Sears Craftsman Table Saws Recalled for Injury Hazards

A Craftsman table saw model, sold exclusively by Sears, has been recalled for injury hazards. According to a USA TODAY news report, the 10-inch portable saw (model number 137.415030) comes with a black metal foldable stand that can collapse unexpectedly posing a laceration and impact injury hazard to the operator. About 46,000 of these units are being recalled.

So far, the company has received 11 reports of the table saw collapsing including nine reports of injuries to fingers and hands such as broken bones, lacerations, shoulder strain and fingernail amputation, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Rexon Industrial Corp. of Taiwan manufactured the saw. Those who have these saws are asked to stop using them right away and contact Rexon for a free replacement stand. You can reach them at 1-866-934-6360.

Table Saw Accident Statistics

More than 65,000 people are injured in various table saw accidents each year in the United States. The impact on the victim is substantial and in some ways, even immeasurable. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that the cost to a business of a single amputation is more than $130,000. Bur these numbers don’t take into account the pain a worker experiences, the ER visit, surgeries and years of physical therapy he has to endure. Amputations and lacerations are the most common injuries that occur as a result of table saw accidents. The annual medical cost for treating table saw injuries has been estimated at more than $2.1 billion.

Despite consumer advocates’ best efforts, little has changed over the last 50 years in terms of making table saws safer. This is particularly because adding safety technology would add to the price of the saw. In 2012 California lawmakers attempted to pass legislation requiring all table saws sold after Jan. 1, 2015 to require flesh-sensing safety technology. However, the bill failed to clear the state senate.

Seeking Compensation

You could seek compensation for your table saw injuries if you have suffered injuries as a result of a manufacturing defect or a design flaw. For example, if you suffered injuries because the saw malfunctioned due to a manufacturing defect (as with the defective Sears saws) you could file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. You could also file such a lawsuit if the saw’s defective design (such as lack of a safety guard) caused your injuries. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of surgery, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced product defect lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options.