Product Liability Update for Parents: Watch Out for Baby Gate Recalls

At one time, parents were strongly encouraged to purchase baby gates to improve their homes’ safety. However, studies, statistics and recent recalls indicate that the safety experts may have gotten it all wrong. For instance, did you know that on average, five children are injured every day as a direct result of baby gates? It’s true and a study that appeared in the February 2014 issue of Academic Pediatrics backs up our assertion.

Studies and Stats About Baby Gate Safety

So do stats provided by the International Association of Child Safety. They indicate that accidental falls remain one of the chief causes of emergency room visits each year and baby gates are partially to blame. The other culprits are listed below:

• Balconies and Raised Walkways
• Windows and Protruding Sills
• Indoor/Outdoor Stairs and Railings
• Baby Equipment and Playgrounds
• Raised Hearths and Windows
• Slippery Floors and Unsecured Rugs
• Defective Baby Gates Continue to Pose a Risk in 2015

Keeping that in mind, we were all the more disturbed to discover that in this modern era, baby gate manufacturers are still producing defective products. Let’s take the latest baby gate recall for example. It took place in mid May and involved one of the nation’s largest retailers, IKEA. The business sold PATRULL KLAMMA and SMIDIG brand safety gates in their North American locations for nearly two decades. The last batch was put on to the North American stores’ shelves in February 2015. Unfortunately, the gates had defects that resulted in accidental falls. As such, a number of children from around the world were injured before the baby gates were finally recalled.

What Are the Repercussions of Defective Baby Gate Sales?

At this juncture, it isn’t known if the injured children’s parents will start product liability lawsuits against the baby gate’s manufacturer, who is based in Denmark. We do know that parents are being encouraged to contact the IKEA store where they purchased the item and ask to speak to management. It is assumed that they will be reimbursed for the cost of the baby gate at that time. However, the refund will clearly be insufficient for children and parents who’ve suffered as a result of the faulty product. Remember, falls from any height have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and death to occur to children. Furthermore, those injuries may result in permanent disabilities. Brain and spinal injuries are good examples. They could leave children with lifelong paralysis, cognitive deficits and physical deformities. Of course baby gate related falls have short-term implications too. Among them are broken bones, bruising, lacerations, avulsed teeth and punctured, vital organs. With that said, parents, grandparents and legal guardians have a solemn duty to protect their children’s interests in the event of baby gate accidents.

Is There Justice for Children Injured By Faulty Baby Gates?

And personal injury attorneys may be able to help them in their quest for justice. Lawyers understand product liability law in regards to faulty baby gates manufactured at home and abroad. As such, they can help injured families decide how to proceed and escort them through the entire process. They may also be able to help protect their injured children’s interests in the future. To learn more about launching a case against baby gate manufactures over defective products, please contact us.