Maclaren is the British manufacturer of top rated strollers. However, in November 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) asked the company to recall approximately 1 million[1] strollers because of a dangerous defect in the hinge mechanism. Despite the recall, children continue to lose fingers in the strollers’ hinges.
Fingertip Amputations
Nearly 150 children suffered injuries from the strollers, 37 of which occurred after the recall. In five of the recently reported incidents, children lost the tips of their fingers. Others reported lacerations or bruising when their children’s fingers became trapped in the hinges. The danger exists in both single and double Maclaren umbrella strollers sold before November 2009. Newer strollers, sold after May 2010, feature a safer hinge design and do not pose the same risk.
Maclaren has already issued over 300,000[2] hinge cover kits. Unfortunately, the strollers were already on the market for ten years, so this important safety precaution may be necessary for millions of strollers.
All Umbrella Strollers Can Pose a Danger
The problem is not limited to Maclaren. The defective hinge mechanism design was common to all strollers. This means consumers should inspect all umbrella strollers carefully for hazards. Always keep children well out of reach when opening or closing.
Stroller Models Affected
If you own a single or double umbrella stroller made by Maclaren, check the model name. Affected models include the following:
- Easy Traveller
- Quest Mod
- Quest Sport
- TechnoXLR
- Techno XT
- Triumph
- Twin Triumph
- Twin Techno
Corrective Actions
For the strollers already sold, the company offers a set of hinge covers. Consumers should stop using these strollers until they can install the safety covers. Protect your child by contacting Maclaren at hingecovers@maclaren-usa.com or calling 1-877-688-2326 weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Federal Safety Standards Nonexistent
No federal standards apply to stroller manufacturers, which creates a tremendous danger to the public. Consumers have the right to assume the products they buy, especially those designed for childcare, are safe to use. This assumption is often more prevalent when it comes to expensive or highly rated child products. Therefore, it is up to manufacturers to design and manufacture children’s products that can be used safely and effectively.
The Role of the CPSC
The only protection consumers can rely upon comes from the CPSC’s reports, recalls and updates. The Agency indicates fatalities, injuries and damage from dangerous products cost the United States over $800 billion each year[3]. The CPSC is charged with protecting the public from hazards such as fire, electrical shock, chemical poisoning and mechanical hazard resulting from consumer products.
Contact Us
If your child suffered injury or amputation because of a defective hinge in a Maclaren umbrella stroller, or in any other type of folding stroller, you should contact our office. Our experienced product defect attorneys are available to assist you. The first meeting is free. We will discuss with you your legal rights and options for filing a defective product lawsuit.
[1] http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-05-17/a-z/os-maclaren-stroller-recall-20110517_1_fingertip-amputations-maclaren-usa-stroller
[2] http://us.maclarenbaby.com/safety-alert/article/master-db/1842
[3] http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10033.html
