Construction Site Power Tool Injury Claims: How Defects Cause Serious Injuries
Power tools are an essential part of a construction worker’s daily routine. The expectation is that they will function safely and effectively. However, power tool defects, ranging from faulty design to improper manufacturing or inadequate instructions, can lead to life-altering injuries. This holds designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to a high standard of safety for these tools. If you have been injured by a power tool during what should have been routine use, you need to know the nature of the defect and the legal options available to you.
At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we have focused knowledge on the complexities of product liability and workplace accidents. Whether it’s a nail gun that misfires or a saw with a loose blade, each tool carries specific risks, particularly if defective.
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How Power Tool Defects Can Cause Serious Injuries
A defective product refers to an object that poses a risk of injury due to issues such as design flaws, manufacturing errors, malfunctions, or inadequate labeling or instructions.
Designers, manufacturers, and suppliers all bear responsibility for ensuring that products, including power tools, are safe for consumer use. When a power tool causes injury during normal use on a construction site, it may be due to various defects, including the following:
Design Defect
This defect involves a fundamental flaw in the product’s design that renders it inherently unsafe across an entire model line. To prove a design defect, victims must demonstrate the product harbors a dangerous element that could have been mitigated by an alternative design. Such alternatives might include enhanced safety features, additional warnings, or more comprehensive usage instructions.
Manufacturing Defect
This type of defect arises during the production process. It occurs when a product, despite being well-designed, is compromised during manufacturing. This might involve the use of substandard materials or errors in assembly, affecting individual items rather than the entire line.
Inadequate Warnings and Instructions
A product must also come with sufficient and clear instructions and warnings. Manufacturers and suppliers are liable if they fail to provide adequate guidelines on the safe use of a product or if they do not properly warn users about the inherent risks associated with the product. Proper warnings and instructions are essential as they inform users of the intended use of the product and educate them on avoiding potential dangers.
Examples of Power Tool Defects
Power tools are typically composed of various sharp and pointed components designed to penetrate materials such as steel, wood, and fiberglass. These tools must incorporate safety features such as emergency stop switches to protect users. It’s vital that all moving parts are shielded by fixed or interlocking guards to minimize the risk of injuries.
The following are some power tools that often have defects:
- Nail guns
- Chainsaws
- Table saws
- Band saws
- Snowblowers
- Circular saws
- Drills
- Air compressors
- Power sanders
- Hoists, lifts, or jacks
- Welding and soldering torches
- Power washers
Common defects in these tools that could lead to severe injuries include:
- Cracks in wheels of grinders, cutters, polishers, and buffers
- Damaged power cords
- Motors that overheat
- Loose blades in power saws
- Nail guns that misfire
- Unlubricated power jacks
- Faulty safety switches
- Inadequate safety warnings
- Insufficient hydraulic fluid in power tools
- Missing safety guards
- Loose fittings in pneumatic tools powered by air compression
If a power tool at a construction site causes you serious injuries due to a defect, you may have legal options to pursue damages for present and future medical expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Consult the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. to understand the viability of your claim.
What Are Your Legal Options for a Defective Power Tool Injury on a Construction Site?
Depending on various factors, such as employment status, whether your employer holds workers’ compensation coverage, or the nature and cause of your injuries, you may have several legal options to recover economic and non-economic damages. An experienced lawyer will help you assess which legal path is in your best interest, including the following:
- Workers’ Compensation: Even if a worker is at fault for their own job-related injury, they are still entitled to comprehensive benefits under workers’ compensation. This excludes any non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
- Third-Party Negligence Lawsuit: If a person who is neither the employer nor a coworker is responsible for an injury due to the careless operation of a tool or machinery, victims may file a personal injury lawsuit based on one or multiple-party negligence.
- Products Liability Lawsuit: Should a tool or machine prove to be excessively unsafe, the injured worker has the right to sue the manufacturer and distributor for providing a faulty product.
Power tool injuries may affect your ability to return to work and impact your quality of life. While the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. do not handle workers’ compensation claims, we can refer you to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. And if your injury was caused by a defective power tool or negligent third party, we may be able to represent you with a personal injury claim.
Speak With the Construction Site Accident Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.
At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we understand the profound impact that a power tool injury can have on your life and livelihood. With over 30 years of experience, our lawyers are committed to advocating for your right to fair compensation. Our unique approach to storytelling frames your case the right way from day one, utilizing credible expert witnesses and detailed graphic storyboards and videos. This comprehensive strategy may increase the chances of a favorable outcome for your case. We handle all the paperwork and deal with insurance adjusters, allowing you to focus on healing.
Don’t let a defective power tool injury derail your future. Reach out to Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. to explore your legal options and start your journey toward recovery.
