Power tool accidents can happen when you least expect them. While these tools were typically used in the construction industry, power tools have become more common than ever among homeowners and hobbyists. The proliferation of power tools has had a direct impact on the increasing likelihood of these devices causing serious injury.
The unfortunate reality for many people is that power tools can have defects. If you have been injured by one of these defective tools, you could have grounds to pursue legal action with the help of an NYC construction accident lawyer. Before you attempt to resolve your legal case on your own, reach out to the law firm of Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. as soon as possible.
Common Defective Power Tools
In theory, any tool could be defective. However, certain defects are more likely to result in serious injury and construction accident compensation. Power tools that commonly cause injuries include:
- Drills
- Welding equipment
- Grinders
- Sanders
- Ladders
- Nail guns
- Table saws
- Jig saws
Pursuing compensation when malfunction or poor design of any of these tools result in a serious injury could be possible, but succeeding in these cases alone can be difficult. A New York power tool accident attorney can help pursue legal action whether the injury resulted from a defective tool or an act of negligence on another person’s behalf.
What to Do After a Power Tool Accident
Following a power tool accident, the steps you take can increase your chances for a full recovery and your odds of recovering damages to cover your losses. You should always seek medical treatment and take steps to collect evidence. It’s also crucial to speak with an attorney. Strong legal counsel can ensure that your legal rights are protected while helping you pursue fair compensation.
Seek medical care
Your top priority following a power tool accident should be your physical health. These accidents often result in life-threatening injuries. In addition, survivors of these accidents can face permanent disability, lasting pain, or disfigurement. Therefore, the sooner you seek medical care after a power tool accident, the better your prognosis. Ongoing care might be necessary for chronic pain or disfigurement.
Seeking medical treatment can also protect your personal injury claim. When you go to the doctor, those records create a paper trail that documents that your injury is as severe as you claimed.
Report the accident
You should report your accident as soon as possible. For example, if you were working, you must inform your employer as soon as possible that you’ve been hurt. If the accident happened on private property, you should notify the owner as well. In some cases, they might be held liable.
Talk to an attorney
Consult with a lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases. They can give you a clear picture of whether your claim is viable. They can also investigate the cause of your accident. It is essential to have a clear picture of who—if anyone—is responsible. Some power tool accidents occur due to the actions of a negligent employer. Others happen when the tool itself is dangerous or defective.
An attorney can also help you resolve your claim in the most favorable way possible. This could include reaching a negotiated settlement with the responsible party. However, when a settlement is not an option, they can seek justice by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Examples of Power Tool Accident Injuries
There are many different examples of common injuries from power tools. These injuries can be related to a defect, but there are also injuries that stem from the negligent use of an otherwise reliable tool. Each of these injuries has the potential to lead to serious issues for the victim. Some common injuries include:
- Cuts and lacerations. Damage to the skin is common with power tool accidents. Nail guns can result in penetrating wounds, while saws can leave severe lacerations.
- Amputations. Some power tools, particularly those with the power to cut or saw, can result in an amputation of a body part.
- Electrocutions. Electrocution injuries are possible with any power tool that requires electricity to operate. Faulty wiring could result in an electrocution when using these tools.
- Burns. Some power tools provide an inherent risk of burn injuries. These tools might emit heat or flame as part of their primary function. Burns are a possibility when these tools are defective.
Understanding Power Tool Defects
Not all power tool defects are created equal. The defects that could result in an injury can vary as much as the types of tools that are available on the market. Understanding the nature of a defect could improve your chances of success when you pursue legal action with the help of an attorney.
- Defective design. Design flaws could make a power tool inherently dangerous. When defects occur during the design process, they impact every model built using that design.
- Manufacturing defects. Some defects occur even when the design is not problematic. These defects—known as manufacturing defects—can occur during any point from the factory to the store shelves. Some of these defects occur during production, while others can happen based on how the tool is transported or sold.
- Marketing defects. A marketing defect is a mistake or omission in the warning labels or instructions for a power tool. When these instructions fail to warn of a high likelihood of injury, they could be defective. The same is true when the instructions do not make it clear how to use it safely.
Talk to an Attorney About a Defective Power Tool Accident
If you were injured by a defective power tool, you could be entitled to compensation. You have the right to seek legal counsel when pursuing the damages you deserve. The team at Friedman Levy is ready to advocate zealously on your behalf. Reach out as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation.
