Virtually any home you visit, and likely even your own, has massive flat screen televisions situated on a shelf or attached to the wall. Unfortunately, what many parents fail to realize is that these amazing sources of entertainment can also result in serious injuries to their children.
Between the years of 1990 and 2011 the number of children who suffered an injury because of falling televisions increased by 125 percent. Additionally, over 17,000 children, less than 18 years of age, are treated each year in emergency rooms because of television-related accidents. To put this in perspective, that’s one child every 30 minutes, according to the Journal of Pediatrics.
While some consider injuries related to televisions in the home as the parent’s responsibility, you have to wonder if manufacturers should include some type of warning regarding the potential dangers of this incident and what may happen. If your child is injured in a falling television-related accident, the best thing you can do is contact a personal injury attorney for assistance.
Common Injuries from a TV Fall Incident and How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
The most common injuries that personal injury attorneys see related to television tip-over and falling incidents include:
- Cuts, bruises and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
In fact, according to statistics, the most commonly injured body parts were the head and neck area. However, the injuries ranged from minor, being bruises and scratches, to severe, including death.
A personal injury attorney can review the facts of your case to determine if the manufacturer, seller or another party is evenly partially at-fault for the injury your child incurred. If they are, they can then help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for the injuries and expenses you have sustained.
Protecting Your Children from Needing Help from Personal Injury Attorneys
The best way for parents to protect their children from potentially severe injuries because of a falling television is to secure the TV to a wall or other sturdy object. Also, parents should avoid putting toys, the remote or anything else on furniture that a television is sitting on, as this is one of the top reasons that children climb on furniture and suffer television tip-over accidents.
In addition to securing your televisions, manufacturers and sellers of all televisions should include warnings regarding the tip over risk. In some cases, if this warning was not present when the television was purchased, the injured party may be able to file a liability lawsuit; however, this is something that should be discussed with a personal injury attorney to figure out for sure.
If your child has been a victim of a television tip-over accident, then it is a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney today. They can review the facts of your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries incurred. For more information about filing a personal injury lawsuit, contact the team of attorneys at Fetterman & Associates by calling 561-845-2510.
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