Recalled Car Seats May Cause Fingertip Amputation in Children
Graco Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers of baby and child products, has issued a recall for 11 different models of baby strollers because of reports the products may cause a fingertip amputation hazard. According to an announcement on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) website, the folding hinge, which is located on the side of the stroller, can pinch a baby or small child’s finger, which may result in a laceration or amputation of the child’s finger.
Graco has received at least 11 different complaints from consumers where children were injured. Six of those victims had their full fingertip amputated in the incidents, four children received a partial-fingertip amputation injury, and one child received a serious fingertip laceration. The company warns parents and other caregivers, when opening a stroller, to make sure the side hinge has completely locked in place before placing the child in it.
The strollers being recalled were manufactured under the Graco and Century names, and were manufactured between 2000 through 2014. The model names the company says which have the defective hinge are:
- Aspen;
- Breeze;
- Capri;
- Cirrus;
- Glider;
- Kite;
- LiteRider;
- Sierra;
- Solara;
- Sterling; and
- TravelMate.
Graco estimates that the recall affects approximately 5 million units which were sold in the U.S., 200,000 sold in Canda, and 10,000 units sold in Mexico. Consumers can contact Graco for a free hinge repair kit.
Graco has had to issue several recalls this past year. In March, the company was forced to recall over four million car seats and in July another recall was issued for almost two million infant car seats. In both recalls, there was a danger presented to children from the buckles of the harness of the seat becoming stuck and parents unable to remove their child.
If your child has been injured in an accident involving a defective product, contact an experienced New Braunfels personal injury attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have against the product’s manufacturer.
