DeWALT Battery Push and Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Mower Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

DeWALT Battery Walk-Behind Mowers Recalled for Laceration Hazards

Stanley Black & Decker has announced a recall of its DeWALT Battery Push and Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Mowers due to a serious safety concern. The recall affects approximately 46,200 units sold in the United States and an additional 9,600 units sold in Canada. The recall comes after reports that the mowers could pose a laceration hazard to users due to a potential malfunction involving the mower’s ability to shut off or unexpectedly start without a key.

The Hazard and Remedy

The primary issue prompting the recall involves water entering the mower’s handle support while the battery is installed. This can cause the mower to fail to shut off when the bail handle is released, or in some cases, to start without the key being inserted. The safety risk stems from the possibility of the mower’s blades continuing to spin even when the user is no longer operating the mower, increasing the likelihood of severe lacerations.

So far, there have been 10 reported incidents of mowers failing to shut off properly and one case where the mower started without the key inserted. Fortunately, only one injury has been reported—a finger laceration that did not require medical attention. Nonetheless, the risk posed by this malfunction is significant, leading to Stanley Black & Decker’s decision to issue a recall and provide a remedy to consumers.

Consumers who own the affected DeWALT mowers are urged to stop using the equipment immediately, particularly if the mower has been exposed to moisture. Owners can contact DeWALT to arrange for a free repair at an authorized service center. The repair will ensure that the mower’s components are fixed to prevent the malfunction from occurring again.

The affected models include DeWALT Battery Push Walk-Behind Mowers and DeWALT Battery Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Mowers manufactured between August 2023 and March 2024. The specific model numbers include DCMWP234U2, DCMWP600X2, DCMWSP256U2, and DCMWSP650Y2, with date codes ranging from 2023 32-58 through 2024 13-58. Consumers can check their mower’s date code on the left side of the mower, just above the left rear wheel. Mowers produced after March 2024 are not affected by the recall.

The Impact on Consumers

While many lawnmower recalls focus on minor defects, this particular recall highlights the potential dangers posed by electrical malfunctions. Laceration injuries can range from minor cuts to severe, life-altering injuries that may require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term medical care. In some cases, nerve damage or loss of limb functionality may result from deep lacerations caused by exposed mower blades. Even a momentary malfunction, such as the mower failing to shut off, can lead to accidents that cause immediate harm.

For many consumers, the purchase of a high-quality lawnmower like the DeWALT Battery Walk-Behind Mower represents an investment in safety and performance. Consumers trust these products to operate reliably and without putting them at risk of injury. When that trust is broken by a defect, consumers have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, pain, suffering, and any financial losses incurred due to medical expenses or time off work.

Filing a Lawsuit and the Need for an Attorney

If you have been injured by a defective product like the DeWALT Battery Walk-Behind Mower, you may be entitled to file a product liability lawsuit. This type of legal action allows you to seek compensation for injuries caused by the manufacturer’s negligence. Manufacturers are obligated to ensure that their products are safe for consumer use. When defects are present, and injuries result, the manufacturer may be held liable for damages.

The process of filing a product liability lawsuit begins with documenting your injury and connecting it to the defective product. In this case, if a DeWALT mower malfunctioned and caused harm, the injured party must provide evidence that the defect directly led to the injury. This typically involves gathering medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and the product itself as evidence.

Given the complexities of product liability law, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an attorney who specializes in these cases. A skilled attorney will guide you through each step of the lawsuit process, from filing the initial claim to negotiating settlements or representing you in court if the case goes to trial. Your attorney will ensure that all necessary documentation is gathered, deadlines are met, and the appropriate legal strategies are employed to maximize your compensation.

Potential Damages in a Product Liability Lawsuit

In a product liability lawsuit, the injured party can recover various types of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for any medical treatments related to the injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: If the injury prevents the individual from working, they may be entitled to recover the income they lost during their recovery period.
• Pain and Suffering: Injuries can lead to significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic impact of the injury.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the manufacturer’s negligence was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages to penalize the company and deter similar behavior in the future.

Securing adequate compensation can be challenging, particularly when facing large corporations with substantial legal resources. However, with the help of an experienced attorney, injured consumers can level the playing field and pursue the compensation they deserve.