Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
The Chicago product liability attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer p.c. reviewed a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stating that 349 individuals (84 percent being children younger than 9 years old) were killed by toppling TV’s or furniture between 2000 and 2001. The year 2011 had a record 41 deaths caused by toppling TVs or furniture. The CPSC is urging that TVs and furniture be anchored to stabilized to prevent tip-overs.
CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum urged: “We know that low-cost anchoring devices are effective in preventing tip-over incidents…I urge parents to anchor their TVs, furniture and appliances and protect their children. It takes just a few minutes to do and it can save lives.”
It is estimated that43,000 people are injured in tip over accidents with 59% percent of these injuries are to children under the age of 18. TVs seem to be particularly deadly, accounting for 62% of the deaths. In 57 percent of the death cases the victim was hit on the head by the falling object.
According to the CPSC there are some indications that one factor contributing to these injuries is that people are buying flat screen TV’s and are moving the old, heavier TV to bedroom and putting it on top dressers or tables without being properly anchored.
The CPSC makes the following recommendations for homes with children or children visitors:
1) Anchor furniture to the wall or floor.
2) Place TVs on sturdy, low bases, or anchor the furniture and the TV on the base.
3) Keep remotes and toys off TV stands.
4) Keep TV and/or cable cords out of the reach of children.
The Chicago personal injury law firm of Zneimer and Zneimer P.C. has extensive experience in litigating personal injury cases in Cook County, Illinois and can assist you if you have suffered an injury as a result of a defective product.