BowFlex Dumbbell Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

Nationwide Legal Help for Victims Injured by Defective BowFlex Adjustable Dumbbells

More than 3.8 million BowFlex adjustable dumbbells have been recalled following over 100 reported injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and other serious harm. The defect stems from a dangerous flaw in the adjustable mechanism that allows weight plates to detach during use. This unexpected failure poses a significant risk to consumers performing common workouts like curls, presses, or squats.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has formally announced the recall and confirmed the hazard. The affected products are the BowFlex SelectTech 552 (up to 52.5 lbs) and BowFlex SelectTech 1090 (up to 90 lbs)adjustable dumbbells, which were sold in millions of households nationwide.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury while using these dumbbells, you may have a legal right to seek compensation. Our national civil litigation firm is now investigating claims against the companies responsible for distributing these dangerous products.

Which BowFlex Dumbbells Are Recalled?

The recalled BowFlex dumbbells include two popular models designed for at-home strength training:

• BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells
  Adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell using a dial mechanism.
• BowFlex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells
  Adjust from 10 to 90 pounds per dumbbell, also using a dial-based selector.

Both models were praised for convenience and space-saving design but now face scrutiny due to their insecure locking mechanisms. According to consumer safety officials, the weight plates can become loose or detach entirely during use, which can lead to falling weights that cause head injuries, foot fractures, bruising, and other physical trauma.

These dumbbells were sold under the Nautilus and BowFlex brand names. Nautilus rebranded as BowFlex in 2023. While BowFlex filed for bankruptcy in March 2024, its assets— including the recalled dumbbells— were acquired by Johnson Health Tech Retail, which is managing the recall.

Types of Injuries Reported from Defective BowFlex Dumbbells

Over 100 incidents have been reported to the CPSC so far. The types of injuries linked to this defective equipment are not minor. They include:

• Concussions – Caused by heavy plates falling and striking the head.
• Fractures and Broken Toes – From dropped weights crushing feet.
• Bruising and Lacerations – From unexpected detachment during lifts.
• Muscle Strains and Sprains – When loss of weight balance causes jerking or misalignment.
• Psychological Trauma – From the fear or shock of equipment failure during a routine workout.

Adjustable dumbbells are often used in repetitive, overhead, or high-speed movements. A mechanical failure during any of these movements can result in severe bodily harm, potentially requiring surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or loss of mobility.

Victims who experience these injuries may face medical bills, missed work, and emotional stress, all of which could be compensable under product liability law.

Understanding Who May Be Liable for Your Injuries

Multiple parties may be legally responsible for your injuries, including:

• Nautilus Inc. / BowFlex – The original manufacturer and brand under which the dumbbells were sold.
• Johnson Health Tech Retail – The company currently handling the recall, now in control of the defective inventory.
• Retailers – Stores that sold the faulty dumbbells directly to consumers without proper warnings.

Under product liability law, manufacturers and sellers are required to provide safe products. If they fail to do so—and consumers are harmed—they can be held financially accountable.

You may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit based on one or more of the following:

• Defective Design – The mechanism that locks the weight plates is inherently flawed.
• Manufacturing Defect – Improper construction or assembly may have led to instability.
• Failure to Warn – Lack of adequate warnings or testing before putting the product on the market.

Filing a legal claim can help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Problems with the Recall Program Itself

Although Johnson Health Tech has launched a voluntary recall, many consumers are dissatisfied with the remedy being offered. Instead of a full refund, customers may only receive a prorated voucher if the dumbbells were purchased under the BowFlex/Nautilus brand before the acquisition.

Additionally, Johnson Health Tech is offering a free one-year digital fitness membership—but that doesn’t compensate injured users for hospital bills, time off work, or permanent damage from a falling weight.

Consumer advocates argue that these limited remedies are insufficient. Those injured by these dumbbells have a right to more than just a discounted replacement or a streaming membership. They have a right to justice through the civil legal system.

Steps to Take If You Were Injured by a BowFlex Dumbbell

If you or someone in your household was injured while using one of the recalled dumbbells, it is important to take these steps:

1. Get Medical Attention – Have your injuries evaluated and documented by a healthcare provider.
2. Preserve the Dumbbells – Do not throw away or return the equipment yet. They may serve as key evidence.
3. Gather Records – Collect your purchase receipt, warranty registration, and any recall communication.
4. Document Your Injury – Take photos of injuries, save medical records, and keep notes of all costs incurred.
5. Call a Lawyer – Legal guidance is crucial to understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you may deserve.

Even if you have already received a voucher or partial refund, you may still be able to file a claim if you were injured.Accepting recall benefits does not automatically waive your legal rights unless you signed a release—something that a qualified attorney can review for you.

We Are Accepting Cases Nationwide

The recalled dumbbells were sold across the United States through online retailers and big-box stores like:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• BowFlex’s own website

No matter where you live or how you bought your BowFlex dumbbells, if you were hurt while using them, our legal team wants to hear your story. Our firm is accepting serious injury cases from all 50 states. We are investigating claims for injuries that occurred from the date of sale through the time of the recall and beyond.

Even if your injury seemed minor at first, symptoms can worsen over time. You may still be eligible to file a claim.

What Compensation Could Be Available?

If you were injured by a defective BowFlex dumbbell, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Follow-up treatment, surgeries, or physical therapy
• Prescription medication and mobility aids
• Lost wages or missed time from work
• Long-term physical or emotional suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Depending on the severity of your injuries and the evidence available, settlements or verdicts in these cases can reach significant amounts. Our team is committed to ensuring that victims are fully compensated—not just offered a partial refund and a subscription service.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was injured by a defective BowFlex adjustable dumbbell, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The national product liability attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP are actively reviewing claims related to this recall.

We are offering free, no-obligation case consultations right now to victims across the country.

📞 Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today to find out your legal options and how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Your health and safety matter. Let our legal team stand up for your rights.