Children’s Product Recalls Down, Injuries and Deaths Up in 2012
Mar 22, 2013
Washington, D.C. (Law Firm Newswire) March 21, 2013 – Recalls of products for children fell in 2012, but injuries and deaths were up dramatically.
According to a recent report by product safety advocacy organization Kids In Danger (KID), just 97 children’s products were recalled in 2012, the lowest in any year since 2004. However, as compared with 2011 numbers, injuries were up 42 percent, deaths increased 200 percent, and overall incidents were up 49 percent.
Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer David Lietz commented, “It is troubling to learn of the sharp increase in injuries and especially deaths associated with children’s products. Parents need to pay close attention to product recall notices.”
In fact, the KID report says that most parents surveyed hear about product recalls no more than once or twice per month. However, a children’s product was recalled on average every three and a half days in 2012.
KID identified two alarming trends in the product recalls studied. First, even well-established safety standards are commonly violated. According to KID, of the 22 children’s clothing recalls in 2012, all but one related to failure to meet standards of flammability, small parts, lead paint or drawstrings – all of which have been law for decades.
The second trend identified in the report is recalls of products not subject to any safety standards despite being marketed for use with infants and toddlers. For example, infant recliners, travel beds, and crib tents were associated with several deaths in 2012 and are not covered by any standards.
KID said that government efforts to encourage consumers to report incidents with products may account for part of the apparent sharp increase in incidents. But the organization called for more analysis into why products are sometimes recalled only after a seemingly large number of incidents are reported. According to KID, consumers reported 1,232 incidents with the Flexible Flyer Swing Set before it was recalled.
“Paying attention to recalls is only part of the solution,” added Lietz. “Parents need to cast a critical eye on all children’s products they consider purchasing. Of course, sometimes injuries and deaths happen no matter the precautions taken, and that is when it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.”
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