Maryland Manufacturer’s Miter Saw Recalled Due to Injuries and Lacerations

Close to 1.4 million DeWalt 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter saws sold in the United States were recalled on August 4, 2022. DeWalt received 571 reports about the rear safety guard breaking or detaching, and nine reports of laceration injuries.

The recall number of the DeWalt Miter Saws is 22-196. Saws were sold at Home Depot, Lowes and online at Amazon.com and other websites from April of 2019 through May of 2022. The saws were sold for $600 to $820. Model numbers being recalled include DWS779, DWS780 and DHS790. Consumers can find the model numbers printed on each saw’s nameplate. Only saws with date codes between April of 2019 (2019 04) and April of 2022 (2022 04) are included in the recall. Saws without green dots on the nameplate or black dots on the arm of the saw are the only saws included in this recall.

These recalled saws are dangerous because the rear safety guard can break off or detach and hit the user and/or those close by. Additionally, there is a laceration hazard due to the user encountering the saw blade.

What should I do if I purchased one of the saws in this recall?

• Stop using the recalled miter saw immediately.
• Contact DeWalt regarding how to receive a free repair kit or schedule a free repair appointment with a DeWalt service center.

DeWalt is directly contacting known purchasers. Consumers have been instructed to contact DeWalt at 800-990-6421 during business hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday. DeWalt can also be contacted online at https://www.dewalt.com/miter-saw-recall or at www.dewalt.com.

What is a miter saw?

A miter saw is a power tool used for woodworking. The movable head saw of a miter saw contrasts that of a stationary table saw. Miter saws are used for intricate cuts. These saws cut wider boards, crown molding, vinyl siding, and ceramic tiles, and are also used to make miter cuts, regular crosscuts, bevel angle cuts, and compound angle cuts.

What kinds of injuries normally occur from miter saw use?

Injuries to the ears, eyes, and nose are common with miter saw use. These injuries can result from the loud sound of the saw, and debris flying into the nose and eyes. Wearing ear plugs, safety goggles, and a mask will help to protect you. The hands are also susceptible to injury due to exposure to sharp blades. Wearing gloves and following safety procedures may help to protect the everyday consumer from lacerations and deep cuts.

Safety tips for miter saw use

The Home Depot outlines safety tips for consumers who use miter saws.

• Unplug the saw when it is not being used.
• Bolt the saw to a stable work surface or clamp it to a miter saw stand.
• Vibration during transport can force the saw out of alignment. Before using, check that cuts are square when gauge is set to 90 degrees. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide for fine-tuning blade alignment.
• Never clamp both sides of the board that is being cut.

Home Depot also notes, “Avoid dangerous kickbacks. Always use sharp blades that are intended for the material to be cut. Miter saws are typically used for wood but can be used for other materials when the saw is equipped with an appropriate blade. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.”

Care should be taken when operating powerful tools like the miter saw. To prevent severe injury:

• Keep your hands away from the moving blades.
• Don’t wear loose clothing when using the saw.
• Wear safety goggles to protect eyes from dust or flying debris, use ear plugs to dampen the loud noise, and wear a mask to avoid sawdust inhalation.
• Make sure all bystanders follow these safety guidelines.

If you were hurt or injured by a DeWalt Miter Saw or by another defective tool, you need Plaxen Adler Muncy, PA’s product liability experience on your side. Our attorneys zealously pursue fair and just compensation for individuals injured by defective products. Product liability occurs when a person suffers an injury due to the sale or manufacturing of a defective product. We are well-versed in product liability law, including class action lawsuits by groups of people who suffered injuries from the same product.

What if I was injured by a miter saw at work?

If you were injured using a defective DeWalt Miter Saw in the course of your job duties, such as on a construction site, you should be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys can also help you make a claim for these benefits.

Let us put our experience to work for you! Call the Maryland product liability attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. today at 410-730-7737, or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation.