Strollers Recalled for Handlebars That Can Detach and Pose Fall Hazards

A Swedish company has recalled about 4,800 Sleek strollers sold by U.S. retailers over a potential fall hazard danger. According to Consumer Reports, the strollers – manufactured by Thule – has handlebars that can detach from the frame. According to watchdogs, this can create a danger that the person pushing the stroller could lose control and injure the child. Thule has received one report of the handlebar detaching, but no reports of injuries so far.

Details of the Recall

In March 2020, the company recalled about 1,500 Sleek car adapters because their plastic brackets can break, putting infants at risk of falling. The strollers involved in the most recent recall were sold between July 2018 and June 2020. If you have one of these strollers in your home, you should stop using it and contact Thule to receive a free replacement stroller frame.

Only strollers made between May 2018 and September 2019 are included in this recall. The recalled strollers won’t have a QC or quality control 2020 sticker next to the product label. The recalled strollers are black, dark gray, light gray, navy blue, or red, with a silver or black frame.

Dangers of Defective Products

Statistics compiled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show that in 2018 there were an estimated 59,000 emergency department-treated injuries associated with nursery products among children under the age of 5. This translates to an injury rate of about 298 per 100,000 children under 5. High chairs, strollers, cribs/mattresses, and infant carriers were associated with 66% of the total estimated injuries. Falls were the leading cause of injury and the head, followed by the face, was the body part injured most frequently. A diagnosis of internal organ injury, contusion/abrasion, or laceration was associated with a majority of the injuries.

When a dangerous or defective product causes serious injury or death, victims or families of deceased victims have rights. Injured victims can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injury, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking damages as well. An experienced product defect lawyer will be able to advise victims or families in such cases regarding their legal rights and options.

Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/recalls/thule-sleek-stroller-recall/