Residents of Texas raise eyebrows as to the safety of baby products

Millions of parents across America depend on various baby products, such as a car seat or stroller, to transport their infant or toddler to their desired destination safely. Many of these parents simply assume that their child is in safe hands when using these products, without giving a second thought as to whether or not they truly are. According to the United States Census Bureau, there are nearly 350,000 children under the age of five currently living in Harris County, Texas. While most of these children use strollers on a daily basis, it is crucial that parents begin to take product safety and liability cases seriously.

Recently, a stroller system created by Heidi Klum was deemed unsafe by the Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission because of its inability to keep the toddler buckled in appropriately. After extensive testing, the harness buckle on the stroller popped open 75 percent of the time. The Commission went on to explain how approximately 75 percent of injuries due to stroller malfunctions involved a child falling out of their stroller.

Another incident shocked the public as four babies died of strangulation due to a stroller production issue. Surprisingly, the tragedies occurred between 2003 and 2005, yet the product was not recalled until 2010. Consumers are left wondering where the blame lies and what can be done to prevent this situation from reoccurring.

Who is responsible?

Before products are available for retail purchase, they are put under a scrutiny of tests in order to pinpoint any quality or operational issues. Not only are tests run by the manufacturer themselves, but several federal government agencies as well. It is when these products fail and precious children become injured or even killed that eyebrows raise about who is checking the quality of these products. It is undecided who is to blame in many of these cases. Most often, the manufacturer holds the ultimate responsibility for putting out an untrustworthy product that injured or took the life of a child.

What can be done?

There are several different federal organizations operating to ensure the safety of American consumers. A few of these groups include the following:

  • The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission: This commission is responsible for regulating laws and statutes surrounding the safety and efficacy of consumer products.
  • Consumer Reports: Since 1936, consumers have turned to Consumer Reports to determine which products have been deemed safe to use.
  • Federal Trade Commission: The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection is responsible for avoiding deception and fraud in the marketplace.

Stricter regulations are underway in attempts to lower the injury rate of small children, as well as to increase the quality of products that are produced.

Getting a personal injury attorney

If your child is a victim of a defective stroller, it is vital that you bring it to the attention of the proper authorities. Not only could you save another child from being harmed, but you may receive compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as any medical bills that have accrued due to the injury. Don’t hesitate to call a professional personal injury attorney today who has extensive experience in handling product liability cases.