Recreational products can provide unparalleled enjoyment for users and may have health benefits as well, particularly in the case of bicycles or exercise equipment. Unfortunately, if these products are defective they may cause serious injuries to unsuspecting consumers. As experienced trial attorneys, we at Hurt in Mississauga understand just what it takes to effectively handle lawsuits against manufacturers for defective products. If a defective recreational product has caused injury or the loss of a loved one, we may be able to assist you in holding the manufacturer, retailer, distributor or other responsible party accountable. We welcome you to contact a product liability lawyer at our firm for a free review of your case.

Defective All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

With their smaller size and alleged ease of operation, ATVs have become hugely popular among children, teenagers, and young adults. These motorized vehicles are perfect for navigating rough land and are widely used for farm and ranch work as well as for recreational purposes. The number of injuries linked to these vehicles, however, is extraordinary. In 2002 alone, 44 children were killed in ATV accidents. These children were all below the age of 14. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 form the majority of ATV accident victims. In the same year, more than 30,000 people were rushed to emergency rooms around the country for treatment of ATV accident related injuries. Most ATV accidents involve the rolling over of the vehicle. When an ATV with a high center of gravity turns at even moderate speeds, the vehicle could topple over. Most riders faced with the potential rollover of an ATV, instinctively stick a leg out to brace themselves and prevent the vehicle from toppling over. This is a futile action that can cause serious injuries; the weight of the vehicle will cause it to topple over regardless, possibly trapping the rider’s leg.

Amputation is frequently needed to prevent the risk of a crushed limb becoming gangrenous, and paralysis can occur when there is injury to the spine. Most injuries are restricted to the head and neck region. Research suggests current ATV safety standards are simply not enough to prevent rollovers and crashes. ATV manufacturers have, for many years now, gotten away with ignoring regulations for age appropriate use of a vehicle. The only changes made to the design of these vehicles are warning labels that come in the form of easy-to-miss fine print advertisements, hard-to-read warning stickers, and user’s manual warnings. Needless to say, this has done little to lower the rate of ATV accidents.

When it was first introduced in 2003, the Yamaha Rhino’s off-road capabilities excited consumers; however, soon, reports of rollovers and injuries began to pile up. The Yamaha Rhino was designed to compete with other ATVs being produced at the time, including the Kawasaki Mule. It features powerful acceleration and a small turning radius. Unfortunately, the Rhino’s design comes with a higher center of gravity and shorter wheel base than other ATVs, which makes the vehicle prone to rollovers. Yamaha initially did little to enhance the safety features of its ATV; instead, the company suggested sloped, rough terrain was to blame. However, these vehicles are marketed as “all-terrain vehicles” and as such the company has a responsibility to ensure its product can safely operate. As the result of repeated accidents, Yamaha began offering free repairs.

Defective Exercise Equipment

When it was first introduced in 2003, the Yamaha Rhino’s off-road capabilities excited consumers; however, soon, reports of rollovers and injuries began to pile up. The Yamaha Rhino was designed to compete with other ATVs being produced at the time, including the Kawasaki Mule. It features powerful acceleration and a small turning radius. Unfortunately, the Rhino’s design comes with a higher center of gravity and shorter wheel base than other ATVs, which makes the vehicle prone to rollovers. Yamaha initially did little to enhance the safety features of its ATV; instead, the company suggested sloped, rough terrain was to blame. However, these vehicles are marketed as “all-terrain vehicles” and as such the company has a responsibility to ensure its product can safely operate. As the result of repeated accidents, Yamaha began offering free repairs.