Power tools, while essential for construction and other trades, can be dangerous when they malfunction. Defective power tools can result in severe injuries, ranging from lacerations and amputations to more life-threatening accidents. In California, several lawsuits involving defective power tools have led to substantial settlements, highlighting the importance of product safety and holding manufacturers accountable for negligence. Below, we list some of the most significant defective power tool settlements in California.
Common Power Tool Defects
Power tools are prone to several types of defects that can cause accidents, including:
- Defective switches or wiring: Electrical malfunctions can cause shocks or fires.
- Faulty safety guards: Missing or improperly installed safety guards can result in severe cuts or amputations.
- Mechanical malfunctions: Tools that jam or misfire can lead to unintended injuries.
- Battery malfunctions: Exploding batteries in cordless power tools pose serious risks of burns or electric shock.
Such defects can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, and victims can pursue compensation through lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Notable Defective Power Tool Settlements in California
- $15 Million Settlement – A construction worker was awarded $15 million after suffering an amputation caused by a defective saw blade guard. The guard failed to engage, leading to a severe hand injury. The lawsuit held both the tool manufacturer and the retailer liable for selling a known defective product.
- $12 Million Settlement – A factory worker in Los Angeles secured $12 million after a power drill malfunctioned and caused serious facial injuries. The case revealed that the manufacturer had known about the defect but failed to issue a recall.
- $11.5 Million Settlement – A carpenter was awarded $11.5 million after suffering a back injury due to a defective ladder combined with a malfunctioning power tool. The tool, a nail gun, misfired and caused him to lose his balance, leading to a fall.
- $10 Million Settlement – A worker received $10 million after being severely injured by a defective angle grinder. The power tool’s defective disc guard failed, resulting in severe facial and neck lacerations.
- $9.8 Million Settlement – In a notable case, a welder in San Francisco was awarded $9.8 million after a defective battery pack on a cordless drill exploded, causing third-degree burns to his face and arms.
- $9.5 Million Settlement – A contractor secured $9.5 million after losing multiple fingers in an accident involving a defective table saw. The tool’s safety mechanism failed, and it was discovered that similar complaints had been ignored by the manufacturer.
- $8.7 Million Settlement – A woodworker received $8.7 million after a defective electric sander caused a fire, severely damaging his workshop and causing burn injuries. The lawsuit involved both the tool manufacturer and the company that installed faulty wiring in the tool.
- $8.5 Million Settlement – A construction worker in Sacramento was awarded $8.5 million after being electrocuted by a defective power saw. The saw’s faulty wiring caused a massive electrical shock, leading to permanent nerve damage in the worker’s hands.
- $8 Million Settlement – In Riverside, a roofer received $8 million after falling from a ladder while using a defective nail gun. The gun’s faulty firing mechanism caused the accident, leading to spinal injuries and permanent disability.
- $7.9 Million Settlement – A homeowner was awarded $7.9 million after a defective electric lawnmower caught fire, causing burn injuries and property damage. The case involved both the tool’s manufacturer and the store that sold the defective product.
- $7.5 Million Settlement – A machinist in San Diego secured $7.5 million after a defective drill press malfunctioned, causing severe arm injuries. The defect involved a misaligned safety guard that allowed the user’s hand to be caught in the machine.
- $7.2 Million Settlement – A painter was awarded $7.2 million after suffering eye injuries from a defective power paint sprayer. The sprayer’s safety mechanism failed, and the high-pressure paint jet caused irreversible damage to the painter’s eye.
- $7 Million Settlement – A carpenter received $7 million after a defective jigsaw malfunctioned, resulting in multiple fractures to his hand. The power tool’s misfiring safety mechanism was determined to be the cause of the injury.
- $6.8 Million Settlement – A factory worker in Los Angeles secured $6.8 million after a defective air compressor exploded, causing extensive burns and hearing loss. The case revealed that the manufacturer had failed to address earlier complaints regarding the safety of the compressor.
- $6.5 Million Settlement – A roofer was awarded $6.5 million after a defective power drill battery overheated and exploded. The explosion caused severe burns and disfigurement, and the manufacturer settled the case before trial.
- $6 Million Settlement – A San Francisco worker received $6 million after suffering severe hand injuries caused by a faulty jackhammer. The defect involved a broken handle, which caused the tool to become uncontrollable.
- $5.8 Million Settlement – In a significant case, a contractor was awarded $5.8 million after a defective circular saw blade detached during use, causing facial lacerations and loss of sight in one eye.
- $5.5 Million Settlement – A mechanic in Oakland received $5.5 million after a defective wrench misfired, causing a hand injury that required multiple surgeries. The manufacturer was found to have used substandard materials in the tool’s construction.
- $5 Million Settlement – A construction worker was awarded $5 million after being injured by a defective nail gun. The nail gun fired without being properly triggered, causing severe injuries to the worker’s leg and foot.
- $4.9 Million Settlement – In Bakersfield, a man secured $4.9 million after being injured by a defective power saw. The safety guard failed to engage, leading to a severe hand injury and amputation of several fingers.
The Role of a California Defective Power Tool Lawyer
When dealing with defective power tool accidents, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is critical. These professionals help victims navigate the complexities of product liability cases, holding manufacturers and sellers accountable for defects. Attorneys play a pivotal role in:
- Investigating defects in design, manufacturing, or labeling.
- Gathering evidence from previous complaints or recalls.
- Negotiating settlements with insurance companies or opposing legal teams.
- Filing lawsuits and representing victims in court.
Conclusion
Defective power tools can cause devastating injuries, as illustrated by the significant settlements listed above. In California, the legal system provides a pathway for victims to seek compensation for their injuries. By working with a qualified personal injury attorney, victims of defective products can secure the compensation they deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs.
