Published by If you or a loved one was injured by a recalled Portland electric corded chainsaw or pole saw that failed to shut off when the trigger was released, you may be eligible to pursue a Portland Chainsaw Lawsuit. These cases typically address serious cuts, eye injuries, or emotional trauma arising from sudden blade operation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, our product liability lawyers specialize in defective power tool cases. We are devoted to ensuring that manufacturers and retailers are held accountable, and that victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
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Table Of Contents
- Portland Chainsaw Recall Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Portland Chainsaw Lawsuit Updates
- Portland Chainsaw Lawsuit Statistics
- Design Flaw & Hazard Analysis
- Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify?
- Recall Instructions & Consumer Guidance
- Statute of Limitations & Urgency
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
Portland Chainsaw Recall Lawsuit Overview
This lawsuit follows a July 3, 2025 recall by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) affecting approximately 49,000 electric corded chainsaws and pole saws sold under the Portland (Harbor Freight), Hyper Tough (Walmart), and Worx brands.
The recall stems from a defective main power switch that can allow the blade to continue spinning even after the user releases the trigger, creating a significant laceration hazard.
Although no injuries have yet been reported, the defect presents a serious risk during ordinary use and supports claims for negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty, and failure to warn.
Latest Portland Chainsaw Lawsuit Updates
- July 3, 2025 – CPSC announces recall after confirming the power switch defect that keeps blades running post-trigger [1.].
- July 4, 2025 – Harbor Freight notifies its customers to stop using affected Portland saws immediately and provides guidance for free retrofit kits [2.].
Portland Chainsaw Lawsuit Statistics
- Units recalled: Approximately 49,000 Portland-branded chainsaws and pole saws.
- Reported injuries: None confirmed, but CPSC warns of serious laceration risk.
- Sales period: September 2024–March 2025 via Harbor Freight, Walmart, Amazon, Worx.com, and other retailers.
Design Flaw & Hazard Analysis
The defect involves a malfunctioning main power switch that fails to discontinue power when the trigger is released—posing a direct risk of unexpected blade movement. This flaw constitutes a breach of safety standards and supports legal claims under strict liability, negligence, breach of warranty, and failure to warn, as users had no indication the blade could stay engaged.
Injuries & Side Effects
Use of an affected Portland chainsaw or pole saw may cause:
- Lacerations and deep cuts: From contact with an unexpectedly operating blade.
- Eye and facial trauma: From debris propelled by a still-spinning chain.
- Emotional distress: Psychological effects stemming from loss of control and injury risk.
Do You Qualify?
You may qualify for compensation if:
- You used a recalled Portland electric chainsaw or pole saw between September 2024 and March 2025;
- You experienced an injury, near miss, psychological trauma, or property damage;
- You can provide proof of purchase, product photos, or medical records;
- You discontinued use following the recall or experienced the defect.
Evidence Required
- Product documentation: Photos showing UPC, serial/model number, and logo;
- Proof of purchase: Receipts, invoices, or online order confirmations;
- Medical records: ER visits, treatment notes, and injury documentation;
- Incident evidence: Witness statements, photos, or workplace logs;
- Recall notice: CPSC emails or Harbor Freight recall communications.
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, specialist treatment, and follow-up;
- Pain & suffering: Physical and emotional distress;
- Lost income: Wages lost due to injury recovery;
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of tools and property;
- Punitive damages: If manufacturer knowingly ignored defect risks.
Recall Instructions & Consumer Guidance
- Recall date: July 3, 2025—CPSC recall issued.
- Products affected: Portland 9-Amp 14″ electric chainsaw, plus other brand models sharing defect.
- Hazard: Defective switch may allow blade to continue running after trigger release.
- Consumer action: Stop use immediately. Contact Positec or Harbor Freight for free retrofit kit and prepaid shipping label.
Statute of Limitations & Urgency
Product defect claims must typically be filed within two to five years from the date of incident or recall notice, varying by state. Prompt action is vital to preserve evidence—including the saw, medical documentation, witness accounts, and purchase history—and strengthen your case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to keep the saw? Yes—preserving the unit or taking detailed photos is essential for proof.
- Can I sue over a near miss? Yes—psychological trauma and close-call incidents may still merit compensation.
- Does a recall refund end my legal rights? No—the recall does not negate your eligibility to seek damages.
- Do I need an attorney? Yes—product liability cases involve complex technical and legal issues that require professional guidance.
References
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Positec-Recalls-Electric-Corded-Chainsaws-and-Pole-Saws-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/about-49000-electric-chainsaws-pole-saws-recalled-switch-failure-laceration-hazard
- https://www.rttnews.com/3550900/positec-recalls-about-49k-electric-corded-chainsaws-and-pole-saws.aspx