If you or a loved one was injured while wearing a recalled Bell Sports bicycle helmet, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, our legal team specializes in consumer protection and product liability cases. We understand the complexities of helmet safety standards and are prepared to advocate for those harmed by defective products.
Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no‑obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
Helmet Lawsuit Overview
The Bell Sports Helmet Lawsuit centers on a June 26, 2025 recall after approximately 31,200 helmets (plus ~480 in Canada) were found to violate federal impact safety standards. The helmets—models Axle, Cadence, Rev, Passage, and Frenzy (model numbers B0494Y, B0605Y, B0605C)—may fail to adequately absorb shock during crashes, posing a heightened risk of head injury. No injuries have been reported, but the helmets cannot guarantee protection upon impact as required by CPSC standards.
Latest Helmet Lawsuit Updates
- June 26, 2025 – CPSC issues recall for ~31,200 helmets sold in the U.S. and ~480 in Canada.
- Late June 2025 – Bell Sports and Bell Garage post recall notice with refund procedures: consumers must cut helmet straps, send photos, and receive full refunds.
- July 2025 – Consumer safety attorneys begin tracking complaints related to fit, protection failure, and near-miss incidents.
- August 2025 – Initial lawsuits filed in multiple states alleging helmet failure and missed safety recall awareness.
- September 2025 – Discovery phase begins; plaintiffs request testing data, sales records, and internal communications from Bell Sports.
Lawsuit Statistics
- Helmets recalled: ~31,200 in the U.S.; ~480 in Canada.
- Models affected: Axle, Cadence, Rev, Passage, Frenzy (B0494Y, B0605Y/C).
- Retail outlets: Walmart, Target, Academy Sports, Amazon, and others from September 2024–May 2025.
- Injuries reported: None to date, though risk remains significant due to defective impact performance.
Regulatory Violations & Safety Findings
CPSC testing determined that the recalled helmets do not comply with federal impact requirements, meaning they may fail to sufficiently protect against head injuries during crashes. Despite lack of injury reports, the violation alone triggers recall and potential claims under product liability law—especially in negligence, strict liability, and failure-to-warn contexts.
Injuries & Health Risks
Wearing a non-compliant helmet can result in serious harm in the event of a crash, including:
- Concussions or traumatic brain injury due to inadequate shock absorption.
- Skull fractures or facial trauma if helmet collapses or loses structural integrity.
- Long-term neurological impact, such as memory loss, dizziness, cognitive decline.
Do You Qualify for a Bell Sports Helmet Lawsuit?
You may qualify if:
- You purchased a recalled Bell Sports helmet (Axle, Cadence, Rev, Passage, or Frenzy).
- You used the helmet between September 2024 and May 2025.
- Your helmet may not protect as intended or you sustained an injury while wearing it.
- You can provide proof of purchase, helmet model info, or photos.
Evidence Required
- Receipt or order confirmation showing purchase date and model.
- Photos of helmet interior with model number and date codes visible.
- Incident reports or medical records in case of injury.
- Communication records referencing the recall or repair process.
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical costs: ER trips, imaging, specialist care.
- Pain & suffering: Physical and emotional effects of head injury.
- Lost income: Time off work due to injury recovery.
- Punitive damages: Potentially if Bell Sports knowingly sold unsafe products.
Recall Details & Consumer Action
- Recall date: June 26, 2025.
- How to get a refund: Cut straps, destroy helmet, email photo to Bell (consumersupport‑bell@bellhelmets.com), or call 800‑456‑2355.
- Stop use immediately: Discontinue wearing causal, supervised, or competitive use.
- Dispose safely: Follow instructions to prevent contact with potentially hazardous helmet materials.
Statute of Limitations & Urgency
Lawsuits for defective products must typically be filed within two to five years after injury or recall knowledge, depending on your state. Acting promptly helps preserve helmet evidence, medical records, and witness accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still sue if I didn’t break my helmet? Yes—legal claims may still proceed for failure to meet safety standards and potential risk even without an incident.
- Is a refund enough? No—the refund addresses the helmet cost but does not cover medical expenses or other damage.
- Can retailers be held liable? Possibly—retailers who sold the recalled product may share responsibility in failure-to-warn or negligence claims.
- What if I already returned the helmet? Returning the helmet does not waive your legal rights to pursue injury-based claims.
- Do I need a lawyer? Yes—these cases involve technical compliance standards and complex liability issues requiring specialized legal support.
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References
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Bell-Sports-Recalls-Bicycle-Helmets-Due-to-Risk-of-Head-Injury-Violation-of-Federal-Standard-for-Bicycle-Helmets
- https://www.bicycleretailer.com/recalls/2025/06/26/bell-sports-recalls-over-31-000-helmets
- https://help.target.com/help/TargetGuestHelpPRArticleDetail?articleId=ka9Kd000000PBh6IAG