Graco High Chairs Recalled After Multiple Child Injuries
On March 1, 2018, Graco – a popular child products manufacturer – announced a recall of about 36,000 highchairs in the U.S. market due to fall hazard (an additional 3,200 were sold in Canada). The high chairs were sold between October 2016 and December 2017 at Walmart, and have the model number: 1969721. Specifically, the recall was issued because the affected model’s legs can pivot out of position, making the chair unstable and causing it to tip over. Graco had received 38 reports of the highchair legs pivoting out of position along with five children injured with bumps and bruises as a result of the seats tipping over at the time the recall was issued.
Highchair product safety features to prevent child injuries
The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends that anyone purchasing a highchair look for the following safety features:
- Wide base that supports stability
- Waist and crotch straps (a post in between the legs is an acceptable alternative to a crotch strap)
- Locking device for folding highchairs
- Appropriate weight limit for the size of your toddler
- Highchair should be certified by the JPMA
What to do if a child in your care has this high chair
If you own this high chair model, stop using it immediately and contact Graco at 800-345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday for a free repair. For more information, visit gracobaby.com/recall.
Defective products liability
When a child is seriously injured by a product designed for children, parents might wonder if they can bring a personal injury claim to recover damages. Meeting with a personal injury attorney is the best way to understand your legal rights. He or she can determine whether the accident occurred as a result of a defective product or other type of personal injury case. Some questions that will determine whether there is a viable claim may include:
- Was the product being used according to manufacturer directions at the time the injury occurred?
- Was there an adequate warning label on the product’s packaging?
- Was the product unreasonably unsafe for the product’s recommended age range?
- Was the injury directly caused because of a manufacturing or packaging defect or because of lack of adequate warnings?
Defective high chair causes child injuries
A defective product is defined as an imperfection in a product either caused by a manufacturing or design defect or as risky because of inadequate instructions or warnings. When a product is unreasonably dangerous to the consumer and causes physical harm as a result of normal usage, the product may be deemed to be in a defective condition.
If your child was the victim of an accident caused by a defective product; contact a defective products lawyer. He or she will assess the details of the accident and injuries and may be able to fight for a settlement several times what you could negotiate on your own. The settlement may help to cover damages for medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering, emotional distress and more.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
