Ryobi Hedge Trimmer Lawsuit Claims Recalled Device Cut Off Tip of Woman’s Finger

Injury was allegedly caused by a defect that prompted a 2025 Ryobi hedge trimmer recall, which the lawsuit claims could have been prevented if the product included available safety technology.

An Alabama woman has filed a product liability lawsuit alleging that a Ryobi hedge trimmer unexpectedly powered on and severed the tip of her middle finger, due to a dangerous design defect that may impact thousands of products sold in recent years.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Dixie Hines in the U.S. District Court for Middle District of Alabama Eastern Division on March 9, naming Techtronic Industries North America, Inc.; TTI Consumer Power Tools, Inc.; TTI Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc.; and Home Depot USA, Inc. as defendants.

The Ryobi Hedge Trimmer is a battery-operated handheld power tool used to cut bushes, trees, hedges and other residential greenery. The hedge trimmer features reciprocating steel blades that oscillate back and forth to cut through branches up to one inch thick.

Ryobi Hedge Trimmer Recall

In June 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of certain Ryobi hedge trimmers due to a risk that the blades could activate unexpectedly, creating a fingertip amputation hazard.

According to the agency, the manufacturer received 27 reports of the blades activating without the trigger or safety switch being engaged, including 16 incidents involving cuts or severe lacerations. The recall affected more than 113,000 units sold in the United States.

Hines alleges the tip of her left middle finger was severed when the Ryobi hedge trimmer unexpectedly activated, even though both the trigger and safety lock-off button were not engaged. The tool is designed to operate only when both controls are pressed simultaneously.

The lawsuit claims Ryobi was aware that the trimmer blades could activate without both buttons being pressed, but failed to provide adequate warnings or take corrective action. According to the complaint, the manufacturer issued a recall only after dozens of injuries had already been reported, exposing consumers to an unreasonable safety risk.

Hines further alleges that Ryobi could have incorporated safer, feasible design features, such as redundant interlock systems or mechanisms preventing the motor from activating unless all safety controls were intentionally engaged. However, those safeguards were never implemented.

As a result of the incident, Hines says she suffered permanent disfigurement and ongoing physical pain, along with medical expenses, lost wages, reduced grip strength and mobility, and a diminished quality of life.

“Defendants recklessly placed the product into the stream of commerce despite knowing that it was defective and dangerous to end users.”
– Dixie Hines v. Techtronic Industries North America, Inc. et al

The complaint asserts claims against TTI North America, TTI Power Tools and TTI Outdoor for negligent design, manufacturing, testing, inspection and marketing, as well as failure to warn and wanton conduct. It also alleges a negligent post-sale failure to warn and seeks recovery under the Alabama Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine (AEMLD).

The lawsuit further brings claims against Home Depot for negligent distribution and sale of the product, along with breach of implied warranties.

Hines seeks compensatory and punitive damages, along with pre- and post-judgment interest, litigation costs and any additional relief the court deems appropriate.

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