From logging to shipbuilding, from the construction trades to high-tech manufacturing, Mainers have never been afraid to tackle the toughest jobs. The men and women who keep these industries running depend on safe, reliable tools and equipment.
But when those tools and pieces of machinery are defective, poorly designed, or improperly labeled, it can result in serious injury or death for the operator.
Each year, hundreds of people in Maine, through no fault of their own, are injured or killed by defective products, including tools and industrial equipment. When someone else’s negligence caused the injury whether it’s a manufacturing defect or an employer’s failure to properly train a worker. Maine law entitles victims and their families to financial compensation.
The attorneys at Berman & Simmons have been protecting the rights of injured Mainers for more than 100 years. We are the statewide leader in product liability law. No other firm in Maine can match the experience, knowledge, and resources we bring to the case to successfully resolve your claim.
Defective tool cases require the best and most experienced lawyers
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S.
We have obtained several of the largest jury verdicts in Maine history, and many of the largest settlements for our clients. Our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable about medical issues and skilled at proving fault, documenting the extent of your losses, and putting you in the best position to receive full compensation. We have recovered $1.35 billion for our injured clients.
Defective product cases require in-depth knowledge of product liability law, product manufacturing and specifications, and relevant safety standards. They also require experts who can investigate and “reconstruct” an industrial accident and show insurance companies, defense lawyers and, if necessary, juries exactly how you were injured, and why you are entitled to compensation. Our team includes lawyers with specific knowledge and a track record of success in this area, and we regularly work with the top industry experts to build winning cases for our clients.
Winning all types of tool and industrial equipment cases
We represent clients in all types of injury and death claims involving defective tools and industrial equipment, including:
- Cranes and forklifts
- Pneumatic and hydraulic tools and parts
- Metalworking equipment, such as punch presses and bending tools
- Nail guns, saws, drills, and other power tools
- Ladders, harnesses, and safety gear
- Conveyor belts and assembly lines
- Agricultural equipment such as combine harvesters, plows, and balers
- Lack of proper training on tools and equipment
- Lack of proper warning labels or instructions on tools and equipment
Helping in all aspects of your recovery
For those who have been injured by defective tools or equipment, we understand that the physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be overwhelming.
While we work to maximize your financial recovery, we also can serve as a partner for your physical and emotional recovery. Our lawyers and staff members will take the time to listen to you, understand your concerns, and come up with helpful solutions to make your life easier.
From day one, we can assist you in obtaining any necessary referrals to specialists for medical and mental health care. We can arrange payment or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We will also help you navigate the complex maze of medical insurance and disability programs.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
Case Story - Chainsaw Failure
What compensation am I entitled to as an accident victim?
Under Maine law, victims of accidents involving tools and industrial equipment have the right to recover financial damages for various categories of loss, including:
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress, past, and future
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Interference with your enjoyment of life
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Medical expenses, past, and future
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Time lost from work
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Loss of future earnings
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
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What are some ways to avoid injuries related to tool use?
According to the University of Lethbridge, you can avoid injury by:
- Never using a tool that is defective
- Double checking tools prior to use to make sure they work efficiently
- Make sure all defective tools are repaired or replaced
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What are other causes of machinery/equipment failure besides being defective?
Our attorneys will determine whether or not your claim is connected to equipment defects, or another reason entirely. According to FarmProgress, other causes of equipment failure besides defects include:
- Not reading the operator’s manual
- Improper maintaining of the equipment
- Bad electrical connection
- Overrunning machines
- Not replacing old parts
- Having misaligned or broken tighteners
- Failure to store the equipment correctly
- Weather related problems
- Ignoring warning labels
- Inexperienced/untrained operators
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How can your team of attorneys prove my equipment defect in court?
Our attorneys have recovered over $1.35 billion dollars for our clients after an injury. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience with product liability laws, manufacturing, and safety standards. Our firm also brings experts to “reconstruct” your industrial accident for insurance companies, defense attorneys, a judge, and jurors. That way, there can be no doubt about your claim.