Large TVs and furniture injure and kill more children each year than you may realized. In fact, according to today’s Consumer Product Safety Commission statement, 'these deaths and injuries frequently occur when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks and chests. In some cases, televisions placed on top of furniture tip over and cause a child to suffer traumatic and sometimes fatal injuries'.
From 2000 through 2005, CPSC has reports of 36 TV tip-over-related deaths and 65 furniture tip-over deaths. More than 80 percent of all these deaths involved young children. Additionally, CPSC estimates that in 2005 at least 3,000 children younger than 5 were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms because of injuries associated with TV tip-overs.
To prevent tip-over accidents and tragedies, the CPSC suggest that every family
- Verify that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor to the floor or attach to the wall all entertainment units, TV stands, bookcases, shelving and bureaus to the wall using appropriate hardware, such as brackets, screws, or toggles.
- Place televisions on sturdy furniture appropriate for the size of the TV or on a low-rise base.
- Push the TV as far back as possible from the front of its stand.
- Place electrical cords out of a child’s reach, and teach children not to play with the cords.
- Remove items that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture.
If you child has been injured or has perished as a result of a TV tip-over contact the Raphaelson Law Firm for a free consultation.