Well, unfortunately so many of us have to learn the hard way. I was on the shelf for 9 weeks after the fall and still had quite a bit of pain for 9 months. I still have some lingering effects from the fall like numbness in my upper right leg and swelling in my lower back and upper right leg but nothing serious. The doctor said some of these symptoms may never go away or if they do they could take as long as 5 years to disappear. I know I was very lucky. I'm glad my misfortune shed some light on your situation BigTime1. Hopefully it saved you from a possible accident. This year I have checked every tree stand I have. I have replaced straps, ratchets, tree steps (they break too), and even completely removed one stand. Good luck to all out there in tree stands this year. Stay safe!!!!!