Carpenters and weekend warriors alike are aware of how much easier power tools can make completing construction projects of all sizes. Power saws, drills and pneumatic nailers greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to get these things done. While it is important for users to exercise a certain amount of caution while using these tools, unfortunately, when one of these products is defective, it can inflict injury to a person even when it is being used appropriately.
Earlier this month a pneumatic nailer was voluntarily recalled by its importer, One World Technologies Inc. Available only at Home Depot stores across the nation as well as online, the recall is due to potential problems with the triggers on nail guns sold under RIDGID Coil Roofing Nailer and RIDGID Clipped Head Framing Nailer. In total, 12,800 nailers are included in the recall, which were available for purchase between January and September of this year.
The problem with the trigger is that it is possible for it to erroneously discharge nails that have been loaded into the device. As one can imagine, depending on the circumstances under which this could occur, it is possible that serious injuries could result. At this point however, no injuries due to the defective product have been reported.
There is a certain expectation that when used in the manner intended a product will not inflict injury upon its user. When this does happen injured individuals may be able to pursue a civil case. Because these cases are generally quite complicated the sooner one consults with an attorney who handles products liability cases, the better.
Source: Sacramento Bee, "Ridgid Pneumatic Nailers Recalled by One World Technologies Due to Laceration or Injury Hazard; Sold Exclusively at the Home Depot," U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Dec. 6, 2012
Individuals who have been injured while using a defective construction product may not know where to turn. Our firm handles similar situations to the one discussed in this post. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Pennsylvania defective products page.