Claim For A Circular Saw Injury

Compensation for Workplace Accidents

To claim for a circular saw injury sustained at work, you will have to show that the accident was not your fault. These powerful tools are found on many work sites and are used in a variety of trades. But they have the potential to cause serious injury if strict safety protocols are not followed.

Employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment for their staff. Failure to do so may be caused by different factors. This may include unsafe conditions, improper training, or not supplying suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves or masks.

So, if you have been injured by a circular saw at work and feel it may be a result of employer negligence, you may want to contact Jefferies Claims. We work with personal injury lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and who can assess whether your case is valid.

When An Accident Happens

Circular saws are commonly used in construction, carpentry, joinery, and manufacturing. They have rapidly spinning blades that can easily cut through wood, metal, or plastic. So, if safety is compromised, this tool may cause a nasty injury. Accidents may occur due to:

• Lack of training
• Faulty or unguarded machinery
• Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Fatigue or poor supervision
• Pressure to meet tight deadlines

Circular saws are considered to be among the most hazardous tools in the workplace.

Common Injuries Caused by Circular Saws

Some of the most common injuries from circular saws include:

Amputations

Considered as one of the worst outcomes, especially when fingers or entire limbs come into contact with the blade. So, even slight contact can cause a severe injury.

Lacerations and Deep Cuts

Circular saw blades can cause deep, jagged wounds that may require stitches, surgery, or skin grafts.

Nerve Damage

Injuries to hands or arms may sever or crush nerves. This has the potential of resulting in permanent loss of sensation or mobility.

 

Fractures

If a saw blade kicks back or if the user falls, broken bones may occur.

Eye Injuries

Debris from cutting can fly into the eyes if proper goggles aren’t worn.

 

What Is Negligence in The Workplace?

Employers have a legal duty to protect their workers and ensure a safe environment at work. Therefore, workplace negligence may include:

1. Inadequate Training

Failing to properly train employees to use machinery, handle chemicals, or perform tasks safely.

2. Unsafe Work Environment

Not maintaining the workplace to a safe standard. Examples of this may be allowing wet floors, exposed wiring, or poor ventilation.

3. Faulty or Poorly Maintained Equipment

Allowing workers to use broken tools or machines without repairing or replacing them.

4. Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Not supplying appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, or respirators when these are required.

5. Ignoring Risk Assessments

Failing to carry out or act on the findings of risk assessments, especially in hazardous jobs or environments.

6. Excessive Workloads or Time Pressure

Forcing workers to work long hours, skip breaks, or cut corners to meet unrealistic deadlines.

7. Poor Supervision or Enforcement of Safety Policies

Having health and safety policies on paper but not enforcing them in practice.

 

What You Should Do After a Circular Saw Injury

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get prompt treatment and ensure all injuries are recorded in your medical file.

Report the Incident: It is important to inform your employer and ensure the accident is logged in the company’s accident book.

Gather Evidence: Take photos of the injury, the saw, and the worksite. If possible, collect witness statements and keep any records of missed work or expenses.

Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor: A solicitor with experience in workplace injury claims can assess your case, handle paperwork, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

 

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

The amount of compensation depends on various factors. However, the first of these will be the severity of the injury. Typically, compensation may also include lost earnings, future medical and travel costs, rehabilitation and whether your quality of life has been reduced.

Essentially, compensation should put your life back to where it was (as far as possible) prior to the accident. However, your personal injury lawyer will be able to advise on possible compensation for your claim.

 

Time Limits for Making a Claim

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim. However, exceptions may apply if:

• The injury wasn’t immediately apparent
• The claimant is under 18 (the three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday)
• The claimant lacks mental capacity

It’s crucial to start your claim as soon as possible to preserve evidence and increase your chances of success.

 

Contact Us To File Your Claim

It’s important to seek legal advice to have your potential claim assessed by expert lawyers. Workplace injury claims, especially those involving machinery, can be complex. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we can guide you through making a claim.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our friendly team at Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.