Many Virginia parents of toddlers use high chairs every day, and few would consider them to be dangerous products. However, some parents are discovering that children might be hurt when using them. In fact, during the last decade, reported high chair injuries have increased by more than 20 percent. Approximately 9400 children are injured per year while sitting in or climbing on high chairs.
Concussions are the most frequent serious injury caused by high chairs. These injuries happen for a number of reasons. In some cases, the child can use his or her legs to push themselves back and fall backwards. In other situations, the child is not strapped in or is strapped in incorrectly. Children can also be injured when they stand up in the chair or climb on top of it. Since these chairs are often placed close to counters and tables, children may fall upon them or strike their heads.
There are many actions a parent can take to reduce the likelihood of a high chair injury. It is important to make sure the high chair or booster seat has passed all safety standards, so parents should check the item or its box for a label from the American Society for Testing and Materials or the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Other precautions a parent can take include making sure the child is always fully strapped in according to manufacturer directions and placing the chair where a child cannot reach the table with hands or feet.
In some cases, injuries can also result if the high chairs suffer from improper construction or the inclusion of faulty parts. Parents whose child has been injured by a defective product, such as a high chair, can consult with an attorney experienced in personal injury law and explore the possibility of compensation from a negligent manufacturer.
Source: Today.com, “High chair injuries on the rise, study finds“, Kavita Varma-White and Erika Edwards, December 09, 2013