Unfortunately, dangerous or defective products can impact all types of consumers, including children and families. During 2013, there were approximately 74,900 injuries requiring hospital treatment for injuries associated with nursery products for children under 5-years-old. Approximately 66 percent of the injuries were associated with infant carriers and car seat carriers, cribs and mattresses, carriages and strollers and high chairs. Falls were the leading cause of injuries. Additionally, the head and face were most commonly injured. Injuries to internal organs, lacerations and contusions and abrasions accounted for 71 percent of injuries.
In 2011, there were approximately 74,100 nursery-product related injuries treated in emergency rooms for children under the age of five. In 2012, there were approximately 77,900 nursery-product related injuries treated in emergency rooms for children under the age of five. Moreover, in 2013, there were approximately 74,900 nursery-product related injuries treated in emergency rooms for children under the age of five. The average for the 3-year period was 75,600 nursery-product related injuries treated in emergency rooms for children under the age of five.
Dangerous and defective products do not only lead to injuries, but to deaths as well. From 2009 to 2011, there were a total of 336 deaths of children aged five and under associated with nursery products, which was an average of 112 deaths a year. Associated with 87 percent of the deaths reported were cribs and mattresses, bassinets and cradles, playpens, infant carriers and car seat carriers, baby baths and bath seats. Deaths were attributed to asphyxia, strangulation and drowning, in addition to other causes of death.
The impact of a dangerous or defective product can last a lifetime, especially when the victim is an injured child. Because of the significant harm victims of dangerous or defective products may suffer, a number of resources and potential remedies are available to victims through products liability law that can be helpful for victims.
