Turn on the radio or television, or flip through a newspaper and you will see over and over again, product recalls. As a parent, imagining that your child could be seriously injured or even killed from playing with a toy or being placed in a stroller is terrifying. But the truth of the matter is that recalls for items such as toys, cribs, car seats, and even clothing, are all too common.
Unfortunately, many parents are not aware that the products they purchase for their children could be unsafe. Most parents assume that if a product is on a store’s shelf, that it must be safe. This is simply not true. Sometimes, manufacturers recall items after they receive complaints about a potentially dangerous or defective product. These recalls are known as voluntary recalls. Other times, a recall is due to pressure or action by a government agency.
As a parent of a young child, it is important to be on the lookout for product recalls. One of the best ways to learn of products that have been recalled is to register the product with the manufacturer. This is normally limited to large purchases, such as car seats, cribs, and strollers. There are also websites that list recalled products, such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, where parents can sign up to receive recall alerts.
If you learn that a product that you own has been recalled, you need to take proper action. First, heed the recall. If the product has been deemed unsafe, it is best to remove the product from your home. Often manufacturers will give refunds for defective products. In some cases, the manufacturer may offer to repair the product by providing the consumer with a new part. It is important, however, not to use the product until the repair is made.
The following are two recent recalls that parents should take notice of:
- EvenFlo car seats: Several EvenFlo car seats models are being voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer for a defective buckle. The recall affects close to 200,000 car seats that have a harness crutch buckle can become stuck or difficult to unbuckle in an emergency. Parents that own a recalled car seat, can receive a replacement buckle by contacting EvenFlo.
- Nutek Disposable brands baby wipes: In late October, Nutek Disposables announced that they were recalling ten brands of baby wipes after tests revealed that the wipes may contain the Burkholderia cepacia bacteria. The CDC states that the bacteria in the wipes poses little threat to healthy children and adults. However, for those individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic lung disease, the bacteria could be harmful. The Nutek recalled wipes include the following brands: Well Beginnings (Walgreens), Tender Touch (various retailers), Sunny Smiles (Walgreens), Simply Right (Sam’s Club), Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club), Kidgets (Family Dollar), Fred’s, Femtex (Family Dollar), Diapers.com, and Cuties (various retailers). Consumers that purchased the above brands should discontinue use and return the product for a full refund.
If your child was injured by a defective product, it is important that you seek the advice of a seasoned Kansas City Products Liability Attorney. Only an experienced Kansas City Products Liability Attorney will be able to make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the proper compensation for your child’s injuries. The attorneys at the Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri. Our compassionate team of attorneys will make sure that justice is served. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our Products Liability and Injury Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. We look forward to meeting with you.