Window Blind Cords: Strangulation Risks That Still Show Up in Real Cases

Hazards in the home and other such settings can take many forms. Sometimes seemingly harmless fixtures and features can pose a risk to the safety of children, even if they seem relatively innocuous. For example, if a home, child care, or other setting where a child may be present has window blinds or window coverings with cords, it’s possible for a child to be harmed in a strangulation accident if they get caught in a loop in the cords.

Although estimates vary, some sources indicate that at least one child a month may be seriously harmed or may lose their life in a window blind or window covering cord accident in the United States. However, other sources indicate that approximately half of these types of accidents may go unreported. Thus, although it is difficult to know for certain just how prevalent these types of injuries and wrongful deaths are, clearly this hazard must be better addressed by the industry.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to worry about your child being harmed by a window covering cord or other such hazard. However, if this does happen, it’s important for you to understand your potential legal options.

Understanding the dangers posed by window covering cords

Window coverings and window blinds can take many forms. Some newer models have hidden cords or use new technologies so that they can be opened and closed without cords. However, far too many models still use cords that are easily reachable by infants and toddlers.

Although there’s been some degree of legislation at the state level to address these issues, currently, federal law and federal regulations are somewhat limited in determining how manufacturers can create and market these products. Thus, depending on the nature of your window coverings and blinds, your child may be vulnerable to a household hazard you hadn’t thought of.

Inspect your window blinds and coverings to determine whether a child can safely be nearby. If not, strongly consider making an upgrade to safer models. In the meantime, it’s very important that you monitor your children closely whenever they’re near these potential hazards.

Unfortunately, many injuries and deaths involving children caught and strangled in window cords take parents by surprise, as they can occur relatively silently.

Other settings where these hazards may pose risks

Be aware that your own home isn’t necessarily the only place where a child could be at risk of being harmed by a window covering cord or by a similar window covering related hazard. For example, maybe they attend a daycare or a school where unsafe window coverings and blinds are present.

If they were injured in this setting, there may be a question of liability regarding who is responsible for the child’s injuries. Should you decide to file a claim or lawsuit, it may be necessary to conduct an investigation to determine who is at fault.

Seeking compensation after a child is harmed by a window covering cord

If your child has tragically been hurt or lost their life in an accident involving window blind cords, your family may be eligible for financial compensation due to the negligence of the designer, manufacturer, seller or installer. Such claims are referenced as product liability claims or lawsuits, seeking compensation for medical bills and related losses, both past and future.

However, again, because the laws regulating these types of products are not necessarily universally strict across the country, building a case can require gathering substantial evidence to show why compensation is warranted.

You don’t have to gather this evidence yourself. With the help of a legal professional with experience handling cases like these, you can focus on your family’s needs right now while someone who understands how to properly investigate these matters builds a case on your behalf. A legal professional can also handle all negotiations with the insurance company, whose goal is typically to minimize a payout. Having an experienced attorney on your side levels the playing field so you can fight effectively for the compensation your family may be eligible for.

At Swartz and Swartz, P.C.,, our Boston child personal injury lawyers are on hand to review your case, explain your legal options, and provide aggressive representation should you decide to work with us. If your child has been harmed in a window blind cord accident or related accident, learn more about how you can proceed by contacting us online today or calling us at (617) 742-1900 to set up your free case review.

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