The past three years have seen a remarkable shift in the landscape of consumer product-related injuries. Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals a significant dip in 2020, only to be followed by a rise in the subsequent years. The year 2020, marked by the global onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw an 18% drop in consumer product-related injuries. However, this trend was short-lived. By 2021, injuries had surged by 6.8%, and the following year, 2022, witnessed a 7.8% increase.
Initially, as the pandemic hit its stride, there was a 24% decline in emergency department visits for product-related injuries in its first seven months. Notably, April 2020 saw a dramatic 45% drop, the largest in the year. Sports, a common cause of minor injuries such as sprains and strains, saw a decline of over 40% in these types of injuries. However, graver injuries like amputations remained somewhat constant. Yet, it’s important to underline that these statistics only reflect those injuries treated in emergency departments. There is a looming ambiguity about the number of injuries that were self-treated or addressed in other medical settings like doctor’s offices or urgent care centers.
Fast forward to 2022, a staggering 12.7 million individuals sought emergency treatment due to injuries caused by consumer products. Such figures underscore the risks lurking in our everyday environment. Common household items, often taken for granted, from televisions to cleaning supplies, can indeed be hazardous.
A breakdown of the data for 2022 shows the following top three causes for product-related injuries:
- Stairs, ramps, landings, and floors led the list with 2.9 million injuries.
- Beds and associated items like pillows and mattresses followed with 906,000 injuries.
- Chairs and their variants, including sofas and sofa beds, caused 597,000 injuries.
One particularly vulnerable demographic is young children, specifically those aged between 0-4 years. In 2022, this group had some unique injury statistics:
- Soaps and detergents caused 13,171 injuries.
- Televisions and their stands were responsible for 6,388 injuries.
- Cooking ranges and ovens led to 8,305 injuries.
The dynamic trajectory of consumer product-related injuries over the past three years underscores the volatile nature of consumer safety in an ever-evolving world. While 2020’s decline in injuries, influenced heavily by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, offered a brief respite, the subsequent years reversed that trend, revealing the inherent risks of everyday products. Particularly alarming is the heightened vulnerability of young children, who face unique hazards from seemingly harmless products. As we move forward, it is essential for consumers, manufacturers, and regulators to prioritize safety, continually reassess potential risks, and ensure that such troubling trends do not become the norm.
Understanding Your Rights: Seeking Redress for Product-Related Injuries
The rise in product-related injuries makes it imperative for consumers to be vigilant and understand their rights. Victims who suffer injuries due to faulty or dangerous consumer products may be entitled to legal recourse. Such lawsuits can be filed against manufacturers, distributors, or sellers under the purview of product liability law.
Damages in these lawsuits can encompass medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in extreme cases, punitive damages to penalize the responsible parties and deter such negligence in the future. Given the potential long-term implications of such injuries, particularly for young children and older adults, the compensation can be significant.
Take Action with Parker Waichman LLP
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a consumer product injury, it is crucial to speak with our attorneys as soon as possible. The national product injury law firm, Parker Waichman LLP, offers a free consultation to victims of defective products and accidents. They have a stellar track record in assisting victims navigate the intricacies of product liability law. Ensure your rights are protected and you receive the justice you deserve. Call now at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to receive your free consultation.
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