Every parent or caregiver prioritizes the safety of their children, often taking extensive measures to ensure their well-being. However, the act of installing a car seat can be more complex than many people realize, and mistakes are unfortunately common. An improperly installed car seat not only jeopardizes a child’s safety but also increases the risk of significant harm during car accidents.
Common Mistakes When Installing a Car Seat
Ensuring a car seat is correctly installed might seem straightforward, but there are subtle errors that can compromise its efficacy. Parents and caregivers can inadvertently make common mistakes, such as the following:
- Incorrect Angle: The car seat’s angle is vital for the safety of infants. If the seat is too reclined, the child could slide under the harness. If the seat is too upright, it may cause respiratory issues.
- Loose Installation: A car seat that can move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back is not secure. It must be tightly anchored to offer maximum protection. A loose car seat could slide around in the vehicle, which can be dangerous.
- High Harness Straps: The harness straps should lie at or below the child’s shoulders for rear-facing seats and at or above for front-facing ones. Loose or improperly placed straps compromise the child’s safety, especially in a collision.
Injuries Linked to Improper Car Seat Installation
During a car accident, passengers can sustain severe physical harm, with some injuries having lasting consequences. Given their smaller frames, children are especially vulnerable during collisions. An incorrectly installed car seat can expose a child to serious, even potentially fatal injuries during an accident.
These may include:
- Whiplash or neck injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones, especially in the chest
- Internal organ damage
- Mild to severe burns
- Bruising and lacerations
Defective Car Seats Can Also Lead to Injuries
Even when installed correctly, a car seat can be dangerous if it’s inherently defective. Whether it’s due to flawed design, subpar materials, or insufficient testing, a defective car seat can have devastating consequences.
Common car seat defects include malfunctioning buckle systems that may not fasten securely, substandard materials that break under pressure, and inadequate padding which fails to protect a child adequately during impact. Additionally, faulty adjustment mechanisms can prevent the seat from fitting snugly, and weakened shell structures might compromise the seat’s integrity.
Contact a Texas Defective Products Attorney Today
Car seat manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe for use. When they fail in this responsibility, they can be held liable for any injuries that their products cause. If your child has suffered injuries due to a defective car seat, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer in question.
Navigating the complex legal landscape can be challenging, but with the help of a McAllen product liability attorney, you can build a strong case for compensation. A lawyer has the experience and knowledge to guide you through every step and hold the manufacturer accountable. After the accident, contact a product liability attorney to learn more about your family’s path to justice.
