Defective child car seats can increase the already high risk that children may face when riding in a motor vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the top killer for children up to 12 years of age.
The risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries is much higher when there is a flaw in the design or installation of a car seat. If such a tragedy has impacted your family, contact defective product attorneys in Long Island to discuss legal actions that may be taken to recover damages.
Types of Defective Child Car Seats
There can be a variety of defects in a car seat. In some cases, the harness straps may be ineffective. They may detach from the seat or come loose, posing a dangerous threat to the child.
Defective child car seats can also be the result of:
- flammable material;
- handles that malfunction; and
- separation of the seat from the base.
If the construction of the seat is weak or it doesn’t meet safety requirements, it could make the product dangerous.
Protection from Defective Child Car Seats
Installing a child car seat correctly is critical for safety. So if you are installing the seat, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You might even consider going to a car seat inspection station that can inspect the seat and show you how to install and use it. The NHTSA has an online locator that can help you find a station.
Unfortunately, consumers have no control over the way a product is designed and manufactured. Most parents assume that a car seat made for children would be safe.
Yet the fact remains that numerous recalls have been issued. So one way you can help protect your child is by registering the car seat with the manufacturer. This way you will be notified of any recalls related to the product.
It’s an important step that should be taken when a car seat is purchased. If there is a recall, information will then be provided regarding the steps you should take next, which may include returning the seat for a full refund, receiving a replacement part or a kit to fix the defect.
You can also be protected from defective child car seats by checking NHTSA’s five-star ratings system.
Car seats are rated with:
- a one star (poor features);
- two stars (below average);
- three stars (average);
- four stars (above average); or
- five stars (excellent).
Compensation for Injuries Stemming from Defective Child Car Seats
The types of injuries that children may suffer from a car seat that is defective are numerous.
Head trauma is chief among the possible injuries and this can include:
- lacerations;
- skull fractures; and
- even brain injuries.
Other major physical injuries include:
- broken bones;
- crushed limbs;
- strangulation; and
- spinal cord damage.
Tragically, children can also be killed when a car seat or its parts malfunction in the event of an accident.
You may be able to seek compensation for any damages. The cost for current and future medical treatment may be included in a claim. If you are unable to work because you are taking care of your injured child, you may be compensated for missed wages.
Other types of damages in addition to medical may include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. Speaking with defective product attorneys in Long Island may help you better understand the types of compensation you may be entitled to seek based on the details of your case.
These types of claims are generally filed against the manufacturer but other parties that could be liable include retailers or anyone else involved in the design, making or selling of the defective seat. Liability is a discussion you should have with your attorney.
Defective Product Attorneys in Long Island
To review your legal rights if your child is injured as a result of a defective or dangerous consumer product, contact a defective product attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates today. Call us at 800-246-4878 to discuss your case involving a defective child car seat.
