$700,000 Tree Stand Case
At Bautista LeRoy LLC, we have extensive experience investigating and litigating tree stand injuries from falls and defective equipment. Hunting season is extremely popular in Missouri and Kansas, as is tree stand use. Those who hunt generally worry about bow and gun accidents while hunting. In Missouri and Kansas, there are more tree stand injuries than gunshot injuries during hunting season.
Falls from tree stands can cause injuries including broken legs and arms, punctured organs, and even death. About five out of every 10,000 hunters require medical attention after falling from a tree stand.
Hunting Accident Injury Attorney
Along with falling from a tree stand, there are other unforeseen dangers that occur while hunters are in tree stands. Some injuries are caused from hunters falling from stands because the straps holding the tree stand to the tree are inferior or poorly designed. Other injuries occur from the collapse of stand accessories, such as, the ladders, steps, and pegs used to get up the tree. Poorly designed or defective tree stands, and equipment can cause serious injury to hunters. Hunters may suffer strangulation, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and even death.
Under the laws of Missouri, a product may be considered defective if it meets one of the following elements:
- Design Defect: This defect deals with the overall design of the product or a specific part of the product. A design defect investigates the design principles and how the product was engineered from paper to being sold on the store shelves. The manufacturer must consider any and all foreseeable uses from the consumer.
- Manufacturer Defect: These defects occur when there is an error made during assembly process, such as, an improper weld or failing to secure a bolt. This defect does not apply to all product models, but just the specific product that caused the injury.
- Warning, Marketing or Label Defects: This defect occurs when manufacturers do not inform the consumer of how the product should be used or warn the user about what injuries may occur if the product is improperly used. These claims can be brought against the distributor, manufacturer, wholesalers, and any retailers.
Call Bautista LeRoy LLC, if you or a loved one has been injured using a tree stand or defective equipment for a tree stand. Give us a call at 833-381-6589 or contact us online.
Summary
During hunting season, many hunters use tree stands. Considering their high vantage point, which makes it easier to spot animals. But these tree stands pose a higher risk than gun-related accidents. One mistake can make a dangerous fall, which can often lead to:
- Broken arms or legs
- Internal injuries or punctured organs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Life-threatening complications or even death
Most of the tree stand injury cases are due to several causes, and injured hunters can file a claim if their case fits into one of these three groups:
- Design defects - when there is a problem with the engineering and design principles of a product or a specific component, such as weak straps.
- Manufacturer defects - when an anomaly occurs in the product assembly process, such as a loose screw or bolt, improper welding, or the like.
- Failure to warn - whenever the manufacturer fails to include a label or instructions for using the product, or fails to include warnings.
- Since this case often involves complex product failures, victims need a lawyer who will help them file a claim and get compensation for their injuries.
Bautista LeRoy LLC has years of extensive experience investigating and litigating these specific types of personal injury cases. Our attorneys are determined to uncover the truth about the incident. We are also determined to help victims who have suffered injuries from falls, equipment damage, other injuries, or even wrongful death. We are focused on ensuring that our clients are treated fairly and get the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one needed some legal help, you can contact us at 833-381-6589 or through our online contact forms to begin the process.
Are tree stand accidents really that common during hunting season?
Yes, and it is more common than accidents relating to bows and guns. It also becomes more serious when equipment fails to work or when hunters do not follow safety measures.
What kinds of injuries can happen from a tree stand fall?
It is not the fall that is the problem, but also the impact when you hit the ground. So, even if one falls from a tree that is not that high, it can cause:
- Fractured arms or legs
- Head or brain injuries
- Internal damage to organs
- In severe cases, wrongful death
What causes most tree stand accidents?
- Most of the tree stand accidents are due to several causes, such as:
- Design Defects - errors in the product's engineering and design principles.
- Manufacturer Defects - errors in the assembly process.
- Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn) - inadequate warnings or instructions
Can I take action if my tree stand or equipment was defective?
Yes. If there is enough evidence that your tree stand or the equipment was defective. You can pursue a product liability claim, and the manufacturer and seller of the said equipment may be held liable.
How can Bautista LeRoy LLC help me after a tree stand injury?
Since these cases can be more complicated than they seem, you need a competent legal firm to fight for you. Bautista LeRoy LLC can:
- Thoroughly investigate how the tree stand accident happened.
- Identify whether the tree stand equipment was defective.
- Hold the right people accountable for the tree stand accident.
- Pursue compensation for your tree stand injuries.
When something goes wrong with your tree stand, you should not have to figure it all out by yourself.
