Chicago Table Saw Injury Lawyer

Helping Illinois Workers Injured by Table Saws Recover Maximum Compensation

If you suffered harm in a workplace or home accident, a skilled Chicago table saw injury lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can protect your rights and fight for the full value of your claim. Across Illinois, construction workers, carpenters, and hobbyists face life-changing injuries from these inherently hazardous power tools. 

Our law firm has recovered millions for injured parties, holding manufacturers and employers accountable for defective products, unsafe practices, and ignored safety guidelines.

What Makes Us the Best Table Saw Accident Attorneys in Chicago

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is recognized as one of Chicago’s top-rated personal injury law firms, with a proven record of results for victims of table saw injuries. Our award-winning attorneys have been honored by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for their skill in complex product liability lawsuits and construction site accident cases. 

In one case, Daniel, a Chicago high school student, suffered catastrophic hand injuries in shop class when a defective circular saw malfunctioned. The saw’s missing safety guard and lack of feasible alternative design were key factors in his $5,250,000 settlement, secured by our firm after filing against the manufacturer.

What Are Common Causes of Table Saw Accidents?

Many table saw injuries occur because essential safety measures are missing or ignored. A lack of proper blade guards or anti-kickback pawls leaves users exposed to direct blade contact. Failure to use push sticks, improperly secured workpieces, and dull or warped blades increases the risk of accidents. 

Inadequate training, defective or poorly maintained saws, and kickback incidents during rip cuts are also frequent causes. Construction industry workers often face additional hazards when operating table saws in cramped or unstable job site conditions. Each of these situations can lead to serious injuries and form the basis for a legal claim.

What Are Common Table Saw Injuries?

A table saw injury can cause life-changing damage in seconds. Finger or hand amputations are among the most common, often accompanied by severe deep lacerations that cut through skin, muscle, and bone. Many victims suffer severed tendons and nerves, leading to permanent loss of grip strength or mobility. Severe blood loss and shock are immediate medical emergencies, while disfigurement and scarring can have lasting physical and emotional effects. In some cases, infections and wound complications develop, extending recovery time and increasing medical costs.

What Damages Can Table Saw Injury Victims Recover in Chicago?

The type and amount of compensation available after a table saw injury in Chicago depend on whether the case is handled as a workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim.

Economic damages address the direct financial impact of the accident. They may include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. In a third-party claim, they can also cover prosthetics, home modifications, transportation to medical appointments, and other necessary out-of-pocket expenses.

Only available through a personal injury lawsuit, non-economic damages reflect the harm that cannot be measured in dollars. These include physical pain, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Proving fault and identifying all liable parties—such as a manufacturer of a defective table saw—can be key to recovering these damages.

If a table saw accident results in death, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. These damages may come through a wrongful death lawsuit or workers’ comp death benefits, depending on the circumstances of the incident.

What Is the Average Table Saw Injury Payout?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, table saw injury case values range from about $150,000 to $3,250,000, with a median award of $800,000 and an average payout of approximately $1,079,000.

Several factors can influence the value of a legal claim, including:

• Amputation level – complete hand or multiple finger amputations typically result in higher payouts than partial losses
• Dominant hand involvement – injuries to the dominant hand often increase compensation due to greater impact on daily function and work capacity
• Return-to-work limitations – inability to return to the same job or any job can increase damages for lost earning capacity
• Potential third-party product liability claims – cases involving a defective saw or unsafe design may lead to higher recovery beyond workers’ comp benefits.

Example Table Saw Injury Cases

$3,250,000 Settlement – Table Saw Accident with Partial Hand Amputation

A 51-year-old plumber was cutting plywood when it jerked, pulling his left hand into the saw blade. He lost portions of two fingers, suffered multiple fractures, nerve and tendon damage, and required surgeries and a year of therapy. He claimed the saw lacked a protective blade guard. Liability centered on workplace safety violations and failure to provide proper guarding. The case settled for $3.25 million, which also included a reduction of his workers’ compensation lien.

$1,840,000 Verdict – Dominant Hand Finger Amputation

A 30-year-old carpenter was injured using a Delta table saw that allegedly lacked a guard. He sustained a traumatic amputation of his right index finger and nerve damage to his thumb, resulting in reduced grip strength and cold intolerance. The defense argued he was experienced and knew the risks. The jury awarded $2.3 million, later reduced to $1.84 million for comparative negligence.

$1,035,000 Verdict – Partial Finger Amputation and Loss of Musical Career

A 44-year-old carpenter and part-time musician was cutting material on a table saw, allegedly missing its guard. The saw wobbled during use, and his hand was injured while stabilizing the workpiece. He lost the top half of his ring finger and experienced phantom pain. He claimed the injury ended his ability to perform music professionally. The jury awarded $1.035 million for past and future pain and suffering.

Why You Need a Chicago Table Saw Accident Lawyer

Table saw accidents in Chicago often involve overlapping legal issues—workers’ comp for job-related injuries and defective design claims against manufacturers or distributors. 

A skilled Chicago table saw accident lawyer can identify all potential sources of recovery, whether the injury happened on a construction site in the Loop, a union workshop in Cicero, or a manufacturing plant along the Calumet River. 

We investigate unsafe work practices, OSHA violations, and whether the saw met safety guidelines. Our team has worked with members of Chicago-area unions and contractors to hold negligent employers and equipment makers accountable for dangerous work conditions.

How Common Are Table Saw Accidents in Chicago?

