Treestand Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Treestand Recall Lawsuit Overview

Treestand recall lawsuits involve legal action against manufacturers of defective climbing treestands that have resulted in serious injuries and accidents. These lawsuits primarily center on product liability claims where the climbing apparatus failed during normal use.

Multiple manufacturers have been forced to recall their products due to safety concerns, including Alliance Outdoor Products, Summit Treestands, and Big Game Treestands.

The primary defect in these products involves cable assemblies that can separate due to corrosion or poor design, posing a significant fall hazard to users.

According to CPSC reports, there have been multiple reported incidents resulting in fracture injuries when the treestands’ cables separated during use.

In total, more than 7,000 treestands have been recalled across multiple manufacturers due to serious safety concerns.

Latest Treestand Recall Lawsuit Updates

• December 1, 2022 – Summit Treestands LLC initiated a recall of approximately 2,555 Viper Level PRO SD Treestands due to concerns that the treestand’s tree cable can dislodge from the cable assembly, posing a fall hazard to consumers. These products were sold nationwide from January 2022 through October 2022 for about $530 [1].
• December 22, 2021 – Big Game Treestands, of Irving, Texas, recalled more than 1,000 Big Game Treestands 2021 model year The Captain Hang-on Treestands (model BGM-FP0050) over concerns that the crimps of the plastic-coated cables can slip during use, causing the standing platform to release. These products were sold nationwide at various sporting goods stores from August 2021 through October 2021 for between $80 and $90 [2].
• November 4, 2020 – Alliance Outdoor Products, Inc. recalled approximately 3,400 X-Stand Climbing Treestands after receiving at least 5 reports of the stands’ cable separating, resulting in 2 fracture injuries. The affected treestands were sold at Sportsman’s Guide stores and sporting goods stores nationwide from May 2017 through December 2018 for between $200 and $230 [3].

Reports and Statistics on Treestand Defects

Treestand accidents represent a significant safety concern for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. According to industry data and CPSC reports:

• 74% of treestand accidents occur when climbing up or down or when installing or removing a stand.
• 7% of tree stand hunters surveyed had an accident in the last 10 years.
• 73% of surveyed hunters said poor judgment and carelessness caused their fall.
• According to Glen Mayhew, president of the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation (TSSA), there were approximately 3,000 treestand-related accidents in 2018 that resulted in injuries.
• This number represents a 50% reduction from 2010, showing improvement in overall safety but indicating ongoing concerns.

Specific recall statistics include:

• Summit Treestands: 2,555 Viper Level PRO SD Treestands recalled (December 2022).
• Big Game Treestands: Over 1,000 Captain Hang-on Treestands recalled (December 2021).
• Alliance Outdoor Products: Approximately 3,400 X-Stand Climbing Treestands recalled (November 2020).
• 10 reports of defective tree stand cables releasing and causing consumers to fall have been received by GSM Outdoors, with two injuries reported.

Treestand Risks & Safety Concerns

Recalled treestands pose serious safety risks that can lead to severe injuries or even death.

The primary concerns identified across multiple manufacturers include:

• Cable Separation: The most common defect involves treestands with cable assemblies that can separate due to corrosion or design flaws, causing the platform to suddenly collapse.
• Crimping Failures: In some models, the crimps of plastic-coated cables can slip during use, causing the standing platform to release unexpectedly.
• Fall Hazards: These defects create a significant risk of falls from heights, potentially resulting in severe injuries including fractures, paralysis, or death.
• Structural Integrity Issues: Poor manufacturing quality affects the overall structural integrity of the stands, making them unsafe even under normal use conditions.

The cable assemblies on the treestand can separate due to corrosion, posing a fall hazard to the user. – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Do You Qualify for a Treestand Recall Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a treestand recall lawsuit if:

• You purchased a recalled treestand from Alliance Outdoor Products, Summit Treestands, Big Game Treestands, or another manufacturer.
• You or a loved one suffered injuries due to a treestand malfunction or collapse.
• You have medical records documenting injuries caused by the defective product.
• Your treestand has been identified as part of a recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Treestand Lawsuits.

They are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.

