In March 2024, a recall was issued for over 13,000 Ravin R500 model crossbows due to a significant safety hazard. Nearly but not fully cocked crossbows may discharge unexpectedly, posing a serious risk of injury.
Ravin Crossbows has urged all users to stop using these crossbows immediately and seek free repairs.
At Wilshire Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community by holding manufacturers accountable when their defective products harm consumers.
If a defective product like the Ravin R500 crossbow injures you or a loved one, you may recover compensation through a product liability claim or consumer class action lawsuit.
Ravin R500 Crossbow Recall: What You Need to Know
The Ravin R500 series crossbows were sold between September 2021 and October 2023 at major retailers like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as online. The crossbows, which retailed for between $2,550 and $4,025, come in various models and colors, such as slate gray and camo.
While only one incident of the crossbow discharging unexpectedly has been reported so far, it’s important to act quickly if you own one of these crossbows. The potential for serious injury is high, especially when handling powerful equipment like a crossbow that could fire without warning.
Recalled Models:
- Ravin R500 (Model R050)
- Ravin R500 Sniper (Model R051)
- Ravin R500E (Model R052)
- Ravin R500E Sniper (Model R053)
- Ravin R500 XK7 (Model R054)
- Ravin R500 Sniper XK7 (Model R055)
- Ravin R500E XK7 (Model R056)
- Ravin R500E Sniper XK7 (Model R057)
If you have one of these crossbows, Ravin Crossbows recommends discontinuing use immediately and contacting them for a free repair. Although no injuries have been reported, one incident has already shown the potential for this defect to cause harm.
What Causes a Product Recall?
Recalls occur when products are found unsafe due to defects or potential hazards. The manufacturer can issue a voluntary recall or a regulatory body like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) can mandate one. In the case of the Ravin R500 crossbows, the unexpected discharge defect was identified, prompting the CPSC to issue a recall notice to prevent serious injuries.
Defective products can come in many forms and recalls typically occur for the following reasons:
- Design Flaws: A product might have a fundamental issue in its design that leads to safety concerns. This seems to be the case with the Ravin crossbows, as the design flaw causes them to discharge unexpectedly when they’re not fully cocked.
- Manufacturing Defects: Sometimes, errors during production can result in a small batch of products that are defective.
- Failure to Warn: Products that carry inherent risks should include proper instructions and warnings. If a company fails to adequately warn users, it could be liable for injuries caused by the product.
When manufacturers release dangerous products into the marketplace, they must ensure their safety for consumers. Injured individuals can hold them accountable through legal action if they fail in this duty.
Legal Options for Injured Consumers
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a defective product like the Ravin R500 crossbow, you have two primary legal options under California law: filing a consumer class action lawsuit or pursuing an individual product liability claim.
Each option has distinct benefits and can provide a path to justice and compensation.
Consumer Class Action Lawsuit
A consumer class action lawsuit is a legal action brought by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group of individuals who have all been harmed by the same defective product.
If the Ravin R500 crossbow recall injured multiple people due to the same defect, they could join in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Advantages of a Class Action Lawsuit
- Efficiency: Class actions allow many plaintiffs to file a single lawsuit, which can streamline the legal process and reduce court congestion.
- Shared Legal Costs: The costs of pursuing a class action are shared among all the plaintiffs, making it more affordable for individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford to bring a case on their own.
- Collective Strength: When numerous plaintiffs are involved, the case can carry more weight in court, potentially leading to a stronger settlement or verdict.
California’s Laws on Class Actions
California has a robust system for handling class action lawsuits, offering significant consumer protection.
To initiate a class action, the plaintiffs must show that:
- Many people have suffered similar injuries from the same defective product.
- Common legal or factual issues exist that apply to all members of the class.
- The plaintiffs representing the class will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the entire group.
Once the court approves the class action, it will include all eligible individuals affected by the product defect unless they opt out. All class members receive compensation from a settlement or verdict.
For those injured by the Ravin R500 crossbow, a class action lawsuit could hold the manufacturer accountable and recover compensation, even if you were not the first to file a claim. Our experienced class action lawyers can talk to you more about this option.
Individual Product Liability Claim
If you would rather pursue your claim independently, you can file an individual product liability or personal injury claim. This type of lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for your specific injuries and losses without being part of a larger group.
In California, strict liability laws govern product liability claims, meaning that you do not need to prove the manufacturer’s negligence—you simply need to prove that their defective product injured you.
Advantages of an Individual Product Liability Claim
- Personalized Compensation: Unlike a class action, which distributes compensation among all plaintiffs, an individual lawsuit allows you to pursue compensation based on your specific injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Greater Control: By filing an individual claim, you have more control over the legal process. Your product liability lawyer can negotiate directly with the manufacturer or pursue the case in court if necessary.
- Potential for Higher Damages: Individual lawsuits may sometimes lead to higher settlements or awards than class actions, particularly for severe or life-changing injuries.
California’s Laws on Product Liability
California’s product liability law provides strong consumer protection.
Again, under strict liability, your lawyer does not need to prove the manufacture’s negligence, but must show:
- The product was defective: A design defect, manufacturing defect, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions injured you.
- The defect injured you: Your attorney must demonstrate that the defective product directly resulted in your injuries.
- You were using the product as intended: The manufacturer may try to argue that misuse of the product led to your injury. You need to show that you used the product according to its intended use or the provided instructions.
Time Limit to File Product Liability Claims
In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a product liability claim. Act quickly to preserve your rights before the statute of limitations expires.
Choosing the Right Legal Option for Your Case
Deciding between a class action lawsuit and an individual product liability claim depends on the specifics of your situation. At Wilshire Law Firm, we will carefully evaluate your case and help you choose the best legal strategy. Our powerhouse team is dedicated to securing justice for our clients.
Compensation for Injuries from Defective Products
Injuries from defective products can be severe and life-altering.
When seeking compensation, you may recover damages for:
- Medical Expenses: All past, present, and future medical bills related to your injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Income: If your injury forced you to miss work or impaired your ability to earn a living, you may recover lost wages and other income.
- Pain and Suffering: Injuries from defective products can cause significant physical and emotional trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses these non-economic damages.
- Punitive Damages: Although rare, in some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the manufacturer for particularly egregious behavior, such as knowingly selling a dangerous product.
At Wilshire Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight tirelessly to recover full and fair compensation for the harm you suffered. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, and present a compelling claim on your behalf.
Get Justice with Wilshire Law Firm
At Wilshire Law Firm, we protect consumers and work hard to hold negligent manufacturers responsible for the harm their defective products cause. If you or a loved one has been injured by a Ravin R500 crossbow or any other dangerous product, don’t wait to act.
We will guide you through every step of the process, from assessing your case to pursuing compensation. You don’t have to go through this process alone—our experienced team will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Excellence | Justice | Unity is not just our slogan—it’s our promise to you.
Get justice, get paid with Wilshire Law Firm.
We serve clients in Los Angeles, Oakland, Riverside, Orange County, Fresno, San Jose, San Francisco, and throughout California.
Call our home office in Los Angeles at 213-335-2402 or contact us online.
