Hand and power tools are some of the most common types of equipment that are used on construction sites. However, they are hazardous when not used properly and can lead to accidents that cause a worker to suffer serious injury or fatality. If you’re a construction worker who was injured in an accident involving a hand or power tool, you might require extensive medical treatment and have lost time from work. In such cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party to recover your economic and non-economic damages.
Common Types of Hand and Power Tool Accidents
Hand tools are those that are operated manually and do not require a source for power. Hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers are all examples of hand tools that can be used on construction sites. In contrast, power tools are mechanical devices that are powered by a battery or motor. While power tools can often get a task done faster, they can sometimes be more difficult to operate than hand tools — they can also be more dangerous if they are defective or not used correctly.
Common hand and power tool accidents on construction sites can involve the following:
- Table saws
- Chain saws
- Circular saws
- Nail guns
- Power sanders
- Drills
- Buffing wheels
- Grinding tools
- Air compressors
- Heat guns
- Jackhammers
Many construction accidents involving hand and power tools can be prevented by providing proper instruction regarding the use of the tools and adequate safety measures. Tools should also be stored correctly and inspected on a regular basis for any damage or defects that could cause an accident.
Hand and Power Tool Injuries
There are many different types of injuries that are associated with hand and power tools on construction sites, depending upon the task and the specific type of tool used to carry it out. However, some of the most common injuries that occur can include cuts, amputation, lacerations, fractures, puncture wounds, crush injuries, electric shock, and burns.
Injuries involving hand or power tools often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical rehabilitation. They can also cause a worker to lose time from their job as they recover — or they may be unable to work again in the construction industry. In addition, many hand or power tool construction injuries can cause a victim to experience a significant amount of pain and suffering.
Compensation for Hand and Power Tool Accidents
While Workers’ Compensation can provide immediate medical benefits and a certain amount of lost wages, it usually isn’t enough to cover the full extent of a worker’s damages. In the event a worker was injured on a construction site due to a hand or power tool accident, they may be entitled to pursue monetary recovery beyond Workers’ Compensation. If a third party such as a property owner, equipment manufacturer, contractor, or subcontractor was responsible for the accident, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries. In these situations, an injured construction worker may be able to recover both their economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages for construction site injuries in a personal injury case cover a worker’s unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs in connection with the accident. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for the physical pain, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life suffered due to the accident-related injuries. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar wrongful conduct.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you were hurt in a workplace accident involving hand or power tools, it’s important to have a personal injury attorney by your side who can help ensure you obtain the monetary compensation you deserve for your injuries. Due to our skill and dedication to clients, The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP regularly obtains substantial settlements and jury verdicts for victims who have been injured in construction accidents. Located in Manhattan, our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout New York City since 1937. Call to schedule a free consultation at (212) 425-1999 today.