Power tools add a level of convenience to many industries. If you are involved in almost any construction trade, you know how valuable power tools can be. Far too often, power tools have hidden defects that can lead to severe injuries when they malfunction or cause an unsafe condition. After suffering power tools work injury, you may be faced with injuries so severe you require extensive treatment or you may be disabled to the point you cannot work at all.
Types of Power Tool Problems
There are any number of things that can go wrong with a power tool. The tool may have design defects or may have been designed unsafely from the beginning. The manufacturer may not have adequately warned you about dangers when you use the equipment. In some cases, the power tool may not have the proper safety guards that are designed to keep you from being injured. Some of the most commonly used power tools include:
- Nail guns
- Power saws, including table saws, chainsaws or cutting tools
- Power drills
- Welding equipment
- Wood chippers
Power Tool Work Injuries
A power tool malfunction can cause devastating injuries. There have been reports of amputations, electric shock or other catastrophic injuries that require extensive treatment, physical therapy and could lead you to become disabled. When you suffer a power tool injury at work, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention. Be sure that the power tool that caused the injury is preserved in the same condition as it was when the accident occurred. Take photographs of the tool, the scene and your injuries. If there are witnesses, be sure to get their names and contact information as they may be called on to describe what they saw.
Workers Compensation
Even if the power tool was not defective, you are eligible for workers compensation after an injury. This is true even if you are partially or completely at fault for the injury or if a co-worker can be held responsible. In Pennsylvania, your employer is required to provide you with workers’ compensation coverage for any injury that occurs on the job. This means coverage for lost wages, medical expenses and other costs you may incur as a result of your injury. Unfortunately, employers often calculate the amount of compensation incorrectly, which is why you need to speak to qualified power tools work injury attorneys immediately after your injury. This does not mean you plan to file a lawsuit as Pennsylvania law does not allow you to do so after a workplace injury in most cases. Our attorneys will simply keep your best interests in mind to be sure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a power tool at work, contact the power tools work injury attorneys at Lundy Law today to learn what rights you may have. You can arrange for a no-obligation consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the easy form on our website.
