Dangerous or defective products cause injuries to thousands of people nationwide every year, including in West Virginia. Consumers who are victims of such injuries are entitled to pursue recovery of damages by filing products liability claims against those responsible. Furniture falling onto children has been the subject of many such claims, and those dangers were underscored by the recent death of a toddler in another state.
An 18-month-old boy died when a dresser tipped over and fell on him. Although the police ruled this tragedy an accident, the safety of the dresser will be examined. A spokesperson for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urged parents to anchor furniture. Approximately 26 children die every year from injuries suffered when televisions or other furniture fall on them, and about 33,000 more individuals suffer injuries.
The Commission advises parents to keep a lookout for furniture recall notices due to instability. A recent recall notice included four different models of dressers because of the tipping dangers they posed. One of them followed the 2014 deaths of two children. Many newer furniture pieces are equipped with anchors or anti-tipping devices.
West Virginia parents whose children suffered injuries — or worse — due to the instability of furniture pieces may want to seek recovery of financial and emotional losses. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist with the navigation of a products liability claim. Such claims can name as defendants all those responsible for getting a dangerous or defective product to the consumer. The responsible parties may include the manufacturer of the product, the parts manufacturer, the wholesaler and the retail store where it was purchased.
Source: yakimaherald.com, “Yakima toddler’s tragic death a reminder to anchor furniture, TVs“, Donald W. Meyers, Dec. 2, 2016
