Child Seat Recalls Lawyers
Car accident injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Placing children in age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats can prevent many of these tragic deaths and catastrophic injuries. If you have experienced the loss of a child due to a child seat failing to work properly, contact our highly skilled Products Defect Attorneys at 800-561-4887.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), child car seats reduce serious and fatal injuries by more than half. But, a defective car seat that fails during a crash or normal usage, may also cause potentially serious or fatal injuries to children.
Child Car Seats Save Lives
The CDC states that child safety seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71 percent for infants, and by 54 percent for toddlers ages 1 to 4 years. There is increasing evidence that child safety seat laws, safety seat distribution and education programs, community-wide education and enforcement campaigns and education programs are effective in increasing child safety seat use.
Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that for children 4 to 7 years, booster seats reduce injury risk by 59 percent compared to seatbelts alone.
Defective Child Seats
The most common problems involving faulty child car seats include:
- Defective latches
- Faulty handles
- Improper or sudden release
- Faulty construction
- Use of flammable material
- Weak shell design
- Parts that deteriorate and fail in a crash
Injuries Caused by Faulty Car Seats
Defective car seats can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. Some of the common injuries sustained in these types of accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Bone fractures
- Other head injuries such as concussions
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
Is Your Child Car Seat Safe?
It is possible to tell whether or not your safety seat is actually safe. Make sure that the expiration date stamped on the plastic has not passed and it has never been used in a crash. Unless you purchased the seat from a friend or relative, you cannot be sure about its history. It is important that you obtain the detailed instruction booklet. Order a copy from the manufacturer if you don't have it. This is important because it is a good way to make sure that the seat has all of its parts and also to find out how to use it correctly. Check the car seat before purchasing it for possible damage such as cracks in the plastic, frayed straps, stiff buckles or harness adjusters.
Child Seat Recalls
Just like vehicles and numerous other products we use everyday, a child car safety seat may be recalled because of a defect that could potentially harm your child. Manufacturers are required under the law to not only report safety issues with their products, but also fix the problem at no cost to consumers. Often, a car seat will not have to be sent back to the manufacturer.
Most problems can be fixed by replacing a part that the manufacturer will send to you for free. If your car seat has been recalled, it is important to get it repaired right away. Unless you have another safe seat, your would be well advised to continue using the recalled one while you are waiting for the replacement part or repair kit. Using a recalled safety seat is almost always safer than letting your child ride without one.
Identifying a Recalled Car Seat
The first step is to look up the name of the manufacturer. Then, identify the name of your specific model. If you have the name and model number, you are ready to look it up on the recall list. If your model has a recall listed, compare the date of manufacture of your seat with the dates affected by the recall. The date is computer-generated and can be found on a paper sticker attached to the side or the back of the seat. If you cannot find a date, assume that all possible recalls apply to your seat. Contact the manufacturer to find out if the car seat can be repaired or replaced.
Product Liability Issues
If your child was injured as the result of a child safety seat defect, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, supplier, distributor or retailer. For example, the manufacturer may have failed to test car seats before putting them in the market or there may be a manufacturing defect in the product. It is also the manufacturer's responsibility to warn consumers about correct assembly and any dangers or defects in their products. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering and permanent injuries.
Why Bisnar Chase?
Our experienced team of Car Seat Injury Lawyers have a successful track record of representing young victims and families who have been affected by defective child car seats. Unfortunately child seat recalls sometimes come after a child has been injured. If your child has been injured, this is very likely a challenging and confusing time for you and your family. You need an injury lawyer who has experience standing up against negligent corporations and fighting for victims' rights.
We gather the necessary evidence to bolster your claim and help ensure that whoever is responsible for your child's injuries is held accountable. We will remain in your side every step of the way. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don't pay us any fees until we recover compensation for you.
If your child has been injured as the result of a defective child car seat, please contact us for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.
