Study Shows Death from Defective Childrens Products at a 17 year high

In 2019, the number of child deaths related to recalled children’s products reached a 17-year high, according to a study by the group Kids in Danger. A total of 37 of the 38 deaths were the result of inclined infant sleepers, and the remaining death was related to a chest of drawers that tipped over. Kids in Danger put the report together using recall data involving children’s products.

 

Product Recalls

The report noted that the total number of recalls of children’s products had gone down in recent years, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In 2019, there were a total of 58 products recalled, which was 24% of the total number of recalled products. The number was up 20% from 2018, but the number was lower than in previous years. The highest-profile recall in 2019 was that of the Fisher-Price Rock n Play, which was responsible for a number of infant deaths.

There was a spike in 2019 of recalls of clothing storage units. Chests of drawers and other storage units have been shown to be tipping hazards. The furniture can fall on top of a child, causing death or serious injury. There were no furniture recalls in 2018.

The report also noted that there was an increase in recalls under the CPSC Fast Track program. The Fast Track program allows manufacturers to voluntarily implement a recall more quickly. A recall can often be accomplished within 20 days of recognizing there is a safety issue with a product. A total of 59% of the children’s product recalls went through the Fast Track process.

 

Looking for Solutions

Kids in Danger is looking toward eliminating child deaths from dangerous products. To address unsafe products, Kids in Danger supports the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, which would ban inclined infant sleepers altogether. While many of these sleepers have already been recalled, there are a number of these dangerous products still on the market. The bill passed the U.S. House in 2019, and there is a companion bill in the Senate.

Kids in Danger is also urging lawmakers to pass the STURDY Act (Stop Tip-overs of Unstable Risky Dressers on Youth). This act would create mandatory safety standards for furniture tip-overs. This legislation passed the House and is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate with support from both parties.

The group is also advocating for the widespread use of social media to communicate product recalls to the public. All digital platforms and tools should be used to spread the word about recalls and make sure the community is engaged.

 

Contact a Product Liability Attorney 

If your child has been injured by a defective product, you should consult with an experienced product liability attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping the victims of defective products for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.