Pennsylvania workers in high-risk industries, such as manufacturing and construction, are more likely to sustain a workplace injury due to the dangerous machinery and equipment they come in contact with every day. Malfunctioning forklifts, defective power tools, unsafe machinery, and faulty scaffolding are all common causes of serious injuries at work. Generally, individuals who gets hurt on the job are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. If the injury was the result of a defect in machinery or faulty equipment, they may also be able to file a third-party products liability claim.

Product manufacturers have a duty to make products that are reasonably safe for the people who use them. Products that have a defective design, manufacturing defect, or marketing defect can cause a wide range of injuries to innocent workers.

There are many different types of equipment that are commonly used by workers in the construction, manufacturing, and other industrial fields. While heavy workplace machinery is frequently the cause of serious injuries, smaller pieces of equipment, like hand tools, can also be dangerous if defective.

Some of the most common types of equipment that cause injuries at work include:

• Defective punch presses.
• Malfunctioning fabrication machinery.
• Defective conveyor belts.
• Defective roller systems.
• Unsafe ladders.
• Faulty scaffolding.
• Defective cranes.
• Unsafe power tools.
• Faulty electrical equipment.
• Temporary stairways that are defective.
• Defective forklifts and hoists.
• Dangerous rotators.
• Faulty wiring.

What Common Equipment Defects Put Workers at Risk?

There are a variety of ways an injury at work can occur as the result of defective equipment. Faulty equipment or defective machinery put workers in Pennsylvania and across the country at risk for a wide range of injuries.

Some common equipment defects that can cause injuries on the job include:

• Use of low-quality materials.
• Lack of or inadequate safety guards.
• Defective power outlets.
• Improperly insulated electrical wiring.
• Cutting hazards.
• Rotating motion hazards.
• Insufficient safety warnings.
• Lack of instructions.
• Defective emergency switches.

What Are Common Injuries Caused by Defective Work Equipment?

Injuries that can be sustained as the result of defective work products can range from minor to severe or even fatal. Falls from faulty scaffolding, electrical accidents, and crush injuries from heavy machinery can all have serious consequences.

Some common injuries caused by defective work equipment include:

• Broken bones and fractures: Falls from defective platforms, work cranes, and ladders can result in fractured arms, legs, backs, and necks.
• Amputation: Defective cutting tools and other power equipment has the potential to cause amputation of toes, fingers, arms, and legs.
• Electrocution: Frayed wires and defective switches in construction equipment can cause electrocution and electric shock.
• Contusions and lacerations: Cuts, bruises, and contusions are the most common injuries caused by faulty tools and equipment.
• Burn injuries: Flammable materials, exposed wires, or any other defect that causes sparks can result in severe burn injuries.
• Slip, trip, and fall injuries: Falls from temporary stairways, scaffolding, and other elevated platforms can lead to broken bones, sprains, and strains to various body parts.
• Exposure injuries: Faulty generators and defective devices that use chemical compounds can cause dangerous gas, carbon monoxide, and chemical leaks.
• Eye injuries: When defective tools have protruding parts or cause flying objects, workers are exposed to eye trauma that can require surgery or lead to loss of vision.
• Crush injuries: Defective work equipment that carry heavy loads can cause crush injuries.
• Death: Construction and manufacturing sites pose many hazards when defective products are used, including the risk of a fatal injury.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured by a Defective Product at Work?

If you have an injury from a defective product, the first step you should take is to seek immediate medical attention. The severity of certain kinds of injuries may not be readily apparent, so it is essential to get medical attention for your health and safety. It is also important to preserve documentation of any medical treatment you received.

The next step after suffering an injury at work due to faulty equipment or defective machinery is to consult with a lawyer. An attorney can help in the following ways:

• Thoroughly examine the circumstances of the incident.
• Interview eyewitnesses and co-workers.
• Obtain and review medical records.
• Work with a variety of experts.
• Gather evidence to prove liability.
• Negotiate settlements.
• Litigate in court.
• Provide legal guidance.

We Can Help if You Have Been Harmed by Defective Equipment in the Workplace

If you believe you have a products liability claim, it is advisable to hire a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. Galfand Berger LLP will ensure that your rights are protected at every step of the legal process.

Some of our past cases:

• Six-figure settlement for worker who suffered a hand injury. Our client was a food service worker who suffered a crush injury to her left hand when her fingers were caught in the feed rollers on a dough roller machine. Our investigation revealed that the roller was defective and unsafe because it lacked proper safety guards. We were able to obtain a confidential six-figure settlement on behalf of our injured client.
• $36 million recovery for fatal explosion. Richard M. Jurewicz, Esq. was counsel in a $36 million dollar recovery for our clients who were victims of a fatal workplace explosion. A defective large steel producing machine exploded, killing one worker and causing severe burn injuries to two others. We fought vigorously for a full and fair outcome.

Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Fight on Behalf of Workers Who Have Been Harmed by Defective Products

If you have been injured as the result of a defective or unsafe product at work, you deserve top-quality legal representation. Our Philadelphia products liability lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can help. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or fill out our online form. Located in Philadelphia, Reading, Bethlehem, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Allentown and Harrisburg.