Ryobi RY40602VNM – Product Liability Lawyer

2026-05-26 – A consumer suffered deep lacerations and finger fractures when a Ryobi RY40602VNM hedge trimmer unexpectedly activated while being sheathed, according to a hazard report filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) SaferProducts.gov database (Report ID 6018326). The incident, which required emergency department treatment, involved a product manufactured by One World Technologies, Inc. and sold at Home Depot.

Product Details

Brand Name: Ryobi
Manufacturer: One World Technologies, Inc.
Model: RY40602VNM
Retailer: Home Depot
Incident Report Number: 6018326
Severity Type Name: Emergency Department Treatment Received
Severity Type ID: 9

Incident Overview

On April 2, 2026, a consumer was cleaning his yard with his granddaughter. After finishing, he began putting away tools. He held the Ryobi hedge trimmer with his left hand and was placing the plastic sheath over the blade when the trimmer unexpectedly activated, lacerating the middle and ring fingers of his right hand. The consumer immediately wrapped his hand in a towel and was taken to an urgent care facility by his wife and granddaughter.

Medical examination revealed two fractured fingers and severe lacerations that required approximately 14 stitches. The consumer was referred to a hand surgeon, who removed the stitches on April 13, 2026, and prescribed a finger splint for five weeks. The consumer reported difficulty with daily tasks such as eating and household chores. Notably, the consumer had previously received a recall notice from Home Depot in June 2025 regarding a similar hazard pattern (recall 25-334), but his model was not included. After the injury, he contacted the manufacturer multiple times over 13 days but received no follow-up, as documented in the CPSC report.

Safety Concerns

Immediate Dangers: The unexpected activation of a hedge trimmer while the user is handling the blade area poses an immediate laceration hazard. The sharp blades can cause deep cuts, tendon damage, and fractures, as seen in this incident where the consumer suffered severe finger injuries requiring emergency treatment.

Warning Signs: The consumer reported that the product had a prior recall (25-334) for a similar issue, indicating a known defect pattern. However, this specific model was not included in the recall. Users should be aware of any unexpected movements or difficulty disengaging the trimmer as potential warning signs.

Who Might Be Affected: The primary risk is to the user handling the trimmer, but bystanders—especially children—could also be injured if the trimmer activates unexpectedly during storage or transport. In this case, the consumer’s granddaughter was present.

Environmental Triggers: The incident occurred during routine post-use handling, suggesting that the defect may be triggered by normal manipulation, such as placing the sheath or storing the tool. Mechanical wear or design flaws may contribute to the activation risk.

What Our Clients Say

What Consumers Should Do

Stop Using Immediately: If you own a Ryobi RY40602VNM hedge trimmer, stop using it right away to prevent further injuries.
Preserve the Product: Keep the trimmer in a safe place, do not modify or attempt repairs, and retain all packaging and documentation for potential investigation.
Document the Incident: If you have experienced a similar issue, take photos of the product and your injuries, and keep medical records and receipts.
Seek Medical Attention: For any laceration or fracture, seek prompt medical care to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
Report to the CPSC: File a report at SaferProducts.gov to help regulators identify patterns and initiate recalls.
Check for Recalls: Visit CPSC.gov to see if your model is now included in any recall.

Consumers who have suffered injury or property damage from this product may want to speak with a product liability attorney about their legal options.

Manufacturer's Response

The manufacturer's official response to this specific incident report is not publicly available at the time of this writing. According to the CPSC report, the consumer contacted One World Technologies, Inc. multiple times over 13 days but did not receive a follow-up call from a safety representative.

Legal Help Available

H Law Group is a California product liability law firm representing individuals injured by dangerous products. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our team offers free consultations to discuss your situation and explore your options. If you or a loved one was injured by Ryobi RY40602VNM or a similar product, contact H Law Group at (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation.