As parents, we trust manufacturers to design and sell safe products for our children. Cribs and car seats, in particular, should protect our most vulnerable family members, not put them at risk. Unfortunately, defective child products are a leading cause of preventable injuries in Florida and across the country. The results can be devastating when a crib malfunctions or a car seat fails in a crash.
If your child has been injured due to a defective crib or car seat, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Florida law provides parents with remedies to hold negligent manufacturers accountable and recover compensation for their child’s injuries.
Common Defects in Cribs and Car Seats
Not all accidents involving child products are the result of misuse. In many cases, the product itself is dangerously flawed. Some of the most common defects include:
Crib Defects
- Faulty slats or drop-sides that allow a child to fall or become trapped.
- Improper spacing between slats that can cause suffocation or strangulation hazards.
- Weak construction materials that break under normal use.
Car Seat Defects
- Defective latches or buckles that fail to secure a child in a crash.
- Improper labeling or installation instructions that mislead parents.
- Weak frames or flammable materials that fail to protect during a collision.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) frequently issues recalls for children’s products, including cribs and car seats, but many dangerous products remain in use before recalls are announced.
Legal Theories for Defective Child Product Cases
When a defective crib or car seat causes injury, parents may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. These cases typically fall into one of three categories:
- Design Defects: The product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even when manufactured correctly.
- Manufacturing Defects: A mistake in the production process results in a dangerous flaw in a specific batch or unit.
- Failure to Warn: The company fails to provide adequate instructions or warnings about potential risks.
In Florida, product liability claims can hold multiple parties accountable, including the manufacturer, supplier, and even the store where the crib or car seat was purchased.
Proving Liability in Florida
To succeed in a product liability case, parents and their attorney must prove:
- The crib or car seat was defective.
- The defect directly caused the child’s injury.
- The product was being used as intended.
Evidence may include expert testimony, engineering reports, medical records, and recall notices. Because manufacturers often have powerful legal teams, working with an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer is critical to building a strong case.
Types of Compensation Available
A successful claim can provide families with compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, long-term treatment).
- Future medical costs for ongoing therapy or rehabilitation.
- Pain and suffering endured by the child and family.
- Loss of quality of life if the injury results in long-term disability.
In rare cases, Florida courts may also award punitive damages if the manufacturer’s conduct shows extreme negligence or disregard for safety.
What Parents Should Do After a Defective Product Injury
If you suspect your child’s crib or car seat is defective, take these steps immediately:
- Seek medical care for your child, even if the injuries seem minor.
- Preserve the product in its current condition. Do not attempt to repair or alter it.
- Keep receipts, packaging, and manuals as evidence.
- Report the incident to the CPSC to help protect other families.
- Consult a personal injury attorney experienced in product liability cases.
Time is also a factor. In Florida, the statute of limitations for product liability cases is generally two years from the date of injury. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and your child’s rights are protected.
Protecting Florida Families
No parent should have to question whether their child’s crib or car seat is safe. Unfortunately, defective products still reach the marketplace, leaving families to cope with the consequences. If your child has been harmed by a defective crib or car seat, you may be entitled to compensation.
An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you pursue justice, hold negligent manufacturers accountable, and secure the resources your family needs to move forward.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in a personal injury incident, seeking legal advice is essential to protect your rights. Our legal team has more than 40 years of experience seeking justice for accident victims. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Jaeson continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 2011. Throughout his law school career, Jaeson regularly volunteered his time at Florida Legal Services, where he assisted with several projects aimed at advancing the rights of low-income families in Florida. Jaeson has recovered millions of dollars from individuals for his clients. For his efforts, Jaeson was inducted in 2016 into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. At the time of his induction, he was one of the youngest attorneys in the State of Florida to be inducted.
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