According to statistics, 253,000 Americans required some form of medical attention or treatment after they were involved in lawn mower accidents in 2010 alone. An estimated seven percent of these victims were under the age of 19, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. Additionally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains that the number of injuries caused by lawn mower rollover accidents has risen three percent since 2009, adding to the increasing concern over the safety of these vehicles.
While the benefits of lawn mowers are obvious, many believe that these pieces of equipment are to be used for racing or joyriding rather than simply cutting grass and maintaining the yard. Manufacturers of lawn mowers have the legal obligation to ensure that the products they release to consumers have certain safety features, but recent reports suggest that manufacturers may cut these corners and consequently increase the risk of lawn mower rollover accidents.
A manufacturer may choose not to install blade safety components, rollover protection systems or no-mow-in-reverse switches in order to keep their costs low. However, if an operator is speeding and not paying attention, he or she may be more likely to be injured if the mower rolls over an embankment. Not only is he or she at risk of being crushed, but other likely injuries include lacerations, hemorrhaging and amputation if the lawn mower’s blades come into contact with the operator’s body.
Lawn mowers that are not equipped with no-mow-in-reverse switches may be more likely to injury or kill children since this feature prevents the operator from backing up the lawn mower while the blades are down. If a lawn mower does not have this feature and the operator fails to see a small child playing behind the unit, that child is likely to be severely injured or killed.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. If you or someone you love has been injured in a lawn mower rollover accident in New York, it may be beneficial to review your case with an attorney who has experience in representing victims of lawn mower rollover accidents. If he or she determines that the cause of the accident was due to negligence or a defective part, he or she may be able to assist you in pursuing a claim for compensation.
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If you would like more information about lawn mower rollover accidents in New York or if you have been injured in a crash and you believe that negligence or a defective part is to blame, Attorney Group for New York can provide you with a free case evaluation and help you determine if you have a case. We can connect you with an affiliated attorney in New York who handles lawn mower rollover accidents and who can help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
