Power Tool Accidents & Defective Power Tool Injuries

The Real Dangers of Power Tools

The Consumer Public Safety Commission proclaims that power tools injure 400,000 people annually and cause up to 200 fatalities a year.

Power tools are used every day all across America. Anyone using a power tool at work or home expects it to work as advertised; however, that is often not the case. Power tools can have defects that can lead to malfunctioning and this can expose the user (and in some cases, even bystanders) to injury.

Dangerous and defective power tools cause catastrophic injuries and kill people every year — even when used safely and in accordance with the instructions. Defective power tools expose users to amputation injuries, electrocution injuries, burns, lacerations, loss of vision, fractures and host of other injuries. Most of these injuries are the result of design or manufacturing defects, inadequate warning labels/instructions or negligent use and operation.

Product liability cases are very complicated and they often require some sort of product or industry-related expert. It is important to retain an attorney as soon as possible. Potential witness’s memories fade with time and crucial evidence can get lost if not collected and preserved.

Our attorneys represent residents throughout Massachusetts and New England who have been injured by dangerous and defective power tools. Some of the most common power tool defects are found in the following list of tools:

Types of Power Tools

Electric Power Tools

These tools use an electrical charge or current to actuate the tool. One of the most serious injuries associated with these tools are electric shock and electrocution burns. Electricity is a very powerful source of energy and it should not be underestimated. A minor electrical charge/current can cause ventricular fibrillation or atrial fibrillation which can lead to heart failure and death or neuropathy. Electric shock could also cause someone to fall from a building or ladder. Electric tools need a 3-wire cord that comes with a ground. They need to be double insulated, plugged into a grounded outlet or operate on a low-voltage isolation transformer.

Pneumatic Power Tools

These pneumatic tools operate on compressed air. These tools are usually attached to air compressors and include chippers, nail guns, drills, hammers, wrenches etc.

Pneumatic tool injuries can occur several ways.

• These tools are not double insulated or grounded like electrical tools. This increases the potential for electrical shock.
• A punctured, cut or defective air hose can violently whip around a work area until the compressor is shut-off.
• These tools can cause compressed air or particles and debris from around the work area to shoot across a room unexpectedly. This can result in eye injuries and loss of vision.
• The air that operates the tool can have oils and fluids like antifreeze in it. As a result, these substances can be discharged into the surrounding air. This in turn can contaminate the air in the work space. Poorly ventilated work areas could cause respiratory issues, poisoning and neurological problems. Oil discharges could also find their way on to tool handles causing a loss of grip.
• Certain compressors or tools are capable of delivering or working at various air pressures or air flows. Excessive air pressure could cause a pneumatic tool to overwork or over-speed. This could cause the operator to loose control of the tool. Excessive force could also lead to over-torquing or other issues that present injury possibilities. Similarly, insufficient air pressure could make the tool under-perform. This can also lead to injuries.

Fuel-powered Tools

Most fuel-powered tools operate on gasoline. The most common and dangerous fuel-powered tool injury deals with fuel vapors. Fuel vapors can lead to explosions and fires that cause burn injuries. The vapors also gives-off dangerous fumes that can contaminate the surrounding air space. Proper ventilation or respiratory devices might be required to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Power-actuated Tools

These are very dangerous tools. They result in over 37,000 emergency room visits a year according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. These tools are so dangerous that they are subject to federal regulation. Special training is required before someone can even use this tool (29 CFR 1926.302(e)(1)). These tools are so powerful and dangerous that a non-penetrable backing must be placed behind any material that is easily penetrated by a nail or other projectile. (29 CFR 1926.302(e)(8)).

These tools create a controlled explosion using a chemical propellant charge. The charge is similar to the one used by firearms. These tools either come in low velocity or high velocity types. High velocity guns are those that are capable of projecting an object at speeds of over 300 miles-per-hour.

Safety switches, guards and warning labels are a manufacturers best way to prevent power-actuated tool injury.

Hydraulic-powered Tools

Some common hydraulic tools are hydraulic log-splitters, jackhammers, torque wrenches and hydraulic jacks that are used to lift cars for repairs. The manufacturer of a hydraulic jack has to put a warning of the jack’s load limit in a prominent place and it must warn that the load limit must not be exceeded.

Experienced Brockton / Boston Area Dangerous and Defective Power Tools Product Liability Attorneys

Initial Consultations Are Always Free – No Fee Unless We Recover For You

If you or a loved one was injured in a power tool accident help is just a phone call away.  For a free legal consultation, call the personal injury and dangerous product liability lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today. We have a proven track record with over 35 years of legal experience and you never pay a fee unless we recover for you.

To pursue claims against product manufacturers you need a strong legal advocate on your side who only has your best interest at heart. Insurance companies are often quick to offer a settlement only to have you, the victim sign away your rights to any future legal action. In most cases, accepting an insurance settlement before talking with an attorney will result in you being offered less than you may be entitled to. To get what the law entitles you to recover, before you accept an insurance settlement contact us to schedule a free legal consultation to talk with one of our injury lawyers.

We have a proven track record with over 35 years of legal experience.

The law entitles you to seek compensation to help you recover any financial losses due to medical bills and lost income, or funeral expenses, as well as entitles you to seek compensation for any future expenses.  We treat all our clients with respect and compassion — there is never any pressure and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.

No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call our law offices today to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 or click the link below to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Our Dangerous and Defective Product Liability lawyers assist power tool accident victims throughout Southeast Massachusetts including, but not limited to, those in the following counties, cities and towns: Plymouth County including Brockton, Plymouth, Bridgewater, Marshfield, Hingham, Duxbury, Wareham, Abington, Rockland, Whitman, Hanson, Middleborough; Norfolk County including Quincy, Stoughton, Dedham, Weymouth, Braintree, Avon, Holbrook, Randolph, Canton, Sharon, Brookline, Franklin; Bristol County including New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Mansfield, Easton, Raynham, Norton; and the Greater Boston area including Cambridge, Dorchester, Roxbury and Somerville.