Defective Lawnmower Injury Lawyers

In 2004, there were about 80,000 hospitalizations due to lawnmower accidents in the U.S. Each year, about 10,000 victims of lawnmower accidents are children. And while most manufacturers boast having safety features built into their lawnmowers, further safety improvements could have prevented many of these accidents. Defective lawnmowers are also largely to blame.

While the lack of lawnmower safety precautions may be construed as a design defect, a poorly made lawnmower, or one produced without appropriate testing and quality controls, can be just as dangerous. The most common lawnmower injuries result from debris such as branches and rocks being launched from the mower. Toe amputations and foot fractures are also relatively frequent.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as the result of a defective lawnmower, an experienced product liability attorney should be able to help you determine if the manufacturer, distributor or seller of the lawnmower can be held liable for the injury. Be aware, however, that statutes of limitations, or deadlines by which you must file a lawsuit, may apply. For this reason, you should consult with an attorney experienced in lawnmower accident cases sooner, rather than later.

Riding lawnmowers cause many of the most serious injuries for both adults and children. And despite recommendations by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery that anyone under 16 years of age should not operate riding lawn mowers, some of these accidents occur when children riding on the lap of on adult or as a passenger fall off and get caught under the mower while it is running. This can result in the child’s hands, feet, or other limbs being amputated or the child suffering a life-long debilitating injury. Among adults, a common type of injury from riding lawnmowers results when the mower tips onto the rider when going up a slope.

In fact, when using both riding and traditional power mowers, some studies suggest that because of the risk of debris being launched, children should not be in the yard at all. Bearing in mind that the majority of lawnmower accident injuries are preventable, here are some additional tips to increase safety in their use:

* Before mowing, clear the yard of debris, including sticks, rocks and children’s toys since many objects have the potential to fly up into the engine and be projected out like a missile.
* Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, goggles, and sturdy gloves to minimize injury from flying debris. It is also best to avoid loose clothing and wear non-skid, steel-toed boots.
* Wear ear plugs or some other form of hearing protection since lawnmowers operate at an average of 95 decibels. Avoid portable music players, however, because these may distract you from potential dangers.
* Do not reach into the cutting area even after recently having turned off the lawnmower since moving parts may not have immediately come to a full stop. Hot cowlings may also burn with even the slightest touch.
* Remove the spark or disconnect if the lawnmower is electric before removing debris from the mower or making adjustments to it.
* Use extra caution when fueling the lawnmower since improper fueling can result in burns or explosions.
* Carefully read the owner’s manual for safety operating instructions.