On April 19, 2023, The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to adopt a standard for furniture, dressers and other items that are top heavy that will help prevent tip-overs by requiring stability tests.
This new law passed by Congress is called the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act. And it seeks to prevent child deaths from falling furniture.
Furniture tip-overs are a significant safety hazard that can result in serious injuries or even death, particularly for children. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were over 27,000 emergency room visits between 2017 and 2019 due to furniture tip-overs.
And since 2000, more than 470 children have tragically died from furniture tip-overs.
Furniture tip-overs can occur when a piece of furniture is not stable or is not anchored to the wall. This can happen with any piece of furniture, including dressers, bookcases, and TVs. Children are particularly vulnerable to furniture tip-overs, as they may try to climb on furniture to reach for something or grab onto drawers or shelves, causing the furniture to tip over.
The STURDY Act will require the CPSC to establish a mandatory rule for sturdiness and will require that manufacturers establish increase their testing requirements and apply stronger warning labels to furniture and dressers.
A while back we wrote an article titled “46 Million Dollar Settlement” where we shared not only the outcome of the case against IKEA but also the case of the large cathode ray television that ended up becoming a chapter in the “Fighting For Truth” book.
The first step in pursuing a personal injury claim is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options.
The key to winning your case is proving that the furniture was defective or dangerous and that the manufacturer or retailer was negligent in failing to warn consumers of the potential danger. This can be challenging, as there are often multiple factors that contribute to a furniture tip-over accident.
To establish a case of negligence, the injured (plaintiff) must prove that the manufacturer or retailer had a duty to ensure that the furniture was safe for use, that they breached that duty by failing to take appropriate safety measures, and that this breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries. The plaintiff must also show that they suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
What Precautions Can Consumers Take to Prevent Tip-Overs?
To Prevent Tip-Overs Remember These Three Things
By taking these precautions, individuals can reduce the risk of furniture tip-overs and protect themselves and their loved ones from serious injury.
Furniture tip-over accidents can result in serious injuries or death, particularly for children. If you or a loved one has been injured in a furniture tip-over accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options. By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and hold the manufacturer or retailer accountable for their negligence.
The Law Offices of David W. Holub is a personal injury law firm located in Merrillville, Indiana, focused on providing efficient and effective client-centered representation. Our mission is to provide top quality legal representation, which includes an uncompromising pursuit of our client’s legal interests, while being accessible and attentive to our clients during times of personal challenge.
The firm concentrates in personal injury cases of all types, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation. We work tirelessly to serve each client aggressively and with empathy, to communicate regularly and clearly, and to obtain prompt and favorable results, while adhering to the highest standards of excellence and integrity. Our team considers it a high honor to be called upon to serve our clients whom we often come to regard as our friends. Call our number (219)736-9700 for assistance today.
*If you would like to learn more about personal injury law, we encourage you to listen to our Personal Injury Primer Podcast where we break down the law into simple terms, provide legal tips, and discuss topics related to personal injury law. And read “Fighting for Truth: A Trial Lawyer’s Insight into What It Takes to Win” an entertaining and enlightening book pulling readers into the courtroom giving them a glimpse of the legal process and what it takes to win at trial.
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