Published by If an API Outdoors treestand failed and caused a fall, broken bones, back injuries, or another serious hunting accident, a legal review may help you understand your options.
Compensation may be available for medical bills, lost income, and other documented losses tied to a defective treestand.
Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem?
The safety issue involved the cable assembly on certain API Outdoors climbing tree stands. If that assembly released, the stand could suddenly give way and drop the user. That is not the kind of defect a hunter can easily correct in the field once weight is already on the stand.
Treestand accidents are dangerous because they often happen several feet off the ground, in isolated locations, and during moments when a hunter has limited time to react. A collapse or release can lead to spinal injuries, rib fractures, shoulder injuries, head trauma, or worse, even if the fall is relatively short.
Latest Updates
- October 20, 2015 – Global Manufacturing Company recalled model year 2014 API Outdoors climbing tree stands, model GCL300-A “The Marksman,” batch numbers 9G-0114 and 9G-0614, because the cable assembly can release and pose a fall hazard to the user. The recall covered about 5,300 units and followed one reported incident in which the cable assembly released, resulting in a broken vertebra, fractured rib, and sprained shoulder. [1]
Product Identification
This recall involved model year 2014 API Outdoors climbing tree stands sold as model GCL300-A, known as “The Marksman.” The stands were light green metal climbing stands sold with an accessory bag, a nylon hanging strap assembly, and a nylon netted seat without a backrest.
The batch number started with “BN” and was printed on a small tag located on the frame below the seat. Only units with batch numbers 9G-0114 and 9G-0614 were included. For anyone evaluating a possible claim, clear photographs of the frame tag, stand, and cable assembly can be especially important.
Incidents and Injuries
This recall involved more than a theoretical defect. The company received one report of the cable assembly releasing during use.
That incident reportedly caused a broken vertebra, a fractured rib, and a sprained shoulder. Even one reported fall with that kind of injury profile is serious in the treestand context, because it shows how quickly a support failure can become a major trauma event.
Where and When It Was Sold
The recalled stands were sold at Menards and Rogers Sporting Goods stores nationwide and online from June 2014 through June 2015. The reported sale price ranged from about $140 to $180.
The manufacturer was Global Manufacturing Company of Windom, Minnesota, and the product was manufactured in China. For many families, older store receipts may be gone, so photographs, manuals, hunting gear records, and any remaining packaging can help identify the product.
What Consumers Should Do Now
Consumers were told to stop using the recalled tree stands immediately and return them for free replacement cables. In a recall like this, continuing to use the stand after learning of the defect can create obvious safety risks.
If a collapse, near-fall, or injury already happened, it may be important to preserve the stand, the cable assembly, photographs, and any accident documentation before making changes to the product.
Do You Qualify for an API Outdoors Treestand Lawsuit?
A legal review may be appropriate if an API Outdoors climbing tree stand released, collapsed, or failed and caused a fall or other injury. These cases are often stronger when the stand can be identified clearly and the event is supported by medical records, photos, witness statements, or hunting accident reports.
Evidence to Gather
- Photos of the treestand and batch tag
- Pictures of the cable assembly and any visible failure points
- Store receipts, order confirmations, or product manuals
- Medical records and emergency treatment records
- Photos of the scene and any harness or safety equipment used
Potential Damages
Potential damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other documented losses tied to the fall.
Legal Theories and Liability Considerations
These claims are often evaluated under product liability, negligence, and failure-to-warn theories. The central questions usually include whether the cable assembly was defectively designed or manufactured and whether the treestand was reasonably safe for normal hunting use.
References
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/Global-Manufacturing-Company-Recalls-API-Outdoors-Tree-Stands