New York Nail Gun Accident Attorneys

The Law Firm of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro has over 50 years experience in handling all types of construction site accidents. We handle a variety of NY construction accident cases, including nail gun accidents, scaffolding accidents, elevator accidents, defective machinery accidents, crane accidents, hazardous energy accidents and compressed gas accidents. These accidents often involve injuries such as spinal cord and back injuries, amputations, crushed limbs, burns, traumatic brain injuries, paraplegia and quadriplegia, even death.

Nail guns are becoming a popular tool among all construction workers, home builders, carpenters and "do it yourself" handymen. Unfortunately, injuries associated with nail guns are rapidly increasing and while most injuries involve hands, many injuries that have been reported include head injuries, eye injuries, back injuries and even death. Ricocheting nails or wood, accidental discharge, penetration of structures, falling objects, unsafe location or operation of guns and falls also contributed to serious nail gun injuries.

Injuries from nail guns resemble the injuries from shot guns in many ways. Nail guns are tools used to fire nails into steel, masonry and wood. Nail guns have the capability of firing projectiles up to 10 cm into fully stressed concrete at velocities as high as 1,400 feet per second. High-velocity devices eject nails by detonating an explosive cartridge placed directly behind the gun barrel. Lower velocity nail guns eject nails indirectly by activating a captive piston with either an explosive cartridge or compressed air.

Nails that are joined together by copper wire and adhesive are preloaded into the guns. When the gun is fired, the copper wire (barbs) can fragment and penetrate the skin in much the same way as shrapnel.

Government agencies responsible for occupational health and safety have recommended several measures for safe nail gun handling, including the following:

1. Use the sequential trigger (also known as a restrictive trigger or operating in the trigger fire mode). This mechanism allows a nail to be fired only if the trigger has been depressed after the nose guard trigger release has been activated. In addition, it permits only one nail to be fired per trigger activation. As employees gain experience with the tool, the "bump" trigger system can be implemented to reduce the potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., trigger finger).
   
   
2. Manufacturers should work with users and safety professionals to better balance the speed and productivity of using the "bump" mode with the accuracy and potential for fewer acute trauma injuries using the sequential mode. In all cases, the possibility of trigger finger must be considered.
   
   
3. The male end (nipple) of the compression fitting should be screwed into the tool, and the loose end attached to the air hose should be the female fitting. If reversed, air pressure may remain in the tool after the air hose has been removed, which could allow a nail to be fired even if the hose is not attached.
   
   
4. Use only clean, dry compressed air at manufacturer-recommended pressure.
   
   
5. Never use bottled gases or air.
   
   
6. Secure the hose when working on scaffolding.
   
   
7. When purchasing or renting a tool, ensure that the distributor reviews the basics of safe tool use.
   
   
8. Never point the tool at anyone even if it is empty or disconnected from the air supply.
   
   
9. Whenever the tool is initially connected to the air supply, aim the tool away from the body and other people. It is possible for the trigger mechanism to stick in the activated position; when this occurs, the gun will fire a nail even though the user has not touched the trigger.
   
   
10. Never assume the tool is empty.
    
    
11. Do not fire the tool unless the nose is placed firmly against the work piece.
    
    
12. Disconnect the air hose prior to clearing a jam, repairing the unit, handing it to another worker, leaving the work area or moving the tool to another work area.
    
    
13. Since sparks can fly from the tool when it is in use, do not operate it near flammable materials such as gasoline, thinner, paint or adhesives. Those materials may ignite and explode, causing serious injury.
    
    
14. Always wear safety glasses.
    

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York nail gun accident, the attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, L.L.P., would like to meet with you. Please call our office at 212-986-7353 to set up an appointment to discuss your case.