When you use tools, equipment, or machinery at work or at home, you have the right to expect that these products are safe and properly designed. Unfortunately, defective equipment and machinery cause thousands of serious injuries each year— ranging from crushing injuries and amputations to burns, and fatalities.
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If you or a loved one has been injured by defective tools, equipment, or machinery in New York, the experienced attorneys at the Porter Law Group are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Equipment and machinery defect cases involve complex technical issues, multiple potential defendants, and well-funded manufacturer defense teams. Our skilled legal team at the Porter Law Group has successfully recovered substantial compensation for clients injured in complex personal injury cases across New York State. We work with expert engineers, safety specialists, and accident reconstructionists to build compelling cases that hold manufacturers accountable for putting dangerous equipment into the marketplace.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to learn how we can help.
New York follows strict liability principles under CPLR Section 214, providing robust protection for victims of defective equipment. New York's Pattern Jury Instruction Section 2:120 defines strict products liability by stating that "a manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, processor of materials, maker of a component part that sells a product in a defective condition is liable for injury that results from use of the product when the product is used for its intended or reasonably foreseeable purpose."
This framework eliminates your need to prove manufacturer negligence. Instead, strict liability "does away with your need to prove the defendant was at fault in its actions; rather, the theory focuses on the dangerousness of the product in and of itself." You only need to demonstrate that the equipment was defective and that the defect caused your injuries.
A product is considered defective if it is not reasonably safe, meaning "the product is so likely to be harmful to persons or property that a reasonable person who had actual knowledge of its potential for producing injury would conclude that it should not have been marketed in that condition."
New York law recognizes three categories of defects that can form the basis of your claim:
Design Defects: These are inherent flaws that make products "inherently dangerous due to its design, even if it is manufactured correctly." For these claims, you must prove that "a safer, feasible alternative design could have been used without compromising the product's functionality or significantly increasing its cost." Examples include power tools without safety guards or construction equipment lacking operator protection systems.
Manufacturing Defects: These arise during production when products deviate from their intended design, making them unsafe for use. Examples include improper welds, incorrectly calibrated safety mechanisms, or the use of substandard materials that compromise the equipment’s safety. To establish a manufacturing defect claim, "the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defect occurred during manufacturing and directly caused the injury or damage."
Marketing Defects: These involve "inadequate warnings, misleading advertising, or insufficient instructions that prevent the consumer from recognizing potential risks." In equipment cases, these often center on whether manufacturers provided adequate warnings about operational hazards, proper maintenance requirements, or safety procedures. The law recognizes that "multiple parties can be liable for a failure to warn of the hazards of construction site equipment, including manufacturers, distributors, and inspectors.
New York construction workers receive additional legal protection beyond traditional product liability law, providing other avenues for recovery when injured by defective equipment.
Labor Law 240 provides extraordinary protection by imposing strict liability on property owners and contractors for elevation-related injuries. This law "places a significant burden of responsibility on property owners and contractors, particularly in cases where workers are injured due to elevation-related risks." When heavy machinery is involved in construction accidents, Labor Law 240 creates liability for property owners and contractors who fail to provide adequate safety measures, regardless of whether the equipment itself was defective.
Labor Law 241 addresses defective or inadequate safety equipment specifically. "If an injury was caused by defective or outdated safety equipment, an employee may be owed compensation under Labor Law 241." This law is particularly relevant when workers are injured by tools or equipment that fail to meet applicable safety standards or when employers fail to provide adequate protective equipment.
Together, these labor laws and product liability principles create multiple avenues of recovery for injured construction workers, often resulting in significant settlement outcomes.
New York's product liability framework allows claims against multiple parties throughout the chain of commerce:
Recent product liability settlements in New York illustrate the significant financial recovery potential available to victims of defective equipment and machinery:
$2,200,000 recovery in Westchester County for a woman who sustained an eye injury caused by a defective airbag system in a vehicle.
$2,025,000 recovery in Kings County for a construction worker who lost parts of his fingers when his hand was caught in an unguarded opening of a flatbed truck.
$1,500,000 settlement for a man injured by a defective plastic blending machine that failed during normal operation.
$1,175,000 settlement for a 21-year-old man blinded in one eye when the cable wire from a platform hoist snapped and struck his eye. The plaintiff's attorney "demonstrated at settlement mediation, that the platform hoist was defective and that the manufacturer's design of the product did not meet the American National Safety Industry (ANSI) standards."
$1,000,000 settlement in Bronx County for a laborer who had two fingers cut off by a defective mattress pad cutter. Even though "defendants alleged the plaintiff was negligent in using the machine and that it had been substantially modified by plaintiff's employer," the significant settlement demonstrates that product defects can overcome comparative fault defenses.
