Kids love shopping carts. If it has been a while since you were a kid, you may not remember exactly why, but this is almost a universal truth. Riding along, touching the product displays as they go by, and pushing as soon as you are tall enough to do so are all highlights of early shopping trips for young children.
Unfortunately, riding in shopping carts can also be dangerous. According to the Washington Post, “[d]espite warnings, about 24,000 kids have hurt annually in shopping cart accidents.” Based on population data, this means that there are roughly 400 shopping cart-related accidents in Colorado each year.
What are the Most Common Causes of Child Injuries in Shopping Cart Accidents?
The Washington Post article identifies four primary causes of child injuries in shopping cart accidents. These are:
- Falling out of the shopping cart (which is by far the most prevalent factor, accounting for more than 70 percent of all accidents);
- Running into or falling over the shopping cart;
- Cart tip-overs; and,
- Getting fingers, hands, feet, arms and legs caught in the cart.
The data cited in the article indicate that impacts to the head account for nearly 80 percent of all reported injuries from shopping cart accidents. Based on the data, children under the age of four are most likely to suffer concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Why are Shopping Cart Injuries So Common?
As reported by the Washington Post, shopping cart manufacturers are currently only subject to voluntary safety standards. While it is likely that most manufacturers seek to adhere to these standards, it is clear that more can be done to protect children from unnecessary and dangerous accidents. For example, some common safety issues with shopping carts include:
- A high center of gravity that makes the shopping cart prone to tipping over
- Child seats that are higher off of the ground than necessary
- Lack of a restraint system (lap buckle)
- Broken lap buckles
- Sharp points and edges
- Holes and gaps that allow children’s extremities to get stuck
- Failure to provide adequate instructions and warnings
As a parent, there are steps you can take to reduce your children’s risk of injury, but there are also many factors that are beyond your control. If your child fell from a shopping cart or is complaining of pain after any other shopping cart-related accident, it is important that you seek medical and legal advice as soon as possible.
Speak With a Denver Personal Injury Attorney for Free
Our personal injury attorneys provide experienced, compassionate and aggressive legal representation for parents whose children have been injured shopping cart accidents and other accidents involving dangerous products and premises. We handle all cases on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win just compensation. If you would like to speak with an attorney about your family’s legal rights, we encourage you to call 303-333-8000 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
