Milwaukee Chainsaw Brake Failure Risk Injury Lawsuit Lawyer

Defective Milwaukee Chainsaw Prompts Nationwide Recall After Safety Failures and Injury

On October 30, 2025, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation issued a nationwide voluntary recall of its M18 FUEL™ Top Handle Chainsaw models after reports surfaced of a faulty chain brake system. The chain brake is one of the most critical safety features on a chainsaw, designed to immediately stop chain movement in emergency situations. When this feature fails, users may be left vulnerable to severe lacerations or even permanent injuries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) worked with Milwaukee Tool to announce the recall, warning consumers to stop using the affected product immediately. The recall includes over 90,000 chainsaws sold in the U.S. and an additional 7,500 in Canada, sold between March 2023 and September 2024.

For individuals injured while using a recalled chainsaw, this is not simply a product inconvenience—it is a matter of legal rights and physical safety. Victims may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained from a malfunctioning chainsaw that never should have made it onto store shelves.

Why the Recall Was Issued

The CPSC recall states that the chain brake may not activate in some of the affected units. This failure poses a serious laceration hazard. The purpose of the chain brake is to immediately halt chain movement when kickback occurs or when the operator’s hand engages the brake lever. A failure of this kind can mean the chain continues moving even after a safety stop should have occurred.

So far, two incidents have been reported where the chain brake failed to activate. One of these incidents resulted in a serious finger laceration. While the number of reports may seem limited, the hazard posed by a moving chainsaw chain without an operational brake system is severe enough to warrant an immediate recall.

What Products Are Included in the Recall

The recall covers multiple versions of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ Top Handle Chainsaw, a tool commonly used by professionals in landscaping, tree removal, and construction. The affected models include:

• Catalog Numbers: 2826-20C, 2826-22T, 2826-21T, 2826-20T
• Bar Lengths: 12-inch and 14-inch versions
• Serial Identification: The fourth digit in the serial number is the letter “A”
• Included Items: Chainsaw, bar, chain, bar cover, blade wrench
• Retail Price: Roughly $350 for the base model; up to $790 for bundles including battery and charger

These models were sold through Home Depot (in-store and online) and potentially other major home improvement and hardware retailers.

Known Risks to Consumers

Chainsaws are inherently dangerous tools, which is why manufacturers must implement and maintain effective safety features. The chain brake is vital because it serves as a primary line of defense against injury when unexpected movements occur.

When this mechanism fails:

• The chain continues spinning even after the kickback
• Users may not have time to react or pull away
• The blade can strike the hand, fingers, arm, or legs
• Lacerations, nerve damage, disfigurement, or amputation may result

While only one physical injury has been publicly reported so far, thousands of these chainsaws were sold across North America. Many owners are unaware of the recall and could still be using the chainsaw in hazardous conditions.

What Consumers Are Being Told to Do

The official recall urges all users to stop using the chainsaw immediately and arrange for a free repair. Milwaukee Tool is offering a prepaid shipping label through its online Service Registration Portal and will cover the cost of shipping and repairs.

The steps include:

1. Visit: https://service.milwaukeetool.com/support/eservice
2. Register your recalled product
3. Print the prepaid return shipping label
4. Mail the chainsaw back for servicing

Milwaukee Tool has stated that repairs will be completed within 7 to 10 business days of receiving the unit. No replacement product is being offered, only a repair. Consumers are expected to wait for the fixed tool before resuming use.

Legal Options for Injury Victims

For individuals who suffered lacerations, disfigurement, or permanent injuries due to this recalled chainsaw, a repair is not sufficient compensation. Legal claims may be available under several theories:

• Product Liability: Holding Milwaukee Tool accountable for distributing a defective product.
• Negligence: If safety testing or quality control was insufficient.
• Failure to Warn: If the hazard was known and not disclosed promptly.

Injured users may pursue compensation for:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgeries
• Lost wages during recovery
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of ability to work in skilled trades

The key to these cases is establishing a link between the product defect and the injury, which a product liability attorney can help build through documentation, witness statements, and recall evidence.

The Recall’s Broader Safety Implications

This recall highlights the serious risks associated with manufacturing and selling power tools with faulty safety systems. While some recalls involve minor issues, a non-functioning chain brake on a chainsaw is a critical failure that can have life-altering consequences.

Professionals who rely on tools like the M18 FUEL chainsaw often use them daily, in close proximity to their bodies, and under conditions where mistakes can be fatal. If a safety feature fails, it removes the last safeguard between the user and catastrophic injury.

This event may lead to further regulatory scrutiny and more stringent manufacturing standards. It also signals to consumers the importance of registering products and staying informed about recalls that may impact their safety.

FAQs About Chainsaw Recall Lawsuit FAQs

Which chainsaw models are being recalled?

Milwaukee Tool has recalled M18 FUEL™ Top Handle Chainsaws with catalog numbers 2826-20C, 2826-22T, 2826-21T, and 2826-20T. Units with a serial number containing the fourth digit “A” are affected. Both 12-inch and 14-inch versions are included.

Why is the chainsaw being recalled?

The chain brake may fail to activate. This defect can allow the chain to continue spinning after kickback, significantly increasing the risk of laceration injuries to the user.

Has anyone been hurt by this chainsaw?

Yes. Milwaukee Tool has confirmed at least one incident in which a user sustained a finger laceration due to a faulty brake.

How do I know if I have a recalled model?

Check the nameplate on the chainsaw. If your model number matches one of the affected catalog numbers and the fourth character in the serial number is the letter “A,” your product is included in the recall.

What should I do if I own the recalled chainsaw?

Stop using the chainsaw immediately. Visit Milwaukee Tool’s eService portal to request a prepaid shipping label and send the unit in for repair.

Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured using this chainsaw?

If you suffered an injury while using one of the recalled chainsaws, you may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit. Legal claims can include compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term disability.

Is there a cost to participate in the recall?

No. Milwaukee Tool is offering free repairs and covers all shipping costs. However, this only addresses the product repair—not any personal injuries that occurred.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone in your household was injured while using a Milwaukee M18 FUEL Top Handle Chainsaw, you may be entitled to compensation. A recall does not excuse the damage already caused. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm representing victims of dangerous and defective products across the country.

Our legal team is reviewing claims involving chainsaw injuries related to this recall. If you or a loved one experienced cuts, permanent injury, or disfigurement, we are here to help.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free, no-risk consultation. Our attorneys will explain your legal rights, investigate your case, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.