A man who was injured while using a table saw has secured compensation from the online retailer he bought it from.
After sustaining the injury, which resulted in part of his index finger being amputated, he warned the retailer about the issue, but the retailer denied liability. Several months after he had bought the saw, the government warned that it posed a serious risk to consumers as its blade was accessible by hand from the side. Subsequent imports to the UK were seized at the border.
He brought a claim alleging that the saw was defective for the purposes of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, and that it had an inherent design defect and was not compliant with the relevant safety standards. He also brought a claim under contract law, contending that the saw was not fit for purpose or was not of satisfactory quality.
When his case came to court, the retailer did not put in a defence and admitted liability in full. A five-figure settlement of his claim was reached.