The CPSC and importer Dream On Me Inc. are recalling about 50,000 bath seats because the product does not satisfy federal safety standards and poses a drowning hazard to babies. Already, there have been five reports involving this product, including a near drowning accident involving a 12-month-old girl who almost died.
According to the recall, due to a lack of stability, the Dream on Me Bath Seats are at risk of tipping over. This is when the drowning danger would arise. Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled products right away and contact the company for a replacement bathtub.
It takes just a few inches of water for someone to drown—no more than an inch or so for a small baby. Young infants, who are often still unable to lift up their heads, are especially at risk of fatal drowning or even permanent brain injury or another disability if they are submerged for more than a few minutes and survive.
Child drownings are a leading cause of fatalities. While incidents in pools, lakes, and beaches are the ones we most often hear about in the media, the CPSC reports that over 300 kids younger than age 6 drowned in incidents not involving pools between 2002 and 2004. Over 80% of those that died were kids under the age of 2. Drowning incidents can occur in bathtubs, toilets, water fountains, and any container holding an inch or more of water.
Drowning accidents can happen during any time of year and in all seasons. Here are some preventive measures to minimize the chances of drowning in a bathroom (CPSC):
- Don’t ever leave a small child unattended in the tub.
- Make sure that he/she is within arms reach even when you are there.
- Don’t leave small kids unsupervised near the toilet or tub.
- Don’t rely on a baby bath seat to keep your child safely afloat without your supervision.
- Don’t let young children supervise each other in the bathtub.
- Make sure that kids can’t access the water in the toilet when you aren’t watching.
- Empty any bucket/container containing even a small amount of liquid when not in use.
At The Gilbert Law Group®, our child injury lawyers represent the families of kids who suffered serious injuries or died in a drowning accident. We also handle cases involving injuries and deaths caused by product defects or related malfunctions. Please contact our products liability law firm today.
Unfortunately, products made for infants and kids continue to cause children harm. This is unacceptable and those responsible for your child’s injuries or death should be held financially liable. Sometimes the liable party is the product manufacturer or seller and/or distributor. Other liable parties may include the property owner where the child drowning accident occurred or the person who was supposed to be supervising your child when the incident happened.
Figuring out who (and how many parties) should be held responsible can be challenging especially if you don’t have experienced legal help backing you. Your child drowning lawyer can also help you figure out how much in damages you are owed—especially if your is left with long-term disabilities.
