Mechanical Engineering Expert Opines on Tree Stand Failure

Case Overview

This case involves a hunter who was seriously injured after a failed stitching on a tree stand caused him to fall from a tree. The stand in question was recently purchased from a sporting goods store, and had straps that served to secure it to the tree. At some point, the stitching on both straps malfunctioned. The Plaintiff fell from a great height, resulting in serious injuries. It is alleged that the stand was defectively manufactured, and that the Plaintiff had been using the stand in accordance with the provided instructions at the time of the accident.

Questions to the Chemistry expert and their responses

Please discuss your background in designing and engineering tree stands.

I have 40+ years of industry experience and I am one of the leading authorities in the US on the failure of sports equipment, stools, and chairs. I am also a bow deer hunter and have used many different tree stands over the years, including ones that I designed for my own personal use.

Is it possible that the straps were defective?

It is most likely that the straps and stitching are synthetic polymeric materials like polyester or nylon. I am an expert in synthetic materials including their strength properties and failure modes. I have a network of labs that can analyze the straps and stitching materials to determine if they are defectively manufactured.

Should the product have included warnings?

I believe that any device that supports body weight which would result in bodily injury if failure occurred, should have clear warnings regarding use and required maintenance.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has a B.A. in Chemistry from Olivet College and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Michigan State University. He is a national authority on materials and plastics and has 40+ years of industry experience. He has won several prestigious awards and is widely published with 100+ publications that include 5 encyclopedia articles, 8 book chapters, and authored and edited a materials book. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at 2 state Universities and is a thesis and dissertation adviser to both Ph.D. students and graduate students.