Window cords, blinds, and curtains are such mundane fixtures in homes that we rarely think of the dangers these common items present. These prevalent furnishings can pose serious hazards, especially for children. Children possess such inquisitive minds that drive them to explore and inspect their surroundings. Unfortunately, many children have suffered severe injuries or even died after encountering window blind cords. Lawsuits argue that window blind cord manufacturers have refused to alter their designs to stop the cords from strangling children. We understand that a lawsuit cannot make amends for the injuries or insurmountable loss you experienced. However, if window blind cords have harmed you or a loved one, reach out to learn about how a window blind cord lawsuit can help you.
Our law firm is currently representing individuals who have been injured or experienced the death of a child as a result of window blind cord strangulation. Lawsuits against window blind companies claim that window blind cords can cause catastrophic injury and death to small children.
Accidents involving small children and window blind cords seem like an avoidable tragedy. Yet the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that each month, approximately one child dies from window cord strangulation. Also, the agency has identified window blind cords as one of the top five hidden hazards in a home. The CPSC has recalled over 5 million types of window coverings for strangulation hazards. To prevent these incidents, the CPSC recommends that households with small children only have cordless window coverings.
A study in 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that hospitals in the United States treated 16,000 children due to injuries from cords between 1990 and 2015. Over this period of time, roughly 271 children died as a result of window blind cords. Researchers believe that these statistics underestimate the actual number of accidents involving children and window blind cords since this data only accounts for those treated in emergency rooms. Federal consumer safety officials advise parents with young children to install cordless window coverings.
Despite safety agencies and advocacy groups pleading for changes in window blind cord practices, standard cords are still widespread. Although Maryland has partly addressed the issue, in 2010, Maryland implemented a law banning window blind cords in daycares and foster homes.
Sadly, several families have reported devastating incidents regarding window blind cords and children. A family endured the loss of their three-year-old daughter in 2016 after the child accidentally tangled a window blind cord around her neck. In October 2021, one-year-old Christopher Elkins of Provo, Utah, was strangled and killed by blind cords when his father left the room momentarily to take out the laundry. Again, in May 2021, an 18-month-old toddler in Peoria died after getting tangled in the cords of the window blinds in his home. These tragedies only account for a few of the window blind cord strangulations that have plagued families for decades.
In 2018, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association announced a new window covering safety standard. It requires the majority of window coverings sold in the United States to be cordless or have inaccessible or short cords. Even though this is an industry improvement, it is a voluntary standard and not federally mandated.
Manufacturers of window blinds have failed to take the appropriate measures to make their products safer, including exclusively using cordless technology. The Mahe family received $25 million in damages after their three-year-old daughter died by strangulation with mini blind cords on her window. She sustained irreversible brain damage and died days later.
Curtains, blinds, and other coverings present serious risks to young children, including strangulation, permanent brain damage, quadriplegia, and death. This occurs when a child’s neck gets tangled in the loop, the inner blind cords, or between the blind and lifting loop. Strangulation by a window cord is especially dangerous because a child can become entangled quickly and silently without alerting nearby adults. Entanglement occurs when children climb onto a window sill from their cribs or other structures.
The CPSC warns that window blind cord strangulation is very swift and can occur even when parents are in the same room. The agency advises consumers that unconsciousness can happen within 15 seconds and death within two to three minutes.
In most states, lawsuits can hold a manufacturer liable for injuries if its product presents unreasonable dangers and the plaintiff can demonstrate:
If a window blind cord injured you or a loved one, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Many window blind manufacturers have failed to adopt safety devices that could reduce the risk of injury or death, despite recommendations from regulators and safety advocates. Even proactive and extremely cautious parents can lose a child to these silent hazards. Window blind cords restrict a child’s airways and leave them helpless to call out for their caretakers. No family should have to undergo the death of a child. Our team of helpful attorneys is on standby to speak with you. If you choose to pursue legal action, you do not have to do it alone. Our team of helpful attorneys is on standby to speak with you about your window blind cords lawsuit.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.