Pressure washers, with their remarkable potency in washing off grime, paint, algae, and mold from outdoor spaces, are often seen buzzing around as the weather warms. But alongside their cleaning capabilities is an often-overlooked risk factor - they can cause injuries, some severe enough to land people in emergency rooms.
When Cleaning Tools Turn Dangerous
The power behind pressure washers becomes apparent when a standard garden hose emits water at about 50 PSI. Meanwhile, a pressure washer can ramp up to 1,500 to 4,000 PSI. Imagine this intensity directed towards the skin. In 2014 alone, an estimated 6,057 people were injured due to pressure washer mishaps, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Should recklessness, negligence, or a defective product cause an accident injuring you or a loved one, you may qualify for a personal injury claim. But do you know your legal rights in such scenarios?
Watch Out, These Injuries Bite!
High-pressure injection wounds are a common sight in pressure washer accidents. This happens when the intense water spray ruptures the skin, causing deep cuts or lacerations and potentially injecting water into underlying soft tissues. Despite appearing superficial initially, delay in treatment can lead to bacterial infection, disability, or even amputations.
Other injuries can include:
- Severe skin damage
- Eye injuries
- Bruises, punctures, broken fingers, and toes
Less common but equally severe injuries include electric shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, and accidents from slipping, tripping, or falling.
Safety Comes First - Every Time!
The golden safety rule of using any such potent power tool is simple - don't wing it! Here are a few safety guidelines worth engraving into memory:
- Always wear eye protection.
- Never aim the water stream towards yourself or others.
- Adhere to all safety guidelines outlined by the manufacturer.
In scenarios where injuries occur, immediate medical help and wound cleaning are paramount to prevent infections.
Your Legal Rights and Personal Injury Attorneys
In instances where negligence underlies a pressure washer injury, it is crucial to turn to an experienced personal injury attorney. It is their expertise that can leave you rightfully compensated for not just your physical suffering and medical bills but also any corresponding financial and emotional distress.
With the guidance of a skilled lawyer, you're likely to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger. The right attorney can robustly negotiate this on your behalf, ensuring you reap the full benefits of the legal rights at your disposal.
Awareness Is Your First Defense
While pressure washers, with their robust cleaning potency, can be an excellent asset for your spring clean-up, they should never be taken lightly. Awareness of the underlying hazards, adherence to safety guidelines, and knowing your legal rights are fundamental.
If you find yourself on the less fortunate side of a pressure washer experience, remember that an experienced, skilled personal injury attorney is instrumental in your journey towards fair compensation. Reach out for a free consultation - it's the first step to understanding your legal rights and subsequent reparation.
