Unanchored furniture causes injuries to people throughout the United States every day. A recent finding by Consumer Reports stated that unanchored furniture causes injury to someone every 17 minutes nationwide. Most of those victims are kids under the age of six. In fact, in 2016, there was a 33 percent increase in incidents where furniture tipped over onto young children.
If you or a loved one was injured due to unanchored furniture that tipped over unexpectedly, contact a product injury lawyer at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. We have extensive experience working with clients who have been injured by dangerous or defective products. Contact us today at (205) 933-1500, or reach out online to schedule a free case consultation.
How Does Furniture Tip Over?
When pieces of furniture are not secured to a wall or surface, they may fall forward causing serious injuries or even fatalities. When unanchored furniture falls, it can crush or suffocate a victim quickly. Common pieces of furniture that tip over include:
- Dressers
- Armoires
- Televisions
- Entertainment centers
- Shelves
- Top-heavy toys
- Large mirrors
- Portable tables
- Room dividers and screens
- Sliding closet doors
- Paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art
Although many of the most dangerous pieces of unsecured furniture are large and heavy, there have been reports of shorter and smaller items falling as well, especially if they stand at higher than waist level for an adult.
Who are the Victims of Unsecured Furniture?
Although anyone can be the victim of tipped-over, unanchored furniture, children are most severely injured in these accidents. Furniture is often considered a toy to children. Kids often climb onto, hide inside, and hang from shelves and drawers. However, if furniture is unbalanced or unsecured, it can easily fall onto a child.
Children are also attracted to televisions and large paintings. These items may look fun, but children are often unaware of how heavy these items truly are. Unfortunately, when unanchored items fall onto children, their screams can become muffled, and it can take a long time for someone to find them. This may exacerbate injuries when emergency medical care is not received right away.
Elderly individuals are also at risk for falls due to unanchored furniture. People who use walkers, canes, and wheelchairs often cannot balance themselves well. They may grasp onto furniture or artwork to steady themselves. Unsecured items can fall on them, causing serious injuries.
Industry Standards for Furniture
If furniture is considered a fall hazard, it should come with a warning and supplies to properly anchor it to the floor or wall. However, there are few regulations regarding dangerous products that can fall. Thus, companies that take precautions are doing so on their own accord. They have little guidance to provide proper instructions on how to anchor products.
Despite this, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or seller of a product if they fail to give you proper warning of a potential furniture fall. The company has a responsibility to produce safe equipment and warn people of known hazards. If you were not made aware of safety precautions that would have prevented an accident, you may have a valid product liability claim.
Contact a Product Liability Lawyer About Unanchored Furniture
If you or a loved one was injured due to unanchored furniture, you deserve to recover compensation for the injuries you incurred. Contact the knowledgeable product liability lawyers from Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. for help with your case. Call us today at (205) 933-1500, or reach out online for a free, initial case evaluation.
