Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Risk of Carrier and Stroller Injury

Most parents use some kind of stroller or carrier to keep young children secure while transporting them from one location to another. When a fall or tip-over occurs, however, strollers and carriers can cause injuries ranging from minor scrapes to severe trauma. A recent study published in the journal Academic Pediatrics revealed that from 1990-2010, almost 361,000 toddlers were treated in hospitals after being injured in an accident involving a carrier or stroller. At Galfand Berger, we caution parents to keep abreast of any and all product recalls.

Researchers examined data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, which collects information regarding emergency room treatment of injuries related to consumer products. The research team observed different trends for accidents involving strollers versus those involving carriers.

More Head Injuries in Carrier Accidents

There were slightly more boys involved in stroller-related accidents than girls. Over 40 percent of these patients were younger than 12 months. While almost 40 percent of those injured suffered soft-tissue injuries such as bruises, almost 25 percent sustained a traumatic brain injury or concussion. In children of this age, a mild injury may be relatively easy to recover from, but a more serious brain injury can have a profound effect on a child’s cognitive and behavioral development. Just over two percent of those injured in a stroller accident were admitted to a hospital for treatment.

The group of children involved in carrier-related injuries was again composed of slightly more boys than girls, but 89 percent of these children were younger than 12 months. Nearly half of the injuries sustained in carrier accidents were soft-tissue injuries, and 35 percent were traumatic brain injuries or concussions. The proportion of brain injuries from carrier accidents increased from 17 percent in 1990 to 53 percent in 2010. Researchers could not identify a reason for the increase, other than a potentially better understanding of concussions. Since the research team only examined emergency room data, their numbers do not include children treated at home or in other care facilities, and the actual number of those affected may be significantly higher.

Safety Requirements May Help Prevent Injuries

Parents can take comfort in the stricter safety regulations imposed on strollers and carriers in recent years. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has used the results of this study to improve child safety regulations for strollers and carriers, as well as make recommendations for safely using these products. As of September 2015, all strollers must be manufactured to meet safety regulations that correct many of the vulnerabilities that can cause accidents. Parents are advised to read reviews and check for incident reports when considering purchasing a stroller or carrier. Manufacturers should also provide parents with instructions for safely using the products.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Represent Those Injured by Defective Products

If your child has suffered an injury due to a stroller- or carrier-related accident, call the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP. Our knowledgeable, dedicated legal team will prepare an aggressive legal strategy to hold those responsible for your child’s injuries accountable and win you the compensation you deserve. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Reading, and Bethlehem, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online for a free consultation.