The Dangers of Treestands
Treestand accidents are among the leading causes of serious injury and death among deer hunters in the United States. Each year, thousands of hunters fall from treestands, climbing sticks, and ladder stands, often suffering broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and in some cases death. Falls can occur during ascent, descent, or while seated in the stand, and they can happen to even experienced hunters using equipment that appears to be in good working order.
Common causes of treestand accidents include equipment failure, defective components, improper assembly, and products that do not meet applicable safety standards. When a fall is caused by a defective product rather than user error, the manufacturer may be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries.
XOP Products
XOP, the brand name of Xtreme Outdoor Products of Dubuque, Iowa, markets a broad line of hunting equipment designed to help hunters access elevated positions in trees. XOP’s product lineup includes climbing treestands, hang-on treestands, ladder stands, climbing sticks, and related accessories. Products are sold online at XOPoutdoors.com and through sporting goods retailers nationwide.
XOP markets its products on the basis of lightweight design, portability, and ease of use — features that are appealing to hunters who cover long distances in the field. However, lightweight construction can also mean reduced strength margins, and any defect in a load-bearing component can have catastrophic consequences when a hunter is elevated 15 to 30 feet above the ground.
XOP’s 2019 Climbing Stick Recall
In June 2019, Xtreme Outdoor Products recalled approximately 1,165 XOP climbing sticks (Model No. XOP-LMO4-SR) in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [1]. The recalled climbing sticks were found to have a bolt failure on the center step that could cause the stick to break while in use, posing a fall hazard and serious risk of injury.
Incidents and Injuries
In connection with the 2019 recall, XOP received two reports of injuries caused by the defective climbing sticks, including scrapes, bruises, a fractured foot, and fractured ribs. The affected climbing sticks were sold in a sand ripple green color in a 4-pack measuring approximately 36 inches tall with three climbing steps. They were sold at Webb’s Sporting Goods, TrailCam stores, and Scheel’s locations in Nebraska and Kansas, as well as online at XOPoutdoors.com, from November 2018 through December 2018 for approximately $170.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Hunters who have been injured while using XOP treestands, climbing sticks, or other XOP climbing products may have legal options. If a fall was caused by a defective product, broken component, or failure to warn of known safety risks, the manufacturer may be liable for damages. A class action or individual lawsuit could allow injured consumers to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Contact an attorney to learn more about your rights.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Xtreme-Outdoor-Products-Recalls-Climbing-Sticks-Due-to-Fall-Hazard-and-Risk-of-Serious-Injury