Product Liability Laws & Injuries from Lawnmowers, Weedeaters, & Grills May 22, 2017.
Spring is here and with warmer weather, it’s natural for people to get out of the house, grill, and care for their lawn. However, heavy equipment like lawnmowers, weedeaters, and grills have a potential to cause injury for the user. If an individual is injured as a result of using one of these products, who is held liable? Learn more.
Examples of Injuries Sustained from Lawnmowers, Weedeaters, and Grills
Serious injuries can be caused by using heavy duty machines like lawnmowers and weedeaters. Common examples include but are not limited to:
- Cuts and lacerations from lawnmower blades or weedeater string
- Limb amputations from weedeater string, or from falling off a riding mower and coming into contact with the blades
- Burns from grill fires and explosions
Injuries caused by these products can range from mild to severe and even in some cases, deadly. A weedeater has the potential to cause a scratch that can be covered by a bandage or it can amputate a toe. A grill can cause small burns treatable at home, or it can cause an explosion that results in the death of the user.
What Responsibility Do Product Manufacturers Have?
Under current product liability laws, manufacturers have a duty of care to manufacture weedeaters, lawnmowers, and grills to safe specifications. For example, they must not knowingly create a weedeater or grill with a faulty design, nor should they sell any of these products if they became flawed during the manufacturing process.
If an individual is injured by a weedeater, lawnmower, or a grill, he or she must prove:
- The manufacturer owed a duty of care to the consumer
- The manufacturer breached this duty of care when selling the product
- The consumer used the product in accordance with directions
- The consumer sustained damages directly caused by a defect in the product
Where to Get Legal Help for Serious Injuries Caused by Spring and Summer Equipment
If you or a loved one incurred serious personal injury by equipment often used in the spring and summer, including lawnmowers, grills, weedeaters, and more, you may be able to bring a product liability lawsuit against the designer, manufacturer, or seller of the product.
However, since the burden of proof in a case like this is typically significant, it’s crucial that the injured individual work with an experienced attorney. At the Mellino Law Firm, we can help you gather proper evidence for your case, including medical records, history of recalls, and more.
Contact us today to learn more about potential injuries that equipment often used in the spring and summer can cause and what legal options are available to you if you or a loved one do become injured. Call now for a free consultation at (440) 333-3800.