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, more than 30,000 table saw injuries happen in the U.S. each year, most often involving lacerations or amputations to the fingers and hands. Victims include construction industry workers, union tradespeople, hobbyists, and students in shop classes. Nationwide, medical costs for these injuries exceed $2 billion annually.

Since 2020, OSHA has reported 29 table saw accidents in Chicago alone, including one fatal case.

Where Do Table Saw Accidents Happen Most in Chicago?

In Chicago, many table saw injuries occur at residential and commercial carpentry sites across Cook County, where workers handle high volumes of cuts each day. Cabinet and furniture shops in industrial districts like Pilsen and the Kinzie Corridor also see frequent incidents, often tied to fast-paced production schedules. 

School and vocational woodworking programs, including those in CPS high schools and local trade schools, account for a smaller but significant share of injuries. Renovation projects in downtown high-rises—where space is limited and safety oversight can be inconsistent—also present a higher risk for table saw accidents.

What Laws Govern Chicago Table Saw Injury Claims?

Illinois’ Comparative Negligence Law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) allows victims to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident, as long as their share of fault is 50% or less. Any compensation awarded is reduced in proportion to the injured party’s percentage of fault.

The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) applies when a table saw accident occurs on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, such as defective equipment, poor maintenance, or inadequate supervision. Property owners and occupiers must maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors and can be held liable if they fail to do so.

If a table saw accident results in death, the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) allows certain surviving family members to recover damages. Compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Claims must generally be brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.

Illinois’ Product Liability Law (735 ILCS 5/2-21) governs claims against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers when a defective saw or saw component causes injury. Liability may arise from faulty design, manufacturing flaws, or failure to provide adequate safety warnings or instructions for safe operation.

The Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) covers employees injured while using table saws on the job. Benefits can include payment for medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and permanent disability benefits. Workers’ comp is typically the exclusive remedy against the employer, but does not bar third-party lawsuits.

If more than one party contributed to the accident, the Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) allows fault to be divided among them. This means that an employer, property owner, manufacturer, or other liable party will all be responsible for paying damages in proportion to their share of responsibility.

OSHA Table Saw Guarding Standards

OSHA’s table saw guarding standards (29 CFR 1910.213) require that saw blades be covered by a guard during operation to protect the operator from contact with the blade. For non-through cuts, a riving knife or spreader must be in place to prevent kickback. 

The guard should adjust automatically to the thickness of the material being cut, remain in contact with the workpiece, and provide visibility for accurate cutting. Anti-kickback devices are also required for rip cuts. 

These guidelines apply to both stationary and portable table saws used in workplaces and are intended to reduce blade injuries and severe lacerations.

How Long Do Construction Workers Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, workers injured in a table saw accident generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.

For filing a workers’ comp claim, workers typically have three years from the date of the injury, or two years from the last payment of benefits, whichever is later (820 ILCS 305/6(d)).

Who Is Liable for Table Saw Accidents in Chicago?

Liability for a table saw accident in Chicago depends on how the incident occurred and the circumstances surrounding the injury. 

An employer may be responsible through workers’ comp if the victim was on the job. Manufacturers or distributors can be held accountable in product liability lawsuits if a defective saw, unsafe saw blade, or lack of feasible alternative design caused the harm. 

Contractors tasked with overseeing safety on a construction site may share liability for failing to enforce safety precautions. Property owners can also be responsible if unsafe premises or inadequate safety measures contributed to the injury.

Common Defenses in Chicago Table Saw Injury Lawsuits 

In Chicago table saw accident lawsuits, defendants often argue that the injured victim misused the power tool, failed to wear required personal protective equipment, or that the injury was unrelated to work duties. 

Our Chicago construction accident law firm counters these defenses by presenting OSHA safety records, maintenance logs, and accident reports that show the factual circumstances of the incident. We work with engineering and medical experts to explain how the injury occurred and why the saw’s design or lack of safety features contributed. Witness statements from co-workers or supervisors can also confirm unsafe conditions or defective products that led to the accident.

How to Strengthen Your Table Saw Injury Case

Strengthening a table saw injury case starts with getting immediate medical care to document serious injuries and prevent complications. Workers should file a written injury report with their employer as soon as possible, ensuring details are accurate and complete. Photographs of the saw, saw blade, and jobsite conditions can serve as valuable evidence. 

Gathering witness statements from co-workers or supervisors helps confirm the circumstances surrounding the accident. If a defective power tool is suspected, preserving the equipment in its current state is critical for expert analysis, especially in injury lawsuits involving defective design or missing safety features.

How a Chicago Table Saw Accident Attorney Can Help

A Chicago table saw accident attorney can manage both your workers’ comp claim and any third-party lawsuits against a manufacturer, distributor, or negligent contractor. Our team works with safety engineers and industry experts to identify OSHA violations, defective products, and failures in safe operation. 

We gather evidence, depose witnesses, and use expert testimony to strengthen your case. Whether through negotiation or trial, we fight to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. With experience in complex injury cases, we aim for the maximum settlement or verdict.

FAQs

How much does a Chicago table saw injury attorney cost?

Our table saw injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a percentage of the settlement or verdict if they recover compensation for you.

Can I sue if my injury was caused by a defective table saw?

Yes. If your injury resulted from a defective table saw, you may file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. These claims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and non-economic damages like physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one suffered a table saw injury, our Chicago personal injury law firm is here to help. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. From our Chicago office, we represent injured victims throughout Illinois in workers’ compensation and product liability lawsuits. 

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to speak with an experienced lawyer and take the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.