Evidence Required for a Treestand Recall Lawsuit

To build a strong case, the following evidence can be crucial:

• Purchase records showing you owned the recalled treestand
• The defective treestand itself or photographs of it showing the model number and batch/serial number
• Medical records documenting injuries sustained from the treestand failure
• Documentation of any communication with the manufacturer about the defect
• Incident reports filed with the CPSC or other authorities

Damages You Can Recover

If you’ve been injured by a recalled treestand, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages due to inability to work during recovery
• Pain and suffering resulting from your injuries
• Physical impairment and loss of ability to work
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• In cases of fatal accidents, family members may seek wrongful death damages including loss of consortium

Treestand Recall Information

The following specific treestand recalls have been issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Summit Treestands LLC (December 1, 2022)

• Products: Viper Level PRO SD climbing treestand with model numbers SUB1140 and SUB1141
• Hazard: The treestand’s tree cable can dislodge from the cable assembly, posing a fall hazard
• Units: Approximately 2,555
• Where Sold: Online and at sporting goods stores nationwide from January 2022 through October 2022
• Price: About $530

Big Game Treestands (December 22, 2021)

• Products: 2021 model year The Captain Hang-on Treestands, model BGM-FP0050 with serial/batch number 2M-0121 
• Hazard: The crimps of the plastic-coated cables can slip during use, causing the standing platform to release
• Units: Over 1,000
• Where Sold: Multiple sporting goods stores nationwide from August 2021 through October 2021
• Price: Between $80 and $90

Alliance Outdoor Products, Inc. (November 4, 2020)

• Products: 2017 model year X-Stand Treestands including Model #XSCT334 Silent Adrenaline Tree X Stand and Model #XSCT355 Apache X Stand 
• Hazard: The cable assemblies on the treestand can separate due to corrosion, posing a fall hazard
• Units: Approximately 3,400
• Where Sold: Sportsman’s Guide stores and sporting goods stores nationwide from May 2017 through December 2018
• Price: Between $200 and $230

If you purchased a treestand that is affected by any of these recalls, you should stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer for refund or replacement instructions.

GSM Outdoors has received 10 reports of the defective tree stand cables releasing and causing consumers to fall, Two injuries have been reported – the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Statute of Limitations for Treestand Recall Lawsuits

The time limit for filing a treestand recall lawsuit varies by state. Most product liability cases have a statute of limitations ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury, but this can vary significantly depending on your location.

Some states may allow for a “discovery rule” exception, which means the statute of limitations begins when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by a defective product.

Due to these variations and complexities, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing a treestand-related injury to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

Related Article: Field and Stream Safety Rope Lawsuit

FAQs

1. What legal actions can I take against the manufacturer?

If you’ve been injured by a defective treestand, you can file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer seeking compensation for your injuries and related expenses. These are typically individual lawsuits, though class actions may be possible in certain circumstances.

2. Do I need proof that the treestand caused my injuries?

Yes, you’ll need evidence connecting your injuries to the defective product. This can include medical records documenting your injuries, the defective treestand showing the model and batch numbers matching the recall, and any documentation of the incident.

3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Statutes of limitations vary by state, but most product defect lawsuits must be filed within 1-6 years of the injury. Consulting with an attorney promptly is crucial to ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.

4. What kind of compensation can I receive?

Compensation in a treestand lawsuit can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to penalize the manufacturer for negligence.

5. What should I do if my treestand malfunctioned?

If your treestand has malfunctioned, stop using it immediately, preserve it as evidence, document any injuries with medical records, check if it’s part of a recall on the CPSC website, and consult with an attorney experienced in product liability cases.

6. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases end in settlement which means the case will not be tried in court but settled before the case goes to trial. However, if the opposing side does not offer you a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend taking your case to trial.

7. How can I check if my treestand is defective or recalled?

You can check if your treestand is defective or recalled by visiting the manufacturer’s website, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, and reviewing recall notices. Checking product lot numbers and serial numbers can help identify recalled items.

8. Can I join a class-action lawsuit?

If multiple plaintiffs with similar injuries and circumstances file claims against the same manufacturer, a class action may be formed. Consult with an attorney to determine if joining a class action or filing an individual claim is more appropriate for your situation.

9. What evidence do I need to support my case?

Key evidence includes purchase records, the defective treestand, medical records, photographs of injuries, incident reports, and any communication with the manufacturer about the defect.

10. How do I start my legal claim?

Contact an experienced product liability attorney for a case evaluation. Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers free, confidential evaluations and can guide you through the process of filing a claim.

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Treestand Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action. Statute of limitations laws may restrict how long victims have to file claims.

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

References:

1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Summit-Treestands-Recalls-Viper-Level-PRO-SD-Climbing-Treestands-Due-to-Fall-Hazard
2. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Big-Game-Treestands-Recalls-2021-The-Captain-Hang-on-Treestands-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards
3. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Alliance-Outdoor-Products-Recalls-Climbing-Treestands-Due-to-Fall-Hazard