The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved new federal standards designed to improve stroller safety. The changes stem from approximately 1,300 safety-related reports CPSC received between January 2008 and June 2013 involving injuries to children ages four and younger.
Subject to change if additional reports come into the agency, the most current information pertaining to stroller safety issues indicates there were close to 391 injuries, 14 hospitalizations and four deaths. As a result, CPSC is focusing on the hazards that contribute to the highest rate of injuries. Topping that list are hinge problems that cause arms or fingers to be pinched, cut or amputated.
The following are other common issues that have caused stroller injuries or deaths:
- problems with locking mechanisms;
- detached/broken wheels;
- instability;
- parking brake failures;
- structural deficits; and
- restraint problems (loose belts, children able to unbuckle themselves, etc.).
The new federal safety standards will require that all strollers be manufactured, tested and labeled in such a way that it minimizes the risk of injury associated with these hazards. This includes all types — such as infant car seat strollers, baby carriages, jogger strollers, double strollers (front-to-back or side-by-side) and buggies. These standards will impact all strollers sold after Sept 2015.
Legal Options That Could Be Available When a Defective Stroller Injures a Child
As mentioned, the number of injuries and deaths could increase as CPSC learns of new cases. Unfortunately, a recent study determined that most companies are unable to recall defective products effectively. For this reason, your help as the injured party is crucial because most defective products won’t be recalled under the company’s own force of will. So it’s important to understand what steps should be taken if a defective product (such as a stroller) causes injuries or death.
To learn about your legal rights, contact an attorney right away. Keep in mind that the injuries suffered would need to be significant enough that it warrants pursuing legal action. It also would have to be proven the direct cause stemmed from a defect in the stroller, both of which the attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates can help you establish. Call today for a free consultation 800-550-0000.
