Bogdan's Angle Grinder Injury
When a faulty safety guard failed, it left him with severe burns. Both the manufacturer and importer were held responsible.
Bogdan bought an angle grinder from a trade supplier in Galway to use on his small construction project. The tool seemed reasonably priced and came with what looked like standard safety features. He'd used similar equipment before, so he felt confident handling it. Within minutes of starting work, the guard mechanism failed completely. The spinning disc came loose and burned his arm badly. He needed hospital treatment and months of recovery. The injury affected his ability to work, and he was left with permanent scarring.
When Bogdan looked into what had gone wrong, he discovered the guard had a design flaw. It wasn't properly secured to the main body of the grinder, and vibration during normal use could cause it to slip. The manufacturer had known about similar complaints from other users but hadn't issued a recall or warning. The importer—the company that brought the tool into Ireland—had also failed to flag any safety concerns when selling it.
Bogdan pursued a claim against both the manufacturer and the importer. The legal team gathered evidence about the faulty design, the known complaints, and how a properly designed guard should function. Both companies were found liable. The manufacturer because it released a dangerous product, and the importer because it had a duty to check the product's safety before selling it in Ireland. Bogdan received compensation for his medical costs, lost wages, and the lasting impact of his injuries.
What the Law Says
Under Irish product liability law, anyone injured by a faulty product can claim compensation from the manufacturer or the company that imported it into Ireland. The injured person doesn't have to prove the company was careless—only that the product was defective and caused injury. A product is considered defective if it doesn't meet the safety standards a reasonable person would expect. This includes design flaws, manufacturing errors, and failure to warn about known risks. Both manufacturers and importers share responsibility for ensuring products are safe before they reach consumers.
Time Limits
Claims for injury caused by a defective product must generally be brought within three years from the date of the injury, or from the date the injury was discovered. However, there's an absolute limit: no claim can be made more than ten years after the defective product was first put into circulation. It's important to act quickly and seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure your case isn't lost due to these deadlines.