Hunting season is approaching fast. And while most Ohio hunters will return home safely with stories of pursuit and successful taking of game, some, unfortunately, will be seriously injured in hunting accidents. While many people believe accidental shootings are the most common cause of hunting injuries, firearms account for a relatively small percentage of hunting accidents. Every year, hunters are injured by defective tree stands, firearms, and other safety equipment.

Consumers rightfully expect that the products they purchase will be free from defects, will function as intended, and will comply with applicable safety and regulatory guidelines. When those expectations are not met and someone is injured, the product defect lawyers at Robenalt Law fight to identify who was responsible and hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Hunting Accidents?

Contrary to popular belief, accidents with guns are not the most common cause of hunting injuries. Many hunting accidents are caused by defective hunting gear, including falls from defective treestands.

First popularized by deer hunters in the 1970s, many hunters today use treestands to gain a better vantage point for viewing their target, often climbing to heights greater than 30 feet to improve visibility and shooting angles while hunting game. A fall from this height can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and even death.

What Is a Common Cause of Falls from Elevated Tree Stands?

Equipment failure is a common cause of falls from a treestand. Defective straps, bolts, cables, and welds can fail under pressure and break, causing the hunter to fall from the tree stand and suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, paralysis, and even death. While some of these accidents are caused by human error, many are the result of manufacturing defects, design flaws, or inadequate safety warnings.

When Do Most Accidents Involving Treestands Occur?

Time of day is a contributing factor in many hunting accidents. Over one-third of falls from tree stands happen shortly after dusk, when light is minimal and a hunter is more likely to miss a step or a handhold.

Investigating Injuries Caused by Falling from a Hunting Tree Stand

When a treestand collapses or comes loose from the tree, the hunter may sustain serious injuries or even death. Victims and the families of people who were severely injured or killed by defective hunting gear are entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our product liability attorneys can investigate the cause of the accident and fight to hold the responsible party accountable.

What About Liability for Hunting Accidents with Guns?

While accidents involving tree stands are among the most common causes of hunting injuries, accidents with guns remain a serious concern. While most hunters are serious about firearm safety, accidents still happen, and firearm manufacturers can be held liable for hunting accidents caused by design flaws.

To reduce the likelihood of being injured in a hunting accident with guns, hunters should follow these precautions:

• Treat all firearms as if they are loaded, even if you know they are not
• Have hunting gear inspected and serviced before every season to avoid equipment malfunction
• Tell someone where you are hunting and when you expect to return
• Before you hunt, open the firearm’s action and check the muzzle for obstructions
• Never point a gun or bow at anything you do not intend to shoot
• Clearly identify your target and be aware of what is in front of and behind it
• Use binoculars to identify a target instead of your scope
• Wear hearing and eye protection, as well as appropriate hunting gear and outerwear
• Do not consume drugs or alcohol before or while handling firearms

How Can an Ohio Hunting Accident Lawyer Help?

Proving liability in a hunting accident can be challenging. The hunting accident lawyers at Robenalt Law can analyze your claim, explain and help you evaluate your options, and help you and your family recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact Robenalt Law Today

With offices in Cleveland and Columbus, Robenalt Law handles product liability claims for hunting accidents throughout Ohio and nationwide. Call our Cleveland office at (216) 223-7535 or our Columbus office at (614) 695-3800 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.