Car Seat Safety

Seat belt, check! Mirrors, check! Lights, check! Car seat adequately manufactured, installed, and child correctly strapped in…not checked? The shocking truth is that the number one cause of death among children aged 1-13 is motor vehicle collisions. Federal data shows more than 180,000 children die annually from motor vehicle accidents.

Although children’s car seats reduce severe and fatal injuries by more than half, a defective car seat that fails during a crash or during normal use can cause severe and fatal injuries. 

So, is your child’s car seat safe? 

1. The starting point is selecting age and size-appropriate seats. A purchased seat from a friend or relative provides no certainty on its history.
2. Inspect the car seat before purchasing it for possible damages: cracks, ripped straps, faulty buckles, or harness adjusters.
3. Gain a full understanding of the car seat’s proper usage. This includes installation as well.
4. Get the seat inspected. Car seat inspection stations near you – typically at local police or fire stations - can check an already installed seat or help install one just bought. 

The thought of any child being injured or killed is harrowing, but knowledge is power. The manufacturer is responsible for warning consumers about the correct installation and any dangers or defects in their seats. Unfortunately, one is often unaware of a manufacturing recall until it fails, and a child suffers. If your child sustains an injury, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, supplier, distributor, or retailer. Michigan law recognizes the right of injured victims to seek compensation for damages. However, claims for non-economic damages, i.e., pain and suffering, are limited by caps depending on the nature of a child’s injury. There is no limitation on economic damages allowing for full payment or reimbursement of medical expenses.

If your child has been injured as a result of a defective car seat, contact the Product Liability Lawyers at Moss & Colella to assist you in obtaining fair compensation for the injuries to your child or loved one.