Illinois Hunting Accident Lawyer

A tree stand lawsuit can help injured hunters and their families recover compensation when a fall is caused by defective equipment. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent victims of tree stand failures throughout Illinois who have suffered catastrophic injuries or lost loved ones due to faulty design, poor manufacturing, or inadequate warnings.

While tree stands are widely used in deer hunting for the advantage of an elevated position, they also carry significant risk. 

When a climbing tree stand or hang-on tree stand fails due to a defect, the result is often a devastating fall from height, leading to spinal fractures, brain injuries, and even wrongful death. In many cases, these incidents occur not because of misuse but because the product itself was unsafe.

Manufacturers have a legal duty to design and build products that are safe for their intended use. If a stand collapses or breaks due to a design defect, manufacturing flaw, or a failure to provide proper warnings, they can be held legally responsible through a product liability lawsuit. 

Our Chicago product liability law firm is experienced in handling these complex claims and works to secure full compensation for victims, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a tree stand accident, we are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve. 

Fall Hazard Posed by Tree Stands

Tree stands are the most common cause of serious and fatal injuries during hunting seasons. According to the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA), more than one-third of all hunting injuries are related to tree stand falls, with a significant portion resulting in spinal fractures, broken bones, brain injuries, or death.

Even from a height as low as 10–15 feet, a fall can produce permanent injuries or disability. These stand accidents are particularly dangerous because they often occur in remote or wooded areas, where delays in rescue and medical treatment can worsen the outcome.

How Defective Tree Stand Design or Manufacturing Causes Accidents

Many tree stand accidents are wrongly blamed on user error. In reality, defective stands are often to blame. There are three main categories of product defects that can lead to serious accidents:

• Design Defects – Some climbing stands are poorly engineered from the start. Their shape, support system, or weight distribution may be inherently flawed, making the stand unstable or prone to collapse under normal use.
• Manufacturing Defects – Even with a sound design, errors during production—such as bad welds, weak cable assemblies, or use of substandard materials—can render a specific stand dangerously unreliable.
• Failure to Warn – Manufacturers have a duty to warn consumers about known risks, such as degradation of polypropylene straps due to exposure, failure points with age or moisture, or limitations of safety harness use. Failure to provide proper instructions or warnings can make them liable for resulting injuries.

Common Failure Points: Straps, Cables, Welds, Platforms

When our legal team investigates a tree stand case, we often find failure in specific components:

• Straps – Over time, straps—especially polypropylene—can degrade from weather exposure, leading to sudden breakage during use.
• Cables – Corroded or poorly crimped cable assemblies may slip or snap under pressure.
• Welds – Weak welds at the seat or platform junctions may fracture, especially under load.
• Platforms and Hooks – In some models, the platform itself may snap or flex under stress, or the hooks may release unexpectedly.

When any of these critical elements fail, the injured party may fall backward or at a downward angle, resulting in high-impact trauma before rescue can be initiated.

Recalls Involving Big Game Treestands and Other Brands

Several major brands have issued recalls over the years due to defects that present serious fall hazards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) monitors and facilitates these recalls to protect hunters from defective equipment. Notable examples include:

• Big Game Treestands – Known issues include cable assembly failures on climbing tree stands, which can cause the top section to detach unexpectedly during use.
• X-Stand Treestands – Recalled due to defective locking pins that may disengage while in use, increasing the risk of falls.
• Summit Treestands (e.g., Explorer SD) – Have had past recalls for weld and assembly failures. Improper welds or joint weaknesses can lead to sudden collapse.
• Primal Vantage / Ameristep – Recalled multiple models for strap failures and defective support systems.
• Field & Stream (sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods) – Recalled for weld breaks and unsafe platforms.
• Millennium, Rivers Edge, Ol’ Man – Various models have been pulled from sporting goods stores nationwide due to unstable platforms or faulty harnesses.

Retailers like Bass Pro Shop, Gander Mountain, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Midway USA, Rogers Sporting Goods, and Farm Supply outlets have carried or sold recalled tree stands, exposing unsuspecting consumers to risk.

