Child car seat maker Dorel Juvenile Group has been ordered to pay $34 million to the family of a 4-year-old boy who suffered spinal cord and brain injuries in a car crash three years ago while strapped into the seat.
The boy has been partially paralyzed from the crash and is not likely to ever walk again.
Jury Sends Message About Child Seats With Verdict
Even though Dorel tried to place blame on the boy’s mother with claims that she had not properly strapped the child into the seat, no evidence was found to support their claim.
According to the family’s attorney, who had spoken with jurors after the verdict was announced, they were unanimous in hoping Dorel would help get the message to parents that forward-facing child seats are very dangerous.
The attorney also scolded Dorel for still continuing to sell the forward-facing seats to parents without warning them of the associated risks.
The Dangers of Forward-Facing Child Seats
According to reports, all children should be in rear-facing car seats until they turn 2.
The dangers inherent with the forward-facing child seats include the infant’s head being hurled forward, causing his underdeveloped spine to be exposed.
When the child is in a rear-facing seat, the child’s back – the strongest part of his still-developing body – is able to better absorb any forces with a crash.
Has Your Child Suffered a Spinal or Brain Injury? Call The Fitzgerald Law Firm to Fight for Your Rights
For more than 40 years, we’ve successfully handled cases involving the neck, back, brain and spinal injuries sustained from auto crashes.
Our approach is to act swiftly to gather the essential medical information and advice of medical experts as we aggressively fight for damages for pain and suffering, disability, emotional distress, lost wages and other damages.
Call The Fitzgerald Law Firm for a free consultation at 800-323-9900.