Many people enjoy a massage after an intensive workout or long day of work, and there’s a massage chair to meet just about everyone’s needs. You find these chairs in people’s homes, health clubs and spas, shopping malls, and even airports. These machines are associated with relaxation and pain relief, and as a result, we take it for granted that a massage chair is completely safe. Unfortunately, massage chair injuries are disturbingly common, due to mechanical defects or failure by the owner to maintain the chair.
Most accidents with massage chairs involve crushing injuries, which can cause severe pain and long-term health issues for the victim. In some cases, the chairs can even cause death, which is why it’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that all the necessary safeguards are in place. In addition, businesses that offer these chairs to their customers must keep an eye out for malfunctions that can lead to an injury.
If you were harmed from a defective or broken massage chair, contact our law firm immediately. You may be eligible for monetary compensation if negligence by the manufacturer or property owner is the reason you were injured. To explore the legal options that are available to you, call us to schedule a free consultation with a massage chair injury attorney.
Are Massage Chairs Dangerous?
In general, massage chairs are not dangerous – as long as the product is free of mechanical or design flaws, and it’s used correctly by the person sitting in it. In addition, owners of the chair, whether they are residential or commercial property owners, must keep up with repairs and basic maintenance of the chair. With all that in place, a massage chair can serve as a handy source of stress and pain relief for many years to come.
However, we know for a fact that there have been horrific incidents involving these machines, like the incident in Naples, Florida, where a woman got her foot stuck in a massage chair. In a video on the Naples Fire Department’s Facebook page, the woman cries out in pain as firefighters work to free her foot. The chair had to be taken apart in order to cut the steel rods that were holding the rollers in place.
Massage chairs can also cause serious injuries to babies and children under the age of 6. In 2013, for example, a 4-year-old boy was crushed to death when he crawled under a massage chair and turned it on with the remote control. Infants are even more susceptible to injuries, as they can slip through gaps in the chair and get stuck inside the leg extension. If the chair turns on accidentally during this time, or someone turns on the chair without realizing that the baby is stuck inside, death from crushing injuries is a very possible outcome.
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Injuries from a Defective Massage Chair
So far, we’ve talked about crushing injuries that can occur from mechanical issues and/or lack of maintenance. But people can also be injured from the chair overheating due to electrical wiring issues or a failure with the temperature controls. Issues with the settings can also lead to problems with the intensity of the massage. This can cause significant pain to the user from too much pressure and grounding, or exacerbate a pre-existing injury.
Electric shocks are another type of injury you can sustain from a defective massage chair. This can happen from wiring issues or unclear / lack of instructions by the manufacturer. For instance, the manufacturer should be very clear about the type of electrical source and connection that’s needed for their product. Of course, lack of maintenance can also result in electric shock injuries, so it’s important to figure out the exact cause of your accident, which we can assist you with here at our law firm.
Liability for a Massage Chair Injury Incident
There’s no denying that some accidents involving massage chairs are due to user error, but plenty of incidents are traced to a lack of safety precautions, misleading instructions, and other problems caused by the manufacturer. For example, the massage chair should reset itself whenever someone hits the power button. This way, if they are in distress, the chair will automatically recalibrate to the original settings. If a malfunction with the auto settings were caused during the manufacturing process, the product maker is liable for any injuries to the consumer.
Another party that may be to blame for injuries from a massage chair is the property owner. Even if the manufacturer sold a completely safe product, upkeep and repairs are needed over time, which is the owner’s responsibility. This is another reason that people get hurt from massage chairs, particularly at salons, massage therapy centers, and other commercial premises.
Our attorneys can help you figure out who is responsible for your accident and fight for the maximum payment you deserve. Contact our law firm to schedule a free case evaluation if you have been hurt from a broken or malfunctioning massage chair.
Monetary Compensation for Injury Victims
A lawsuit for injuries from a defective massage chair may be filed by the accident victim or by their loved ones, in the event the victim passes away. Whether you are fling a personal injury or wrongful death claim, there are specific damages you can receive based on the circumstances of the accident. Below is a list of the monetary damages that you can explore with one of our attorneys:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or income that would have been earned by the decedent
- Funeral expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
- Legal fees
Average Value of a Massage Chair Accident Claim
What the average claimant receives from a massage chair injury case is impossible to say, as there are key differences that exist from one case to another. Most important is the level of injury, especially if the victim ends up with permanent health issues that impact their career and personal life. But there are many other factors that must be considered before we can determine the value of your settlement award. On the low end, payments can start at around $15,000, while moderate injury claims may be worth around $75,000 to $250,000. For cases with more serious injuries, it’s possible to see awards of $1,000,000 and above.
Higher values are also associated with wrongful death lawsuits, as they have to account for all the losses that a family suffers due to the victim’s unexpected passing. Settlements in these cases typically range between $500,000 and $5 million.
Estimated Time to Settle a Massage Chair Injury Case
How long does it take to settle a product accident injury claim?
This question comes up time and time again during our consultations, and we understand that victims need to have a sense of when they can expect payment from their lawsuit. The truth, there is no set amount of time to reach a settlement in a product injury case. Based on the complexities that are involved, it can take anywhere from a few months to one or more years to recover the damages you are owed. Hopefully, the defendant’s insurance company is willing to cooperate with us, but if they refuse to negotiate in good faith, we may need to take further action in the form of a lawsuit. Doing so can add one or more years to the legal process.
Time is of the Essence
Please be aware that the courts allow 2 years for the filing of a product injury claim. This time period normally begins on the date of the accident, though you may be given extra time under extraordinary circumstances. However, it’s very difficult to get an extension beyond the 2-year statute of limitations, so it’s best to start the claims process right away if you’ve suffered injuries from a defective massage chair.
Second Opinion from a Massage Chair Injury Attorney
Not everyone that has an attorney is satisfied with the service they are receiving. Unfortunately, some law firms prioritize signing new clients over taking care of the ones they already have. If you feel like you’ve been left in the dust and need a second opinion on your legal options, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are happy to provide you with a free second opinion, no matter how far you are with your case.
Contact Normandie Law Firm
The product injury attorneys of Normandie are ready to speak with you if a broken or defective massage chair caused you harm and suffering. We know how devastating these incidents can be, especially when they involve babies and children. Though money cannot take away all your pain and grief, it can help you achieve a sense of justice and ensure that you have the necessary funds to move forward with your life.
We would like to offer you a free case review, so that you can decide for yourself if taking legal action is the best course of action. Our law firm provides free legal services to accident victims under the Zero Fee Guarantee. The cost of legal fees is paid to us at the end of your case, and only if we succeed in recovering your payment from the responsible parties.
To learn more about your rights and the legal actions that are available to you, contact our office as soon as possible.
