Paper Shredder Injury Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Paper Shredder Lawsuit Overview

Paper shredder lawsuits involve claims against manufacturers for injuries caused by defective shredders.

The primary allegations include design flaws, manufacturing defects, and insufficient safety warnings.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 50 reported incidents involving finger amputations, lacerations, and other finger injuries from January 2000 through September 2005.

Due to the number of injuries, especially to children under five, the CPSC has called for the redesign of these products [1].

Latest Paper Shredder Lawsuit Updates

• January 3, 2018 – A case study from the Expert Institute describes a product liability lawsuit involving a woman who sustained permanent injuries due to a malfunctioning paper shredder lacking adequate safety features.

Related Article: Hillrom Lift Injury Lawsuit

CPSC Reports and Statistics

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported that from January 2000 through September 2005, they received 50 reports of incidents involving finger amputations, lacerations, and other finger injuries from paper shredders.

The majority of these injuries affected children under the age of five.

These injuries occurred even with adult supervision, as children’s fingers can be pulled into the paper shredding mechanism if the child does not let go of the paper.

Paper Shredder Injuries & Side Effects

Paper shredders can cause several serious injuries, particularly to the fingers and hands:

• Finger Amputations: Complete or partial loss of fingers pulled into the shredding mechanism
• Lacerations: Deep cuts that may require stitches or more extensive medical intervention
• Crushing Injuries: Damage to bones, muscles, and tissue from the force of the shredder
• Nerve Damage: Potential long-term loss of sensation or function in affected fingers or hands

Do You Qualify for a Paper Shredder Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a paper shredder lawsuit if:

• You or a loved one was injured by a paper shredder
• The injury resulted in finger amputation, laceration, or other significant harm
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the paper shredder

Evidence Required for a Paper Shredder Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you’ll need to gather the following evidence:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
• The paper shredder that caused the injury (if possible)
• Photographs of the injuries and the paper shredder
• Proof of purchase for the paper shredder
• Any instruction manuals or warranty information

Damages You Can Recover

In a successful paper shredder injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Statute of Limitations for Paper Shredder Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a paper shredder injury lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-3 years from the date of injury.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable deadline.

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FAQs

1. How do I prove that the paper shredder was defective in a lawsuit?

To prove that the paper shredder was defective, you will need to provide evidence that the shredder had a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or insufficient safety warnings. Expert testimony, safety reports, and documentation of similar incidents can all support your claim that the shredder was unreasonably dangerous.

2. Can I still sue if I was partially at fault for the paper shredder injury?

Yes, you may still be able to sue even if you were partially at fault for the injury. Many states follow a comparative negligence rule, where your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. However, if the shredder was found to be defective or lacked adequate warnings, the manufacturer may still be held liable.

3. Can I claim damages for long-term disability caused by a paper shredder injury?

Yes, if a paper shredder injury leads to long-term disability, you can claim damages for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Compensation might also include costs for assistive devices, home modifications, and other expenses related to the disability.

4. What paper shredder safety procedures should I follow?

Important safety procedures include keeping the shredder away from children, ensuring proper placement for ventilation, keeping jewelry and loose clothing secured, never inserting fingers into the feed opening, and always turning off and unplugging the shredder before cleaning or removing jams.

5. Can I put a credit card in a paper shredder?

Yes, most modern paper shredders have a cross-cut feature specifically designed to cut credit cards. If your shredder has this feature, you can safely shred swipe-only cards.

6. Who is most at risk for paper shredder injuries?

Young children under the age of five are at highest risk for paper shredder injuries. These injuries can occur even when an adult is supervising, as children’s fingers can be pulled into the mechanism if they don’t let go of the paper.

7. Are manufacturers liable for paper shredder injuries?

Yes, manufacturers have an obligation to ensure their products are reasonably safe. If a paper shredder has a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or inadequate safety warnings, the manufacturer may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Paper Shredder Safety Procedures

• Place the paper shredder and power cord away from foot traffic areas.
• Paper shredder should be placed 4 or more inches from walls or furniture, to prevent overheating and to allow air to flow through ventilation slots.
• Always pay attention to the task at hand when using a paper shredder.
• Keep jewelry, long hair, and loose clothing secured when operating a paper shredder.
• Never put fingers or objects other than paper into the shredder feed opening.
• Feed paper smoothly into the shredder and avoid putting too much paper into the shredder at one time to avoid jamming the machine.
• If the paper shredder begins to overheat, turn it off and allow it to cool before operating again.
• Always turn the power off before removing the waste box or cleaning the paper shredder.
• Always turn off and unplug the power before removing jams or cleaning the paper shredder.

Get A Free Paper Shredder Injury Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for paper shredder injuries. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim, so it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case

Reference:

1. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/papershred1.pdf