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Did a defective power tool injure you at work?

If you work in the construction industry, you undoubtedly use a range of power tools every single day. While power tools make performing your job duties easier and faster, they can be dangerous. After all, many of your everyday tools have motors, blades, bits, electrical supplies and other potential hazards.

Before using any power tool, you should read its instruction manual and wear appropriate personal protective gear. You should also inspect the tool for signs of damage. Even if you do everything correctly, though, a defective power tool may cause you to suffer a catastrophic injury at work.

Workers’ compensation benefits

If you sustain any type of job-related injury, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The advantage of pursuing workers’ compensation benefits is you do not have to prove your employer acted negligently. That is, provided you have a qualifying injury, you may receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.

Third-party negligence

Suffering an on-the-job injury may cause you considerable anguish. While workers’ compensation benefits do not cover pain and suffering, you may recover financial compensation for your non-economic losses by filing a third-party negligence claim.

If the manufacturer of the faulty power tool that injured you was negligent, your financial recovery may be substantially higher with a third-party cause of action than it is with a regular workers’ compensation claim.

Whether you are eligible to file a third-party injury claim may require a careful analysis of both the circumstances of your injury and the law of the commonwealth. Ultimately, though, holding the manufacturer of the power tool legally responsible may give you the financial resources you need either to recover completely or to manage your new way of life.