New York City Defective Power Tool Attorneys

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    Defective Power Tool Injuries

    Defective products have become a common problem for the American consumer. Nearly all manufacturers have an allowance for defect in their cost studies and bottom lines, and are willing to absorb the cost of returns and poor consumer satisfaction. These allowances for defect are everywhere, from consumer electronics (such as televisions and video game systems) to clothing. Normally a consumer must suffer only the inconvenience of returning the item to the store. But with some products, being defective puts the consumer at great risk of injury and accident.

    Defective power tools are among the most dangerous of defective products. Because power tools frequently have sharp edges and powerful motors, any design flaw or defect in manufacture has the potential to cause significant injury. Some of the most common injures associated with defective power tools are:

    • Lacerations, most commonly associated with saws and power sanders
    • Puncture wounds, most commonly associated with drills and nail guns
    • Burns, including electrical burns, associated with all power tools equipped with motors and/or batteries, and with welders

    Most of these injuries require medical care, which can be extensive and expensive. Extended stays in the hospital and extensive physical therapy are the outcome of serious power tool injuries. Even after medical treatment and therapy, some injuries—including amputations, serious lacerations, and burns—can affect a person’s long-term health and ability to hold a job, especially those whose training and livelihood is reliant on continued use of power tools.

    Defective Power Tool Liability

    Whenever a power tool accident or injury occurs, it is important that an investigation take place to determine the chain of events. Without making this determination, it is impossible to determine whether or not it is safe for the tool to see continued use. Though it might seem apparent what went wrong, initial impressions can be deceiving, particularly when there are so many moving parts in play.

    The four major causes of tool injury include:

    • Design defect, where a fundamental flaw in the design of the device increases the likelihood of malfunction and injury
    • Defect in manufacturing, where an error in the fabrication of the device leaves it prone to malfunction
    • User error
    • Unsafe work conditions, where either the environment poses additional hazards, or necessary safety accessories are not properly utilized

    Power Tool Accident Safety and Prevention

    Whenever working with power tools, it is important to remember just how easily something can go wrong. The most important thing the user can do is pay attention. The most common user error is taking the eyes off the work being performed Taking eyes off the tool also lessens the likelihood of noticing something going wrong, such as a faulty guard shaking loose, or a loose saw blade spinning at a dangerous angle.

    As important as it is to pay attention to what your hands are doing, pausing between tasks, turning off the power tool, and checking your surroundings is equally important. Many power tool accidents occur when a third party makes contact with the power tool user. Also take this time to make sure that the tool itself remains safe, paying particular attention to whether the tool is becoming hot to the touch.

    Another important consideration when working with power tools is consulting documentation to ensure that all proper safety protocols are followed and all safety accessories are utilized. Many saws come with blade guards (and some even come with built-in automatic shutdown mechanisms). These days, many tools come with some form of safety mechanism. Understanding how the safety mechanism works makes it easier to monitor whether the mechanism is working, or whether it has been undermined by faulty manufacture or design.

    The manufacturers of power tools have a long history of resisting safety upgrades to existing product lines. If you or someone you love has been injured in a power tool accident, it is important you contact a qualified attorney quickly. Only an experienced attorney will know how to make sure a proper investigation is undertaken to determine the cause of the accident.

    New York City law firm Finz & Finz, P.C., has worked with many victims of defective power tool injuries, and this experience is pivotal to holding manufacturers liable for their negligence. If you think your injury might have been due to a defective power tool, you can call Finz & Finz, P.C., now, toll free, at (855) TOP-FIRM or go online to fill out the Free Defective Power Tool Injury Case Evaluation Form.