Every year in the United States, thousands of children are injured or killed by strangulation or suffocation as a result of a dangerous child product. Although a product may be designed and marketed to children, many of them are not safe.
Injuries from strangulation or suffocation can be catastrophic. When air flow is blocked, oxygen to the brain is cut off, which can lead to brain damage.
If a child has been seriously injured or killed because of a dangerous children’s product, you may be eligible to file a dangerous child product claim in Illinois. A Chicago product liability attorney can examine the facts in your case to determine whether your child’s injuries were the result of a defective child product, and help you recover damages to which you may be entitled.
Dangerous Child Products that can Cause Strangulation
Drawstrings are one of the most dangerous child products, as they cause many of the strangulation injuries that occur and prompt dangerous child product claims in Illinois. Incidentally, more clothing designers are staying away from drawstrings when designing apparel.
Drawstrings can become easily entangled on fences, playground equipment or furniture, which can lead to strangulation and a dangerous child product claim in Illinois.
Other dangerous child products that can cause strangulation are cords or strings attached to pacifiers, mittens or toys. While the purpose of these cords and strings is to provide a child with easier access, they pose a serious risk of strangulation and also could lead to a dangerous child product claim in Illinois.
Other items that can cause strangulation include:
- jewelry (especially necklaces);
- bibs;
- window blinds or drapes with cords;
- cribs (with slats that can allow a baby’s head to get stuck);
- mobiles and crib gyms; and
- toys or stuffed animals with strings.
Any item that has a string or cord attached poses a serious risk to a child. The string should be removed or the item should be discarded.
Dangerous Child Products that can Cause Suffocation
Suffocation is another major risk from a dangerous child product. While a specific product may not be dangerous, such as a pillow or blanket in a baby’s crib, its use could lead to suffocation.
Suffocation can occur when the defective child product is the crib itself. When there is space between the mattress and crib slats, suffocation can result. The general rule is that an adult should not be able to fit more than 2 fingers between the mattress and crib slats.
Other items that could lead to suffocation from a dangerous child product include:
- plastic bags;
- toy chests with lids;
- stuffed toys; and
- bumper pads in a crib.
Liability in a Dangerous Child Product ClaimIf a defective child product leads to a child’s injuries, you may be eligible to file a dangerous child product claim. Determining liability can be complicated when more than one party is involved, which is why you need the experience and legal knowledge of a Chicago product liability attorney.
A Chicago product liability attorney understands product liability laws and who may be held liable for your child’s injuries, which can include anyone involved in the making or selling of a defective child product. Some dangerous child product claims are made even more complicated when liable companies are located outside the United States.
Parties that may be held liable in a dangerous child product claim can include the:
- manufacturer;
- designer;
- engineer;
- distributor; and
- retailer.
A Chicago product liability attorney can evaluate your case to determine whether you have a valid claim. An attorney can examine the defective child product in question and acquire your child’s medical records in efforts to build a solid case.
Contact a Chicago Product Liability Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express fault to the court. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.
