Poster courtesy of the CPSC.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), October is Window Covering Safety Month. This campaign aims to promote awareness about window-covering cords’ dangers to children, particularly infants and toddlers. According to the CPSC, from 2012 to 2017, 50 fatalities were reported directly related to strangulation of children by window covering cords.
The commission recommends that all parents replace corded window coverings with cordless versions. But if you are unable to do so, the following recommendations were also made:
Window Covering Cord Safety
- Ensure that pull cords are as short as possible
- Keep all cords out of reach of children
- Move beds, cribs, and all furniture away from windows and window cords
- Check that cord stops are installed correctly
- Adjust all cord stops to limit the movement of the lift cords inside
- Permanently anchor continuous loop cords on vertical blinds and drapes to the nearest wall
As of December 2018, window covering manufacturers can comply with the voluntary ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 standard of non-hazardous cords. Be sure to look for products online or in retail stores that comply with this voluntary standard.
Liability for a Window Covering Cord Injury
You and your family could be compensated significantly if your child suffered severe injuries or was killed by a window covering cord. The amount of compensation depends on the circumstances. The manufacturer could be liable for any resulting injuries or deaths if the window covering cord had a dangerous design or manufacturing defect that made it particularly hazardous. If your child was hurt in someone else’s home, a hotel, place of business, or other premises, the owner might be liable if they were aware of dangerous window covering cords and did nothing to address the hazards or failed to warn you of the dangers.
Because determining liability can be challenging, and the other party will likely fight tooth and nail to avoid responsibility. Hiring an experienced attorney to represent you is crucial.
Contact a New York Product Liability Attorney
Was your child hurt by a defective window covering cord? If so, the compassionate and knowledgeable New York product defect lawyers of Hach & Rose, LLP want to hear from you. We’ll take decisive action against the person or parties responsible. We will ensure you get the full and fair compensation your family deserves. Call us at (212) 779-0057 or complete a contact form to schedule a free consultation today.