health and safety and provides medical documentation linking your injury to the accident.
- Consult a product liability lawyer: The lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. have focused knowledge and can provide valuable guidance on whether you have a valid claim, the potential at-fault parties (such as the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer), and the legal strategy to pursue.
- File the lawsuit: Your lawyer will prepare and file the necessary paperwork outlining your allegations against the manufacturer or other parties and state the damages you seek.
- Discovery phase: Once the product liability case is filed, both sides will proceed in a discovery process, where evidence is exchanged and depositions are taken.
- Negotiate a settlement or go to trial: Many product liability cases are settled out of court. However, your case may go to trial if a settlement is not reached. In court, it will be necessary to prove that the power tool was defective and that you suffered economic and non-economic damages.
Pursuing a lawsuit for a defective power tool requires careful preparation and attention to legal details. The skilled product liability lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. can be your greatest asset in navigating this complex process and helping you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Table Saw Defect Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. Today
If you suffered injuries from a defective table saw or power tool, you must recognize that you have legal options. The dedicated lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. have experience handling even the most complex product liability claims. We handle everything on your behalf, including gathering evidence, navigating relevant product liability laws, and representing your interests in negotiations or court.
