Shopping carts account for some of the most surprising and alarming statistics concerning child injuries in the nation. In 2005, an estimated 24,000 children received emergency room treatment for injuries related to shopping carts. Many of these incidents were the result of the child falling from the cart, or the cart itself tipping over or trapping the child.
When shopping cart accidents do occur, they are unfortunately severe, with nearly 75% of injuries involving the head and neck and several cases reported as fatal. Even more disturbing, these sorts of accidents seem to be steadily on the rise. Until carts are thoroughly redesigned with greater safety in mind, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents do not place their children in carts, instead suggesting such alternative as:
Using strollers, front-backs, or other such devices
Having another adult at the store to accompany the child
Asking older children to walk instead of riding
If a parent does let his or her child ride in a cart, the AAP strongly advises that he or she never:
Leave the child alone in the cart
Allow the child to stand up
Place a child carrier on top of the cart
Allow an older child to push the car with a younger one inside
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been affected by a shopping cart-related injury and you believe another party may have been in some way responsible, contact the Chicago shopping injury attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, PC at 312-466-8200 today to understand your options.