Sears’ popular Craftsman table saws have been recalled for potential injury hazards. According to a USA TODAY news report, the 10-inch portable saw comes with a metal foldable stand, which could unexpectedly collapse posing laceration and impact injury hazards to the operator.
Taiwan-based Rexon Industrial Corp., which manufactured these saws, is recalling about 46,000 units that were exclusively sold by Sears in its stores. So far, the company has received 11 reports of the table saw collapsing including nine reports of injuries to fingers and hands such as broken bones, lacerations, shoulder strain and a partial fingernail amputation.
Sears has issued a statement saying that it values the safety of members and customers and is voluntarily recalling these table saws after the manufacturer identified a potential concern. Consumers are asked to immediately stop using the recalled table saws and contact Rexon for a free replacement stand.
Table Saw Injuries
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in the United States alone, more than 65,000 people are injured in table saw accidents. The impact on victims is quite substantial. OSHA estimates that the cost to a business from one amputation is more than $130,000. These numbers, however, don’t even begin to take into account the pain and suffering of the individual, surgeries that may be required and the years of physical therapy necessary to rehabilitate these types of injuries. In many cases, the injuries are catastrophic, which means they leave people disfigured or disabled for life.
Responsibilities of Saw Manufacturers
There are some inherent risks when you use equipment such as table saws. However, when these products are defectively designed or when they have manufacturing defects, the consequences can be devastating. Product manufacturers have a responsibility and a legal obligation to make, market and sell items that are safe for consumers to use. When there product has known inherent dangers, they are also required under the law to warn consumers about the precautions they need to take in order to avoid injuries while using the product as intended.
If you have been injured as the result of a defectively designed or manufactured product, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages and losses by filing a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. Injured victims may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of surgery, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced Sacramento product liability lawyer can help fight for your rights and hold negligent manufacturers accountable. Call the Demas Law Group P.C., at (916) 444-0100 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