$3,800,000 product liability settlement for a Long Island man who was hurt as a result of a defective vehicle, showing that equipment liability extends to transportation and mobile equipment.
$2,650,000 recovery for a married woman with no children who was killed in an American Airlines crash, demonstrating that product liability law provides protection across all categories of complex equipment and machinery.
These cases highlight both the serious consequences of equipment failure and the court system’s willingness to hold companies accountable.
If you’ve been injured because of defective tools, equipment, or machinery, reach out to the Porter Law Group to explore your legal options. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can guide you through the claims process, and help you recover beyond what workers' compensation provides.
New York product liability law provides several legal theories to maximize compensation:
Strict Liability: The most powerful tool because it eliminates the need to prove fault. We must prove that the defendant sold a defective product, that it was unreasonably dangerous, caused your injury, and was not significantly altered.
Negligence: Requires demonstrating that manufacturers failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, or warning about product dangers. While more challenging, negligence claims can be valuable when seeking punitive damages.
Breach of Warranty: Operates under both contract and tort principles with a four-year statute of limitations under the Uniform Commercial Code, which can be crucial in wrongful death cases.
Tortious Misrepresentation: Applies when manufacturers make false statements about equipment safety or capabilities that lead to injuries.
Defective equipment can cause catastrophic injuries including amputations, crushing injuries, severe burns, electrocution, and death. If you've been injured by defective equipment, you may be entitled to compensation for:
In cases involving particularly reckless manufacturer conduct—such as hiding known safety defects or rushing products to market without adequate testing—punitive damages may also be awarded.
New York imposes a three-year statute of limitations for product liability claims, generally beginning from the date of injury. However, important exceptions include:
Discovery Rule: The timeline may begin "from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence," particularly relevant for long-term health effects or repetitive stress injuries.
Breach of Warranty: The Uniform Commercial Code provides a four-year statute of limitations for warranty claims, which can be valuable in wrongful death cases.
Minors: Individuals who were minors at the time of injury generally "have until their 21st birthday to file a personal injury claim."
Missing these deadlines may result in permanent loss of your right to compensation, making early consultation with experienced attorneys essential. Don’t delay. Contact the Porter Law Group today, and speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal options. We offer free consultations, and work on a contingency fee basis, so unless we win your case, you won’t owe us any fees.
Q: How do I know if my injury was caused by defective equipment?
Signs include equipment that malfunctioned during normal use, missing safety features, or products that have been recalled. We can investigate whether your equipment had known defect patterns or recall history.
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. New York's comparative negligence law allows recovery even when you share some fault, though your damages may be reduced proportionally. Equipment defects often overcome comparative fault defenses.
Q: What if my employer says the equipment was modified or improperly maintained?
Equipment modifications don't automatically prevent defect claims. We investigate whether the original design was defective or whether modifications were necessary due to inadequate original safety features.
Q: Can I sue if the equipment was old or used?
Yes. Age alone doesn't excuse defective design or poor manufacturing. We examine whether the equipment was defective when originally manufactured and whether it failed prematurely due to design flaws.
Q: What if I wasn't the equipment operator but was injured nearby?
Product liability law protects all foreseeable users, including bystanders. You don't need to be the direct operator to have a valid claim against equipment manufacturers.
Q: Do I need to keep the broken equipment?
Yes. Preserving the equipment is crucial for expert analysis. Don't allow it to be repaired, scrapped, or altered until our attorneys can arrange for proper examination.
Q: Can I pursue both workers' compensation and product liability claims?
Yes. Workers' compensation provides immediate benefits, while product liability claims against equipment manufacturers can provide additional compensation for pain, suffering, and full wage losses.
Q: How long do equipment defect cases typically take?
Timeline varies depending on case complexity and whether it goes to trial. Some cases settle within months, while others involving complex technical issues may take several years.
Suffering from an Injury Caused by Defective Machinery in New York?
Reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation.
The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.
Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.
You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results.
When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in New York, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.
At the Porter Law Group, we understand that equipment and machinery injuries can be life-changing events that affect your ability to work and support your family. When manufacturers cut corners on safety to increase profits, we're here to hold them accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Equipment defect cases require specialized knowledge of complex technical and safety issues. Our experienced team has the resources and expertise to take on major manufacturers and fight for your rights.
Don't let manufacturers escape responsibility for the harm caused by their defective equipment. Your injuries matter, and you deserve answers and full compensation for the pain and suffering you've endured.
Take advantage of a free case evaluation by calling 833-PORTER9 or emailing info@porterlawteam.com. We proudly serve clients throughout New York State and are ready to help you pursue justice against those responsible for putting dangerous equipment into the marketplace.
*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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