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Manufacturers have a responsibility to produce products that are safe for use by consumers. Riding lawn mower manufacturers are no exception. Under product liability laws, they can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their machines if some product defect or negligence is involved.

"When serious riding lawn mower accidents happen, we know how devastating this can be. Make sure to contact an experienced accident attorney to assist you," says Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

A 2-year-old Pasco County, Florida, boy was struck by a riding lawn mower on the morning of  July 18, 2015. According to Pasco County spokesman Doug Tobin, "The boy’s mother was riding a commercial zero-turn mower when she saw the child run toward her. She attempted to shut off the mower, but couldn’t stop the mower in time,” Tobin wrote in an email to media. “As the boy approached the lawnmower he fell and his leg fell under the mower. The leg was severed between the knee and ankle."

Another 2-year-old had previously be injured in a similar accident in Palm Harbor, Florida, in 2013.  This accident took both of the toddler's legs.

The University of Arkansas' Division of Agriculture reported that the majority of injuries sustained during use of motorized lawnmowers can be classified as one of the following four types of accidents:

• Contact with rotating blade
• Propelled
• Overturning
• Riding mowers running over the victim

The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) estimates that 34 thousand consumer injuries related to riding mower incidents were treated annually in hospital emergency rooms during 2010-2012. In their statistics for 2007-2009, there were about 90 deaths attributed to riding mowers. (Estimates were based on the most current available data.) CPSC fatality incidents have several common patterns: the lawn mower tips over; the victim falls under or is run over by the machine (incidents involving young children are in this category), or the victim is thrown from or falls off the lawn mower.

What is a zero-turn mower?

A zero-turn mower is a lawn mower that has its mowing deck in front of the machine, rather than underneath like a traditional lawn tractor. The term "zero-turn" refers to the turning radius of the mower which is zero inches. A zero-turn mower can literally turn on a dime. They are known for maneuverability and speed, according to AboutLawnCare.com

What makes the zero-turn mowers dangerous?

Evan Gillespie, a home improvement expert in "Tips for Driving Zero-turn Lawnmowers" says, "One of the main advantages of a zero-turn mower is its ability to mow at faster speeds than a conventional tractor, but high-speed mowing can be a challenge for new operators. Mowing at high speeds requires that you are able to react quickly when you need to stop, and the braking mechanism of a zero-turn mower differs from that of conventional mowers. Most zero-turn mowers do not have a foot brake pedal; braking is accomplished by moving both steering levers to the neutral position. Further, because only the rear wheels are powered, the front wheels are used only for pivoting. This makes it much more difficult to stop a zero-turn lawnmower. When riding down a steep slope, it is particularly dangerous to depend on the back wheels to stop."

The Toro Company, manufacturers of lawn mowing equipment, recommends the following zero-turn riding mower safety tips:

Zero-turning radius mowers like all lawnmowers, require careful operation to prevent accidents when mowing around water, drop-offs, retaining walls, culverts, steep inclines and in wet environments.

ROPS: To promote safe operation, a rollover protection system (ROPS), now comes standard on all new professional zero-turn models. Keep the roll bar in the fully raised and locked position, and use your seat belt when operating the mower .

Safety Equipment and Maintenance: Make sure safety equipment such as the deflector shield, ROPS and safety interlocks are functional and utilized.

Perform regular equipment inspections and replace all parts including tires, belts, blades and fuel system components with original equipment parts and accessories.

Training: To maximize safety, performance and proper operation of the machine, it is essential that all operators carefully read and fully understand the contents of the operating manual.

Keep Movements Deliberate and Steady : In the interest of safety, keep your speed under control and operate the control levers with smooth, even pressure.

Maneuvering Hills : Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Keep movements deliberate and steady. Don’t make sudden changes in speed or direction. Avoid mowing slopes under wet conditions. When using a bagging attachment, remember the weight of the grass clippings affects the stability of the mower.

Retaining Walls and Other Drop-offs : Allow plenty of safe clearance in the vicinity of drop-offs and on unstable ground surrounding ponds, drainage ditches and other bodies of water. Without proper clearance, a wheel could slip over an edge, or the ground may give way. A good guide is to allow a safe area of two mower widths.

Defective Product Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.