Personal Injury Law

Nearly 10,000 babies suffer crib injuries each year

Almost 10,000 ?infants and toddlers are hurt in crib and playpen accidents each year, according to the first nationwide analysis of emergency room treatment for these injuries.? (L. Tanner, AP Medical, 2/17). As a Chicago personal injury lawyer, I have been concerned by crib injuries for a long time. Statistically, the most frequent injuries resulted from falls, many of which occurred as the child was attempting to climb out of his or her crib.

Researchers who studied ?19 years of ER data say better prevention efforts are needed, but that recent safety measures including a ban on drop-side cribs likely will reduce those numbers.? The study also found a gradual decrease in injuries over the years 1990 to 2008. However, the aggregate numbers are far too large still. The release of the study by the American Academy of Pediatrics coincides with a U.S. House subcommittee hearing on consumer product safety issues.

As a Chicago area personal injury attorney, I am hopeful that the injury numbers continue to decline as further study and regulations make cribs safer for all.

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog on February 22, 2011 (boomark / email).