Child Car Seat Defect
A parent depends on their child’s car seats to provide protection for children inside the vehicle in case of an accident. These car seats provide a degree of safety for a child that is otherwise missing in an automobile. In part, this is because automobiles are designed specifically for adults. This means that parents do not have the option to rely on seat belts or airbags for their children, as these safety devices will protect them and could, in fact, be a source of considerable harm.
If your son or daughter has been harmed due to a defective car seat, you may be able to seek financial compensation from the negligent manufacturer of the device. For additional information regarding your legal options, contact the Illinois child car seat defect lawyers of Spiros Law, P.C., by calling today.
Car Seats Can Be an Unexpected Concern
A child’s car seat is meant to restrain the child in case of an accident. In addition, full-sized car seats provide an additional layer of protection through a plastic shell that connects to the seat. This shell can protect the sides of the child in case of an impact.
Common Car Seat Defects & The Dangers
Defective Buckles that Jam or Stick
- Some buckles are difficult to unlatch in an emergency or may appear latched but actually come undone in a crash.
- Danger: This can prevent quick removal of a child in an emergency or fail to keep the child secure during a collision.
Harness Adjuster Failure or Loosening
- Harness straps may fail to stay tight after being buckled.
- Danger: A loose harness increases the risk of the child being ejected or thrown forward during a crash.
Weak or Defective Harness Straps
- Straps may rip, fray, or tear under crash forces due to material or manufacturing defects.
- Danger: A broken or weakened strap cannot properly restrain a child, increasing injury risk.
Chest Clip Failure
- The chest (retainer) clip can break, crack, or unlatch during a crash.
- Danger: If the clip fails, harness straps can slip off the child’s shoulders, leaving them unsecured.
These defects can result in serious injuries for a child if they are in an accident.
FAQs on Child Car Seat Defect in Illinois
What if the Car Seat Was Supposed to Protect My Child but Failed?
A car seat is your child’s most important safety device. If your child was injured in a crash because the seat cracked, came undone, or failed to hold them securely, you may be able to hold the manufacturer financially responsible.
Cars are built for adults, which is why parents rely on car seats for protection. When a child safety device is defective, the manufacturer may be liable for any injuries or harm caused.
What Are the Most Common Car Seat Defects?
The most dangerous defects usually involve the parts that restrain your child. Stop using a seat immediately if you notice any of the following:
Defective Buckles: The buckle may be hard to open after a crash, trapping your child, or it may false-latch, sounding secure but popping open under stress.
Harness Loosening: The adjuster or locking mechanism fails, letting shoulder straps slip loose during a crash, which can lead to ejection.
Cracked or Weak Shell: The hard plastic frame may crack, become brittle, or separate from the base, failing to absorb crash forces.
LATCH or Connection Failure: Mechanisms that secure the seat to the vehicle may fail or break free in an accident.
Faulty Straps or Clips: Harness straps may fray, rip, or break under tension, and chest clips can fail during a collision.
I Live in Illinois. Is There Anything Specific I Should Know About a Lawsuit?
Yes, several important points apply:
Strict Product Liability: You usually do not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent. It is enough to show the car seat was defective and caused your child’s injury.
Extended Deadline for Children: Normally, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. Because your child is a minor, the clock doesn’t start until they turn 18. This gives you until their 20th birthday to file.
Insurance Must Replace the Seat: Illinois law often requires your auto insurance company to pay for a replacement car seat if the original was in use during a crash, even if the defect did not cause the accident.
What Should I Do Right Now if My Child Was Injured?
Seek Medical Care: Make sure your child’s injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
Preserve the Seat: Do not repair, return, or throw away the car seat. It is critical evidence. Store it safely and take photos or videos of any defects.
Contact a Lawyer: Call a lawyer experienced in car seat defect cases immediately. They can start the investigation, hire experts, and manage all legal deadlines.
How Do I Contact an Illinois Child Car Seat Defect Lawyers?
If your child was injured because of a faulty car seat, our team is ready to help you pursue justice and financial compensation.
For a compassionate and dedicated advocate, contact the Illinois child car seat defect attorneys of Spiros Law, P.C. today for a free consultation.
Contact Us 24/7
If your child has been injured in a car accident because of a car seat’s defects, there may be legal action available to help you to pursue financial compensation. For a compassionate and committed legal advocate, contact the Illinois child car seat defect attorneys of Spiros Law, P.C..
Offering a free case evaluation, our Spiros Law is available to assist you with three offices—Kankakee, Danville and Champaign, IL. we have a team near you ready to help. Don’t wait—complete our online form, chat live, or call our offices 24/7 by message and we will work for you to get results!
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