Severe Injuries from Tree Stand Falls

Injuries sustained from a fall off a defective tree stand can be devastating. Common trauma includes:

• Spinal Cord Injuries – Including paralysis and long-term mobility loss.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Especially if the hunter was not wearing a helmet or hit their head on a tree or rock.
• Multiple Fractures – Broken arms, legs, hips, and ribs are common.
• Internal Injuries – Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and collapsed lungs.
• Death – In many fatal cases, immediate medical help is unavailable, especially in remote hunting areas.

Liability for Injuries Caused by a Defective Tree Stand

Under Illinois Product Liability Law (735 ILCS 5/2-2101), these cases typically fall under the legal doctrine of strict product liability, meaning that the manufacturer can be held liable without proving negligence if the product was defective and caused harm.

A product liability lawsuit allows injured parties to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for defective design, defective manufacturing, or failure to warn about known risks.

Identifying Responsible Parties

A lawsuit may name multiple defendants depending on how the product reached the consumer:

• The manufacturer of the tree stand
• The supplier of a faulty component (e.g., straps, cables)
• The distributor or wholesaler
• The retailer (including major chains or specialty shops)

Steps to Take After a Tree Stand Accident Injury

If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a defective tree stand, take these steps immediately:

• Seek emergency medical care. Prompt treatment may prevent further complications.
• Report the incident, especially if it occurred on organized hunting land.
• Do not alter or discard the tree stand—it is crucial evidence.
• Document the scene, including photos of the stand, location, and any visible damage or failures.
• Save all parts of the stand, packaging, instructions, and purchase receipts.
• Contact a product liability lawyer experienced in tree stand injuries as soon as possible.

Proving Your Case

To succeed in a tree stand claim, your legal team must establish:

• The stand had a defect in design, manufacture, or warnings.
• The defect directly caused your injuries sustained.
• The product was used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way.

Preserving the defective tree stand is critical. Our team works with engineering experts to analyze failure points, compare your product to recall databases, and prepare compelling evidence. We also use witness statements, medical records, and instruction manuals to show liability.

Compensation for Victims of Dangerous Tree Stands

Victims of tree stand injuries may be entitled to damages for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Wrongful Death Claims Involving Fatal Falls

If a loved one suffered fatal injuries due to a defective tree stand, Illinois law allows close family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit under 740 ILCS 180. Damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Why Hire a Lawyer Experienced in Defective Tree Stand Cases?

These are highly technical cases requiring experience with:

• Engineering standards for weight-bearing equipment
• Materials science related to degradation and metal fatigue
• Recall research
• Fighting large manufacturers backed by national insurance teams

Our firm knows how to build strong lawsuits that stand up in court and command fair settlement offers.

How Our Law Firm Investigates These Claims

When we take on a tree stand accident case, we:

• Secure and preserve the stand and any related materials
• Engage mechanical and materials experts to analyze failure
• Review recall records and internal manufacturer safety bulletins
• Interview witnesses and consult medical professionals
• Develop a clear narrative showing how the defect caused the accident

Illinois Deadlines for Filing Your Lawsuit

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations in Illinois is generally 2 years from the date of the injury. Act quickly to protect your rights. Once these deadlines pass, your case may be dismissed—even if your injuries are severe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Tree Stand Accident Claims

How Can I Determine if My Fall Was Caused by a Defective Tree Stand Versus My Own Mistake?

Preserving the stand is key. Engineers can inspect it for failure points. If the stand failed under normal use, it likely indicates a defect rather than user error.

What Is the Single Most Important Thing to Do With the Tree Stand After an Accident?

Do not throw it away or repair it. Keep every piece—damaged or not—so it can be analyzed.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing My Safety Harness Correctly?

Possibly. While improper harness use may affect comparative fault, it does not eliminate the manufacturer’s duty to produce a safe product.

Are Certain Types of Stands, Like Hang On Tree Stands, Involved in More Defect Cases?

Yes. Hang-on tree and climbing tree stands are frequently cited in recall reports, especially when straps, welds, or cables fail.

Contact Our Tree Stand Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one suffereda serious injury due to a defective tree stand, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Call (888) 424-5757 or contact us through our online form to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Chicago today.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.