Increase In Head Injury From High Chair Accident
High Chair Accident Head Injuries on the Rise
High chair accident injuries have increased in the past 10 years. Injuries have increased by 22% according to a Clinical Pediatrics study. The blame was directed at parents who were not following the safety instructions. The study also found parents were not following proper operations of the high chairs.
Making matters worse, there are still high chairs in use that have failed safety tests. Some are on recall or fall below standards.
Each year, an estimated 9,400 children are injured while in high chairs. The injuries include cuts, falls, and other serious injuries. How serious? 85% of the babies who were injured in these high chairs sustained face and head injuries. In contrast, only 2.4% of these accidents are considered non-life threatening or minor.
Sadly, not all parents adhere to high chair product recalls. When this occurs, accidents become more prevalent and inevitable. Parents suspecting brain injury or concussion are likely to have their child evaluated.
Dr. Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy, agrees. “There has been an increased awareness about the importance of minor head injury and concussion in the news. It is primarily related to sports, but it has also become on the radar for clinicians and parents.”
Many high chairs have had product recalls. There is little doubt the majority of high chair accidents involve improper use. Sometimes safety features are not used at all. Safety features must be used to ensure better safety.
The results were children standing, sliding or jumping from the chair.
“We know that over the recent years, millions of chairs have been recalled in the U.S. because of not meeting safety standards.” Smith said when speaking with LiveScience. “But usually, a very low percentage of recalled products are actually returned.”
Faulty High Chairs?
Why may some parents be using outdated or faulty high chairs? The Consumer Product Safety Act was introduced in 2008. Yet, the law only went into effect in 2011. There is high probability that there are still some faulty high chairs in circulation now. Some already in homes. High chairs acquired at yard sales or handed down from friends/family can be dangerous.
High Chair Accident Attorney
If your child has been injured by a faulty high chair, you need a good lawyer who can help. Product liability attorneys at Haggerty & Silverman provide reliable and aggressive representation for you. If your child was injured in a high chair accident, contact us for a no-hassle free consultation.