Built for Work, Prone to Danger: Who’s Liable When Power Tools Cause Injury

Power tools make construction, renovation, and DIY projects faster and easier, but when these tools are defective, they can become extremely dangerous. Nail guns, saws, drills, and other equipment are built to deliver high power and precision, which also means that any malfunction can result in serious injury.

Understanding Product Liability

Product liability is the area of law that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible when a defective product causes harm. If a power tool like a circular saw or a nail gun fails due to poor design, manufacturing errors, or a lack of proper safety warnings, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

There are generally three main types of product defects that may lead to a lawsuit:

• Design Defects: Initially, the tool was poorly designed, making it unsafe even when used correctly.
• Manufacturing Defects: The tool was designed properly, but a flaw occurred during manufacturing.
• Failure to Warn: The product did not include sufficient instructions or warnings about potential hazards.

Common Power Tool Failures

While any power tool can be dangerous if misused, defective tools pose a greater risk. Some common examples of defective power tool issues include:

• Nail Guns Firing Unexpectedly: A faulty trigger mechanism can cause a nail gun to fire without warning, potentially resulting in puncture wounds or eye injuries.
• Drills Overheating or Shorting Out: Poor wiring or overheating batteries can cause burns or electrical shocks.
• Table or Circular Saws Without Proper Guards: A missing or ineffective blade guard can lead to amputations or deep lacerations.
• Power Sanders or Grinders with Defective Switches: If the tool won’t shut off or powers on by itself, it creates a serious risk for the user.
• Rechargeable Tools with Battery Explosions: Lithium-ion battery failures can cause fires or explosions, especially if the battery is overcharged or poorly ventilated.

These accidents often result in severe injuries, including crushed fingers, deep cuts, broken bones, burns, and even long-term disability, or extreme cases, even death. 

What to Do If You’re Injured by a Power Tool

If you’ve been hurt while using a power tool or piece of equipment, here are some important steps to take:

• Get Medical Attention Immediately: Your health and safety come first. Seek professional medical care even if the injury seems minor.
• Preserve the Tool: Don’t throw it away. The defective product is key evidence in any legal claim.
• Take Photos and Notes: Document your injuries, the tool’s condition, and the environment where the injury happened.
• Save Receipts and Records: Keep proof of purchase, instruction manuals, and other documentation.
• Talk to a Lawyer: A product liability attorney can help you understand your rights and whether you have a valid claim.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In product liability cases, more than one party may be responsible for your injuries. This can include:

• The Manufacturer of the tool or its components
• The Distributor or Retailer that sold the defective product
• The Assembler or Installer, if the tool was put together improperly before reaching you

Determining who is at fault requires investigating how the tool was made, tested, and sold. That’s where experienced legal representation comes in.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Product liability isn’t just theoretical; real-world cases show how dangerous defective power tools can be. If you’ve been injured by a faulty power tool, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability or permanent impairment
• Costs for rehabilitation or home modifications

A successful product liability claim can help you regain financial stability and hold companies accountable for putting unsafe tools on the market.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve helped thousands of injured consumers take on large manufacturers and win. Our experienced product liability attorneys know what it takes to fight for justice—whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court. We have the resources to go toe-to-toe with powerful companies and never charge upfront fees. You don’t pay unless we win.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective power tool, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. At Morgan & Morgan, we’re for the people—not the powerful.