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Table Of Contents
- Ozone 500 Bicycle Recall: Understanding the Defect and Consumer Action Steps
- What’s the Issue? Understanding the Rear Shock Spring Defect
- How Does the Defect Occur? Technical Breakdown
- What Should You Do? Recall Instructions for Consumers
- Alfreda W.’s Lawsuit: A Firsthand Account of Injury from an Ozone 500 Bicycle
- Understanding Compensation for Ozone 500 Bicycle Injuries
- Eligibility Criteria for Filing a Lawsuit
- How to File a Lawsuit & Seek Compensation
- FAQs
- Do I Have an Ozone Bikes Lawsuit?
Ozone 500 Bicycle Recall: Understanding the Defect and Consumer Action Steps
The Ozone 500 Girls’ and Boys’ Elevate 24-inch bicycles have been recalled due to a critical safety issue with the rear shock spring.
This defect creates a dangerous pinch point between the spring and the seat, posing serious risks of injury and falls.
If you own one of these bicycles, it is essential to understand the defect, the potential dangers, and the steps you need to take to ensure safety.
What’s the Issue? Understanding the Rear Shock Spring Defect
The recall affects two specific models sold at Academy Sports + Outdoors [1]:
| Style Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 164538 | Ozone 500 Girls’ Elevate 24-inch Bicycle |
| 164540 | Ozone 500 Boys’ Elevate 24-inch Bicycle |
The problem arises when the rear shock spring gets stuck, which leads to two major hazards:
-
Injury Risk – The pinch point created by the stuck spring can trap hands or fingers, leading to painful injuries. In one reported case, a rider suffered hand injuries when the spring unexpectedly compressed.
-
Fall Hazard – If the spring remains stuck, the bicycle may suddenly stop, causing the rider to lose control and fall.
Identification & Recall Details
If you own an Ozone 500 bicycle, check for these identifying features:
- Branding: “Ozone 500” is printed on the frame.
- Girls’ Model: Fuchsia frame with black script.
- Boys’ Model: Black frame with red script.
These bicycles were sold online and in stores at Academy Sports + Outdoors between October 2020 and May 2021, retailing for about $300. Understanding how this defect occurs helps explain why immediate action is necessary.
How Does the Defect Occur? Technical Breakdown
The coil spring suspension is designed to absorb shocks and maintain a smooth ride. However, a flaw in the design or manufacturing process causes the spring to get stuck instead of decompressing properly.
When compressed incorrectly, the spring creates a pinch point under the seat, putting the rider at risk of getting their hand caught if they try to adjust the seat or suspension.
Additionally, if the spring remains locked, the suspension fails to absorb shocks, increasing the likelihood of a sudden stop and fall.
Common Factors That Can Worsen the Issue
- Preload Adjustment Issues – If the preload is incorrectly set, the spring may fail to decompress.
- Spring Design Flaws – The spring rate may not match the bicycle’s intended weight capacity, affecting its function.
- Manufacturing Defects – Inconsistent production quality can result in certain springs being more prone to sticking.
By understanding these mechanical failures, it becomes clear why this recall is necessary for rider safety.
“The rear shock spring on the bicycles can become stuck, creating a pinch point between the spring and the seat, posing a risk of injury, or causing the bicycles to stop unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to the rider,” CPSC said. “Academy has received one report of a person injuring their hand under the seat when the rear shock spring compressed.”
What Should You Do? Recall Instructions for Consumers
If your bicycle is affected, STOP USING IT IMMEDIATELY to prevent injury and seek one of the following:
- Free Repair: Bring your bicycle to any Academy Sports + Outdoors store for a free repair.
- Replacement Shock: Contact Academy Sports + Outdoors for repair instructions and to request a replacement shock.
- Full Refund: If you prefer, you can return the bicycle using a pre-paid shipping label provided by the manufacturer to receive a full refund.
This recall officially began on July 14, 2021, and remains ongoing. Consumers should act quickly to ensure their safety.
