Ikea to Recall 27 Million Chests and Dressers Following Two Deaths
Ikea has issued a recall on about 27 million chests and dressers because these furniture items have the potential to tip over and injure or kill children if not properly anchored to the wall. Two children tragically died after an Ikea chest called the "Malm" fell on them in 2014. Moreover, Ikea has had reports of three additional deaths dating back to 1989 from tip-overs involving Ikea dressers and chests.
Though Ikea's repair program is considered a recall, consumers do not actually have to return the furniture. Instead, they need to order or pick up a free wall anchoring kit for any included chests or dressers. Ikea is advising anyone with an effected chest or dresser to place the item in storage or an area where children cannot access them until the furniture has been properly anchored to the wall. Ikea has expressed sadness over the deaths of several children due to their furniture items and hopes that their recall efforts help to prevent any further tragedies.
Tip-Overs Have Killed Hundreds of Children
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has made preventing tip-over deaths and injuries a top priority. The agency estimates that over 21,700 children under the age of 18 visited emergency rooms due to tip-overs between 2011 and 2013. Over 360 children died due to tip-overs during the years 2000 and 2013. In the majority of cases (about 56 percent), falling furniture resulted in injuries, while 41 percent of injuries stemmed from falling televisions. About 65 percent of fatalities stemmed from falling televisions.
Injuries associated with tip-overs include: contusions and abrasions, internal organ injuries, lacerations, and fractures. Most deaths involved children becoming crushed after remaining under the falling item. Items falling on the head were the most likely to result in death.
Furniture Manufactures Can Be Held Accountable for Tip-over Injuries and Deaths
If your child has been hurt or killed by a furniture item, the manufacturer should be held accountable depending upon the circumstances of the accident. All furniture manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe for their intended use. The makers of children's furniture have a particular duty to ensure that products, when used for their intended purpose, cannot injure the young children who will use them.
If you or your child has been involved in a tip-over accident, contact a licensed product liability attorney to determine whether you may have a cause of action against the product manufacturer. Your attorney will determine whether the product came with warnings, how it was intended to be set up, and if it was involved in a recall.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!
If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective product, the Atlanta Product Liability Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, can help. Our firm has been representing individuals injured by defective products for over 39 years. We strive to provide exceptional representation to each client and represent injury victims throughout Georgia and in the Southeast. Prompt action is vital to the success of your product liability case. As such, do not delay in seeking legal assistance as your time to file a product liability claim after your accident is limited. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.