A recent study found that children injured by falling television has increased alarmingly over the past 20 years, according to Frenkel & Frenkel.
A recent study found that nearly 200,000 children suffered injuries from falling televisions over the past 20 years, and that 215 children had died. In 2011, 12,300 children suffered injuries from falling televisions, nearly double the 5,455 of those reported in 1990. The majority of those injured or killed were children under five with head and neck injuries the most common. Many of the children suffered from concussions. Types of Televisions It is unclear what types of televisions are involved in the incidents, but many believe older model sets, which are heavier and bulkier than newer models, could be the most common to fall on children. Many of the incidents involved older model sets placed on dressers where small children attempted to reach the set by climbing drawers like stairs, causing the dresser to topple over. Because newer, flat screen televisions have grown in popularity, many consumers are moving heavier, older models into bedrooms, placing them on dressers or other furniture not designed to hold items of that weight. Flat Screens The growing popularity of flat screens may also result in an increase in the injury rate, as many are designed to hang on walls. If they are not properly fastened, the televisions, which are still heavy, may fall, injuring children who are sitting below it. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends anchoring furniture to the wall or floor to avoid tipping. When attaching televisions to walls, be sure to follow all manufacturers recommendations, and anchor the set securely. Awareness About Danger Consumer advocates are calling for better awareness about the dangers, which many parents may not understand. Parents should be warned against placing older, heavier models of television on dressers or other furniture not sturdy enough to bear the weight of a large object, especially if there are children under the age of ten in the household. Children under ten are at significant risk of injury due to falling televisions, and many parents are unaware of the danger. If your child has been injured by a falling television, contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation to determine what rights you may have.