Related Article: Rocky Mountain Bikes Recall Lawsuit
Alfreda W.’s Lawsuit: A Firsthand Account of Injury from an Ozone 500 Bicycle
In June 2023, Alfreda W., a mother from Texas, filed a lawsuit against Academy LTC and Academy Sports + Outdoors, claiming that a defective Ozone 500 bicycle caused her a severe hand injury.
Her case sheds light on the dangers associated with the recalled bicycle and the long-term effects of the injury she sustained.
Timeline of Events: How the Injury Happened
- July 2021 – Alfreda’s daughter was riding her Ozone 500 bicycle when the seat suddenly collapsed onto the rear tire.
- Alfreda & Her Husband’s Attempt to Fix the Bike – Her husband lifted the bicycle to stabilize it, while Alfreda attempted to adjust the rear shock spring to restore the seat’s position.
- The Injury Occurs – As Alfreda pulled on the rear shock spring, it suddenly released, snapping back forcefully and crushing the middle finger of her right hand.
- 11 Days Later – Official Recall Announced – On July 14, 2021, Academy Sports + Outdoors and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled the Ozone 500 bicycle, citing the exact issue that injured Alfreda—a pinch point created by the faulty rear shock spring.
The Severity of Alfreda’s Injury
The force of the spring’s release resulted in a severe fracture in her middle finger, causing:
- Bone displacement that required immediate medical attention.
- Swelling and intense pain, preventing her from using her hand effectively.
- Deep tissue damage, which significantly prolonged the healing process.
Medical Treatments & Recovery
Following the accident, Alfreda required:
- Emergency medical care to assess the damage.
- X-rays confirming the severity of the fracture.
- Immobilization of the finger with a splint to allow the bone to heal properly.
- Pain management treatment, including medication to ease swelling and discomfort.
- Follow-up physical therapy to regain mobility and prevent long-term stiffness in her hand.
Despite receiving medical treatment, Alfreda continued to experience difficulty gripping objects, lingering pain, and limited mobility, which affected her daily activities and ability to work.
The long-term effects of Alfreda’s injury extended well beyond the initial fracture. She experienced a significant loss of grip strength, making everyday tasks like writing, typing, and household chores increasingly difficult.
Additionally, the area around her injury remained highly sensitive, leading to persistent discomfort even after the initial recovery period.
The lingering nerve pain made simple hand movements painful, further limiting her ability to perform routine activities.
Beyond the physical challenges, the accident also took an emotional toll—the sudden nature of the injury and the long recovery process created ongoing frustration and stress, ultimately affecting her overall quality of life.
Legal Claims & Compensation Sought
Alfreda’s lawsuit, filed on June 29, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for Harris County, Texas (Case Number 2023-40074), argues that the bicycle’s defective design caused preventable harm.
Her legal claims include:
- Product Liability – Asserting that the bicycle was dangerously designed with a known pinch point.
- Negligence – Alleging that Academy Sports failed to identify and address the hazard before selling the product.
- Failure to Warn – Stating that the company did not provide sufficient warnings about the risks associated with the rear shock spring.
She is seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages related to the injury.
Alfreda’s story highlights the real dangers of defective products and the importance of timely recalls. Had the recall been issued sooner, her injury could have been prevented.
Her lawsuit serves as a reminder that manufacturers must prioritize safety over profits and that consumers have the right to hold companies accountable when defective products cause harm.
Understanding Compensation for Ozone 500 Bicycle Injuries
Victims of defective Ozone 500 bicycles may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a faulty rear shock spring, it is crucial to understand the categories of compensation available and how to prove eligibility for a claim.
Types of Compensation Available
The following are the types of compensation you can receive:
1. Medical Expenses
A significant portion of compensation in product liability lawsuits covers medical costs.
Injured victims can seek reimbursement for:
- Emergency Room Visits – Costs for immediate medical treatment, including ambulance fees and emergency care.
- Surgeries and Procedures – Any necessary operations to treat fractures, nerve damage, or other injuries.
- Hospitalization – Extended stays in medical facilities due to severe injuries.
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation – Long-term therapy required to restore strength and mobility.
