Power Saw Injury Attorneys for When a “Quick Cut” Turns Into a Life-Changing Injury

Power saws make hard jobs easier, but they also cause some of the most severe injuries seen on construction sites, in workshops, and even at home. 

A single slip, a defective guard, a kickback, or a moment of distraction can lead to deep lacerations, amputations, nerve damage, eye injuries, and permanent disability.

If you or someone you love was hurt while using a circular saw, table saw, miter saw, chainsaw, reciprocating saw, or any other power saw, you may be wondering: 

Do I have a case, or is this just an accident? 

The answer depends on why the injury happened and who had the responsibility to prevent it.

That’s where power saw injury attorneys come in. At Morgan & Morgan, our team helps injured workers and families investigate what happened, identify all liable parties, and fight for compensation that reflects the full impact of the injury, including medical bills, lost income, long-term care, and pain and suffering.

Why Power Saw Injuries Are Often More Than “User Error”

Power tool manufacturers and employers often point to the same defense: “It was the user’s fault.” But power saw injuries frequently involve preventable hazards that go far beyond a simple mistake.

Common underlying causes include:

• Defective design (unsafe guard systems, poor stability, unsafe ergonomics)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty triggers, loose components, blade failures)
• Missing or inadequate warnings (no clear labeling about kickback risks or proper use)
• Tool malfunctions (unexpected start-ups, failure to shut off, binding blades)
• Poor training or supervision on job sites
• Unsafe work conditions (cluttered areas, poor lighting, wet floors, rushed schedules)
• Improper maintenance (dull blades, misaligned fences, worn safety switches)
• Lack of proper PPE (eye protection, gloves, hearing protection)
• Pressure to work fast or skip safety steps to meet deadlines

Even if you made a mistake, that doesn’t automatically end the case. Many states allow recovery even when the injured person shares some responsibility, as long as others were also negligent.

The Most Common Power Saw Injuries

Power saw injuries are often catastrophic because of the speed and force involved. Some of the most common injuries include:

Lacerations and Deep Cuts

These range from stitches to severe wounds requiring surgery, skin grafts, and long-term treatment to prevent infection and scarring.

Finger and Hand Amputations

Table saw and circular saw injuries frequently involve partial or complete amputations. Beyond the immediate trauma, amputation cases can involve reconstructive surgery, prosthetics, occupational therapy, and permanent work restrictions.

Crush Injuries and Fractures

Kickback, falling materials, or saws that bind can cause crushing injuries or broken bones in the hands, arms, legs, or face.

Nerve, Tendon, and Ligament Damage

Even when a limb isn’t lost, damage to tendons and nerves can lead to permanent weakness, loss of grip strength, reduced dexterity, and chronic pain.

Eye and Face Injuries

Flying debris, broken blades, or sparks can cause corneal damage, facial fractures, burns, or permanent vision impairment, especially when PPE was missing or inadequate.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Falls from ladders or elevated platforms while operating a saw can lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries.

Hearing Damage

Repeated exposure to loud power tools can cause long-term hearing loss, especially in workplaces that fail to provide appropriate hearing protection.

Where Power Saw Injuries Happen

Power saw injuries can happen anywhere, but they’re especially common in environments with repetitive cutting, tight deadlines, or inconsistent supervision:

• Construction sites and roadwork zones
• Carpentry and woodworking shops
• Warehouses and manufacturing facilities
• Landscaping and tree-trimming operations
• Home improvement projects
• Rental equipment use (tool rental companies, big-box stores)

Where the injury occurred matters because it can determine whether the case falls under workers’ compensation, product liability, premises liability, or a combination of multiple claims.

Who May Be Liable for a Power Saw Injury?

A power saw injury attorney’s job is to identify every party who contributed to the injury. Depending on the facts, liable parties may include:

A Manufacturer (Product Liability)

If the saw was defectively designed, manufactured incorrectly, or sold without adequate warnings, the manufacturer may be responsible. Product liability claims can involve:

• Faulty blade guards or guard designs that fail in normal use
• Defective triggers or switches (unexpected start-ups)
• Poor safety mechanisms or no emergency shutoff
• Electrical defects that cause shocks or fires
• Blades that shatter or fail unexpectedly
  
   

An Employer (Workers’ Compensation and Possible Additional Claims)

If you were injured at work, workers’ compensation typically covers medical care and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault. However, workers’ comp may not cover everything, and you generally can’t sue your employer directly in most cases.

That said, you may have additional legal options if:

• Someone other than your employer caused the hazard (a subcontractor, manufacturer, property owner)
• The employer’s conduct rose to an extreme level under your state’s rules
• There’s a third-party negligence claim that can be pursued alongside workers’ comp
  
   

A Third Party on the Job Site

On construction projects, multiple companies are often involved. A general contractor or another subcontractor may have created an unsafe condition:

• Debris left in walkways
• Unsafe scaffolding or ladders
• Poor coordination that caused someone to activate machinery nearby
• Inadequate site-wide safety enforcement
  
   

A Property Owner

If the injury happened on someone else’s property and unsafe conditions contributed, like poor lighting, slick surfaces, or inadequate space, there may be a premises liability claim.

A Tool Rental Company or Maintenance Provider

If a rented saw was poorly maintained, missing safety parts, or given to you in an unsafe condition, the rental company may share responsibility.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Lawsuit: What’s the Difference?

If you were hurt at work, workers’ compensation is often the first source of help. It may cover:

• Medical treatment related to the injury
• Partial wage replacement
• Disability benefits (temporary or permanent, depending on severity)

But workers’ comp usually does not include damages for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Full lost earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
   

That’s why many serious power saw injury cases involve both:

• A workers’ comp claim, and
• A third-party lawsuit (often against a manufacturer or contractor)

A power saw injury attorney can evaluate the situation and determine the best strategy to maximize recovery.

What Compensation Can Cover in a Power Saw Injury Case?

The value of a power saw injury claim depends on the severity, the long-term impact, and who was at fault. Compensation may include:

• Emergency room care, surgery, and hospitalization
• Follow-up care, specialists, and medication
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Prosthetics and assistive devices
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (including trauma after amputations)
• Home modifications and long-term care needs

In fatal power tool accidents, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can include funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Evidence That Can Make or Break a Power Saw Injury Claim

The hours and days after a serious saw injury are critical. If possible, preserve:

• The power saw, blade, guard, battery, and accessories (don’t repair or alter them)
• Photos of the saw and the work area
• The clothing and PPE worn at the time
• Names of witnesses and supervisors
• Incident reports, safety logs, and training records
• Medical records and follow-up notes

In product defect cases, the actual saw is often one of the most important pieces of evidence. If the tool disappears, is thrown away, or gets “fixed,” proving what went wrong becomes much harder.

How Morgan & Morgan Helps Power Saw Injury Victims

Serious saw injuries aren’t simple “paperwork cases.” They often require expert-level investigation and resources to go up against manufacturers and insurers.

When a power saw injury changes your life, you shouldn’t be left carrying the financial and emotional burden alone, especially if the injury was preventable. 

If you suffered a serious cut, amputation, eye injury, or permanent impairment, Morgan & Morgan can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has fought For the People, and we’ve recovered over $30 billion in compensation. As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with offices in every state, we have the size, resources, and localized expertise to help—no matter where you are. Our goal is to pursue the outcome that reflects the real impact of the injury, not just the initial hospital bills.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to discuss your power saw injury and learn what steps you can take next.