Lawn Darts Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Lawn Darts Lawsuit Overview

Lawn darts are banned in the U.S. due to serious risks of skull punctures, traumatic brain injuries, and other severe injuries, particularly to children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the sale of lawn darts in 1988 after the products caused the deaths of several children. Despite this ban, some manufacturers have continued to produce and sell these dangerous products.

Latest Lawn Darts Lawsuit Updates

August 13, 2024 – Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm continues to accept new injury and death cases related to lawn darts in all 50 states.

October 24, 2023 – Reflecting on the history of lawn darts, the 1987 incident involving David Snow’s daughter, Michelle, was pivotal in the eventual federal ban of these products. This case underscores the critical importance of product safety regulations to prevent such tragedies [1]. 

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to a 1987 study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers identified 13 lawn dart head injuries reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) between 1983 and 1985. Among these:

• Of 10 cases with detailed outcomes, 5 resulted in neurologic impairment, such as brain damage or psychological deficits.
• 2 cases involved penetrating skull injuries in children.
• 1 patient developed a polymicrobial brain abscess, requiring surgical drainage and prolonged hospitalization, with diminished psychological function at discharge.
• 1 patient required surgical repair of a depressed skull fracture.
  The CPSC later documented 6,100 lawn dart-related emergency room visits from 1978-1986, leading to a 1988 ban. As of March 17, 2025, lawsuits against manufacturers or retailers persist, tied to injuries from pre-ban sets, with legal firms offering case reviews, though no major settlements are confirmed.

Lawn Darts Injuries & Side Effects

Lawn darts can cause severe and life-threatening injuries, particularly to children, even though the tip may not appear obviously dangerous.

• Skull Punctures: Can penetrate the skull and cause direct brain injury
• Brain Abscess: Infection of brain tissue requiring surgical drainage and extended hospitalization
• Depressed Skull Fractures: Requiring surgical repair
• Neurologic Impairment: Permanent brain damage affecting cognitive or physical function
• Death: Multiple children have died from lawn dart injuries

Do You Qualify for a Lawn Darts Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a lawn darts lawsuit if:

• You or a loved one was injured by lawn darts
• The injury required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to lawn darts
• The injury occurred from a product purchased either before or after the 1988 ban

Evidence Required for a Lawn Darts Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you will need:

• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Proof of lawn dart ownership or use
• Documentation of when and where the lawn darts were purchased
• Any available product information (brand, date of purchase)

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation in a lawn darts lawsuit may include:

• Medical expenses for treatments and ongoing care
• Pain and suffering related to your injuries
• Lost wages if the injury led to time off work
• Emotional distress caused by the incident
• In the case of fatal injuries, wrongful death damages
• Punitive damages against manufacturers who violated the ban

Lawn Darts Recall Information

• Recall Date: August 12, 2020
• Products Affected: Approximately 19,400 lawn darts manufactured by Crown Darts UK in the U.S. (plus 4,048 in Canada)
• Description: Darts were sold in sets for 2, 4, and 5 players, containing 4, 8, and 10 darts respectively, plus individual spare darts; each dart is about 12 inches (30 cm) long with polypropylene flights, a brass body, and a stainless steel spigot
• Colors: Red, blue, yellow, purple, pink, orange, ivory, and green
• Identifying Features: The CROWN DARTS logo is printed on the product
• Sale Period: May 2004 through June 2020
• Price Range: Between $15 and $139
• Hazard: Banned in the U.S. due to serious risks of skull punctures and injuries, particularly to children
• Recommendation: Immediately stop using the recalled lawn darts and destroy and dispose of them to prevent further use
• Note: Crown Darts UK is unable to conduct the recall; no incidents or injuries reported as of August 2020

Statute of Limitations for Lawn Darts Lawsuits

The timeframe to file a lawn darts lawsuit varies by state. It’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations in your state.

Related Article: Ravin Crossbow Arrow Nock Recall Lawsuit

FAQs

1. Can I still sue if I bought lawn darts after the ban?

Yes, if you bought lawn darts after the ban and someone was injured, you may have a claim against the seller or manufacturer, especially if they violated the ban by continuing to sell the product. You can seek legal recourse for the injuries caused by the illegal sale.

2. Can I receive compensation for emotional distress caused by a lawn dart injury?

Yes, if you or a loved one suffered emotional distress as a result of a lawn darts injury, you may be entitled to compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health effects caused by the incident.

3. What compensation might be available in a lawn darts lawsuit?

Compensation in a lawn darts lawsuit may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages if the injury led to time off work, and in the case of fatal injuries, wrongful death damages, which can include funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

4. How serious are lawn dart injuries?

Lawn dart injuries can be extremely serious. According to studies, they can cause skull punctures, brain abscesses, depressed skull fractures, and neurological impairment. In the most severe cases, lawn dart injuries have been fatal, particularly for children.

5. How were lawn darts sold despite the ban?

Despite the 1988 ban, some manufacturers continued to produce and sell lawn darts. In particular, Crown Darts UK manufactured approximately 19,400 lawn darts that were sold in the U.S. from 2004 to 2020, primarily through online retailers.

6. Can I file a lawsuit if my child was injured by lawn darts?

Yes, if your child was injured by lawn darts, you can file a lawsuit on their behalf as their parent or legal guardian. Children’s injuries are often taken very seriously in product liability cases.

7. Who can be held liable in a lawn darts lawsuit?

Potential defendants in a lawn darts lawsuit may include the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or online marketplace that sold the banned product. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability.

See other product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for lawn dart injuries. Each state has specific statutes of limitations that restrict the time you have to file a claim after an injury occurs.

The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers focusing on representing plaintiffs in Lawn Darts Lawsuits nationwide. We provide:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

We are currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

[START YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW]

Reference: 

[1] https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/31176/how-one-dad-got-lawn-darts-banned