- Prescription Medications – Pain management and medications needed for recovery.
- Medical Equipment & Home Modifications – Costs for braces, mobility aids, or modifications to accommodate disabilities caused by the injury.
2. Pain and Suffering
Beyond medical bills, injured victims can pursue compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Courts may consider:
- Severity of the Injury – More severe injuries typically result in higher compensation.
- Emotional Trauma – Anxiety, PTSD, or depression caused by the accident.
- Permanent Disability – Lifelong impairments affecting daily activities and independence.
3. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Victims who missed work due to their injuries can recover lost income, calculated based on:
- Missed Workdays – Compensation for the wages lost during the recovery period.
- Reduced Work Hours – If the injury limits the ability to work full-time.
- Long-Term Career Impact – If the injury permanently prevents returning to a previous job, victims may seek compensation for future earning losses.
4. Future Medical Needs
Some injuries require ongoing treatment long after the initial accident.
Compensation may cover:
- Long-Term Therapy – Continued rehabilitation for hand injuries, nerve damage, or mobility issues.
- Corrective Surgeries – Follow-up procedures to repair complications.
- Lifelong Pain Management – Expenses for chronic pain treatments, including injections or nerve-blocking procedures.
5. Parental Lost Wages for Child Injuries
If a child is injured due to a defective Ozone 500 bicycle, parents may be compensated for lost wages resulting from:
- Time Off Work for Medical Appointments – Parents often need to take time off work to care for their child’s injury.
- Long-Term Caregiving Needs – If the child’s injury leads to permanent disabilities requiring ongoing parental supervision.
Eligibility Criteria for Filing a Lawsuit
Not all injury victims will automatically qualify for compensation. To be eligible for an Ozone 500 bicycle lawsuit, claimants must meet the following conditions:
-
Injury Directly Caused by the Defective Bicycle: The injury must have resulted from the pinch point issue in the rear shock spring or another design defect.
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Proof of Purchase or Ownership: Documentation such as a receipt, credit card statement, or warranty registration showing that the bicycle was purchased between October 2020 and May 2021.
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Medical Documentation of Injury: Medical reports confirming the nature of the injury and the required treatments.
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Filing Within the Statute of Limitations: Most states have a 2-3 year deadline for filing product liability claims. Consulting with an attorney can ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
How to File a Lawsuit & Seek Compensation
If you or your child suffered an injury from an Ozone 500 bicycle, you may be entitled to legal action.
Here’s what to do next:
- Gather Evidence – Collect medical records, proof of purchase, and witness statements.
- Consult a Product Liability Lawyer – Legal experts can evaluate your case for free.
- File a Claim Before the Deadline – Protect your rights by acting quickly.
Taking legal action can hold Academy Sports + Outdoors accountable and help victims recover financially and emotionally from their injuries.
Related Articles:
FAQs
Can I receive compensation for future medical expenses related to injuries from an Ozone bike defect?
Yes, compensation in a product liability lawsuit can include future medical expenses if your injuries require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care. Your lawyer can help calculate these anticipated costs.
How does a class action lawsuit differ from an individual lawsuit in the context of Ozone Bikes?
In a class action lawsuit, multiple plaintiffs with similar claims join together to file a single lawsuit, which can make the legal process more efficient and increase the likelihood of a settlement. In an individual lawsuit, you pursue your claim separately, which may result in a higher potential compensation tailored to your specific circumstances.
What should I do if I’m contacted by the manufacturer or their insurance company after my injury?
If you’re contacted by the manufacturer or their insurance company, it’s important to be cautious. Do not agree to any settlements or provide detailed statements without consulting your lawyer first. They may attempt to settle for less than you deserve.
Can I be compensated for time missed from work due to injuries from an Ozone bike defect?
Yes, lost wages due to time missed from work as a result of your injuries can be included in your compensation claim. This may also cover reduced earning capacity if your injuries impact your ability to work in the future.
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Do I Have an Ozone Bikes Lawsuit?
The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Ozone Bikes Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by a recalled bicycle, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.