Workplace Amputations Caused By Defective Machinery: Who’s Liable?

When Amputations Happen On The Job

Each year, thousands of workers in the U.S. suffer amputations on the job. Fingers, hands, arms, and legs are the most commonly affected. These life-altering injuries not only impact a person's ability to earn a living but also affect every aspect of their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Common workplace injuries that cause amputations include:

• Unguarded or improperly guarded machinery
• Malfunctioning presses, conveyors, or cutting tools
• Defective safety sensors or emergency shutoffs
• Unexpected machine startups
• Design flaws that expose operators to moving parts

While some of these incidents result from human error or poor training, many are caused by inherent flaws in the machines themselves, making the manufacturer or another third party legally responsible.

Understanding Workers' Compensation vs. Product Liability

In most workplace injury cases, employees are entitled to workers' compensation benefits. These typically cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and permanent disability benefits (when applicable). However, workers' compensation does not allow you to sue your employer, even if their negligence contributed to your injury.

However, what many workers don't realize is that if a defective or dangerous product caused your injury, you may have a separate legal claim against the manufacturer or other third parties involved in the product's design, production, or distribution.

This is known as a product liability claim, and unlike workers' comp, it allows for full compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Full lost wages and future earnings
• Loss of quality of life
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious misconduct)

What Makes A Machine Defective Under The Law?

A machine may be considered legally defective if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

Defective Design

The machine was inherently dangerous in its design. For example, if a piece of equipment lacks adequate safeguards or exposes users to moving parts without proper barriers, it may be unreasonably dangerous even if it was manufactured exactly as intended.

Manufacturing Defect

Even if the design is sound, the machine may contain a flaw introduced during production, such as faulty wiring, a missing component, or defective materials. These issues can lead to dangerous malfunctions or unexpected behavior.

Failure to Warn or Instruct

If the manufacturer fails to include clear warnings, operating instructions, or safety guidelines, they may be liable for injuries that result from their failure. This includes failing to warn about foreseeable misuse or failing to highlight specific dangers.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

When injuries occur due to defective or malfunctioning machinery, numerous third parties may be held liable, including:

• The manufacturer of the equipment or machine
• The distributor or retailer of the equipment
• A parts supplier
• The company that installed the equipment or machine wrong or in a hazardous manner
• A maintenance or repair contractor, if they improperly maintained or serviced the equipment

These claims are not against your employer; they are against independent third parties responsible for the unsafe machinery.

What Should You Do If You Or A Loved One Suffered An Amputation At Work?

If you've experienced an amputation on the job due to dangerous or malfunctioning equipment, it's critical to:

• Seek immediate medical attention and follow all care instructions
• Preserve evidence, and if possible, document the machine and scene of the incident
• Avoid repairing or modifying the equipment involved
• Consult an attorney experienced in product liability as soon as possible

While workers' compensation can help in the short term, it often falls far short of meeting the full scope of your financial and emotional losses. A successful product liability claim can help you recover the compensation you truly need to move forward.

Why Choose Ross Feller Casey For Your Product Liability Claim?

At Ross Feller Casey, we have a proven track record of winning high-stakes product liability cases, including those involving catastrophic workplace injuries and amputations. We have the expertise and the resources to uncover the truth and hold manufacturers accountable.

If you or your loved one lost a limb because of a defective machine, we understand the toll it takes, and we're here to fight for you. Our attorneys are compassionate, aggressive advocates who will not rest until justice is served. You don't have to settle for what workers' compensation provides. If defective machinery caused your workplace amputation, you may be entitled to much more. Let Ross Feller Casey help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case.