Axe Throwing, A Fun Night Out, Until Someone Gets Hurt

Axe throwing has exploded in popularity across the U.S., becoming a favorite weekend activity for birthdays, bachelor parties, and team-building events. But while it might seem like just another bar game, hurling sharp blades at wooden targets carries real risk, and when safety protocols aren’t followed, serious injuries can happen.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re seeing a rise in injury claims related to recreational venues like axe-throwing bars and entertainment centers. If you or someone you love has been injured during an axe-throwing activity, you may be entitled to compensation, and we’re here to help you understand your rights.

The Growing Trend and Growing Risk

Axe-throwing venues have surged in popularity, with chains and independent spots opening in cities nationwide. These businesses usually combine a casual environment, craft beers, and loud music with an inherently dangerous activity.

Many participants are first-timers, unfamiliar with safety precautions, and often under the influence of alcohol. While most venues implement basic safety measures, accidents can occur when rules are ignored, supervision is lax, or due to faulty equipment.

How Axe Throwing Injuries Happen

There are several ways that someone can be injured at an axe-throwing facility. Some of the most common causes include:

• Improper supervision or training: Instructors may fail to provide adequate guidance on safely holding, aiming, or throwing an axe.
• Faulty or worn-out equipment: Damaged axes, poorly constructed targets, or loose floorboards can all pose hazards.
• Lack of protective barriers: Without proper dividers between lanes or crowd control, bystanders can easily end up in the line of fire.
• Alcohol consumption: Many venues serve alcohol, increasing the likelihood of reckless behavior or loss of motor control.
• Overcrowding or poor layout: A cramped setup can lead to people being hit by ricocheting axes or getting too close to throwers.

Even when patrons sign waivers, businesses may still be legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment.

Common Axe Throwing Injuries

While some injuries may be minor, others could be life-altering. Some common types of axe-throwing injuries are:

• Lacerations and deep cuts: One misstep can result in a blade slicing through skin, muscle, or bone.
• Head trauma: Axes that bounce off a target or are misthrown can strike someone in the head, potentially causing a concussion or worse.
• Broken bones: Falling while throwing or being struck by a blade can result in fractures to hands, arms, or legs.
• Eye injuries: Shards of wood or debris from the target can fly into the eyes if protective eyewear isn’t provided.
• Nerve or tendon damage: Deep hand or arm wounds can impact mobility and long-term function.

Many of these injuries are entirely preventable with the right precautions in place. 

Who’s Liable When an Injury Happens?

Liability for axe-throwing injuries can depend on several different factors:

• Venue negligence: If the facility failed to provide proper training, neglected to maintain safe conditions, or allowed unsafe behavior to go unchecked, it could be held responsible.
• Equipment manufacturers: The manufacturer might share liability if an axe or structural component was defective.
• Third parties: In some cases, another patron acting recklessly or under the influence may be responsible for causing harm.

Even if you signed a waiver before participating, that doesn’t always absolve the business of liability, especially if gross negligence can be proven. Even if a waiver is signed, it may be insufficient or invalid, which means a claim may still be viable.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

If you were injured at an axe-throwing facility, you may be facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, or long-term physical effects. That’s where Morgan & Morgan steps in.

We’ll investigate the circumstances of your injury, determine who was at fault, and build a strong case for compensation. Our attorneys know how to take on recreational injury claims and aren’t afraid to challenge large corporations or national chains.

We may be able to help you recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Long-term rehabilitation or disability

We don’t get paid unless we win, so you won’t need to worry about upfront legal fees; just focus on your recovery.

When The Axe Misses, We Don’t

Axe throwing can be fun to blow off steam, but it isn’t without risks. You shouldn't have to carry the burden alone if you were injured due to poor supervision, dangerous conditions, or faulty equipment.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve fought for thousands of injury victims like you. If your fun night out turned into a painful experience, don’t wait to take action.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.