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Child Deaths Related to Defective Products Increase

The death of a child is a horrific event that no parent should ever have to suffer through. Over the last few years, the death rate of children dying from recalled children’s products has grown at a significant pace. The nonprofit, Kids in Danger, reported that in 2019, there were 38 deaths compared to zero in 2018. If your child was injured or killed from a defective product, you may be able to file a products liability lawsuit.

What are the Reasons for Recalls?

Defective product recalls are due to unsafe products that are still being sold on the market. Types of children’s product defects include:

  • Manufacturing defects: A poorly designed product that left the manufacturer different than intended.
  • Design defects: A product that fails to perform safely due to the dangerous features of its design.
  • Failure to warn consumers of dangers: Irresponsible marketing of a product, as well as the lack of proper labeling and sufficient instructions.

Recent products that were recalled include children’s furniture and clothing. Furniture can tip over and cause injury or death to a child who is caught under the product. Clothing can also cause death to a child due to detachable buttons or snaps that can cause choking. Strings on clothing can also pose a strangulation hazard and cause the child to die from suffocation.

What are Common Injuries that Children Suffer From?

If a child is injured due to a product, this product is considered defective. A defective product is one that does not operate as intended and has the potential to cause harm. There are many different types of injuries that can occur from defective products, including:

  • Choking: Small parts can detach and become lodged in a child’s throat if it is swallowed.
  • Burns: If a product is not used correctly or contains faulty wiring, a fire can occur and cause a burn injury to the child.
  • Fractures: If a product suddenly breaks, this can lead to a fractured or broken bone. Common fractures result from faulty highchairs or cribs.
  • Head Injuries: Defective bicycles or scooters can cause head injuries, including brain injuries. Depending on the impact of the crash or fall, injuries can cause death or permanent damage to the victim.

How are Defective Products Prevented?

There are new recalled products each year, especially within the product market for children. Recently recalled products include infant inclined sleepers, unstable storage units, and recalled and defective toys. To help prevent injuries and deaths due to inclined sleepers and unstable storage units, the government has passed the following acts to combat these problems:

  • The Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2019: This bans the sale of infant inclined sleepers.
  • The STURDY Act (Stop Tip-Overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth Act): This act enforces mandatory safety standards for children’s furniture.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been working hard on banning defective products and warning consumers about potential dangers of children’s toys and products. Unfortunately, the CPSC needs to strengthen their ways of protecting children from common products that can be found in many homes across the United States. If your child becomes injured by a defective product, it is beneficial to contact a knowledgeable lawyer about your legal options.

Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Represent Children Injured by Defective Products

Many people do not know the hazards that a product can cause until it is too late. If your child was injured or killed due to a defective product, contact one of our Philadelphia products liability lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC today. For a free consultation, call us at 215-569-8488 or complete our online form. Located in Philadelphia, Media, and Abington, Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware; and Haddonfield, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout the surrounding areas.