If a power tool injured you because it was defective, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer who sold it. Nevada’s strict liability doctrine means you don’t have to prove the company was careless — you only need to show the product was defective and that defect caused your injury.
More than one party can be legally responsible when a power tool causes injury. Nevada’s product liability law allows claims against anyone in the chain of commerce, which can include the original manufacturer, the parts supplier, the distributor who moved the product to market, and the retailer who sold it to you.
This matters because manufacturers sometimes argue a defect was introduced later in the supply chain. An experienced attorney investigates each link to make sure the right parties are held accountable.
If the injury happened on a job site, a workers’ compensation claim may run alongside the product liability case. Workers’ comp covers your immediate lost wages and medical costs, while the product liability case can recover additional damages the comp system doesn’t touch.
Nevada recognizes three distinct types of product defects, and a power tool injury can fall under any one of them.
A design defect means the tool was dangerous before it ever reached the factory floor. The entire product line is affected because the flaw exists in the blueprint itself — a circular saw designed without adequate blade guards is a common example.
A manufacturing defect occurs when a tool is produced correctly on paper but something goes wrong during assembly. A batch of drills with improperly secured chucks, for example, could pose serious ejection risks even though the design itself was sound.
A failure to warn — sometimes called a marketing defect — happens when a manufacturer doesn’t adequately disclose known risks. OSHA’s hand and power tool standards exist precisely because these hazards are predictable and preventable. If a manufacturer knew a tool had risks that weren’t obvious to a typical user and didn’t say so, that silence can be the basis of a claim.
The CPSC product recall database is worth checking immediately after a power tool injury. A recall on your tool doesn’t make your claim automatic, but it can dramatically strengthen the evidence that the defect was known.
Yes, and this is non-negotiable. The defective product itself is the most critical piece of evidence in your case. Do not throw it away, attempt to repair it, or return it to the store. Do not let anyone else handle or modify it.
Set it aside in its current condition. If possible, photograph it from multiple angles before anyone else has access to it. Store the original packaging, instruction manuals, receipts, and any warranty documentation alongside it.
If the injury happened at a worksite, document whether the tool had been modified by your employer before you used it. Unauthorized modifications can complicate who bears responsibility — but they don’t eliminate the manufacturer’s liability if the original defect contributed to the injury.
You can also report your incident directly to SaferProducts.gov, the federal database for consumer product injury reports. Your report can help others, and it creates an independent record of what happened.
Unlike a standard personal injury claim, which carries a two-year window under NRS 11.190, product liability claims in Nevada generally allow four years from the date of injury. That longer window can feel generous, but it disappears faster than most people expect once medical treatment, recovery, and life resume their normal pace.
Nevada also recognizes a discovery rule, which means your clock may start when you first discovered — or reasonably should have discovered — that the tool’s defect caused your injury. This matters when symptoms appear gradually or when the connection to the product isn’t immediately obvious.
If the injury involved a workplace or premises accident or a motor vehicle with a defective part, different timelines and procedures may apply. Multiple deadlines running at the same time is another reason to consult an attorney early rather than waiting.
A successful product liability claim can cover medical expenses, future care costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and in some cases, scarring or permanent disability. Nevada’s strict liability doctrine under NRS 41.130 means you’re not required to prove the manufacturer acted recklessly — only that the product was defective and caused your specific harm.
When a company knew about a defect and chose not to fix or disclose it, punitive damages may also be available. These go beyond compensating you — they’re meant to penalize the conduct and deter future harm.
| Type of Compensation | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Economic damages | Medical bills, future care, lost wages, lost earning capacity |
| Non-economic damages | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability |
| Punitive damages | Available when conduct was egregious or knowing |
Being injured by a tool you trusted to work safely is a frustrating experience, especially when that injury wasn’t your fault. Meesha Moulton Law handles product liability cases for Nevada residents across Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas, and takes them on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless you recover. Contact us to talk through what happened and understand your options.
