A recent bunk bed recall is drawing attention to the risk of fall and impact injuries children may suffer due to defective bunk beds. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall of Walker Edison brand Twin over Twin Bunk Beds due to a defect that poses a fall and impact injury risk to children. The CPSC has received at least 14 reports of incidents, including at least one injury, due to the defect.
For parents, there is nothing more traumatic and heartbreaking than your child being injured. When that injury is due to something as preventable as a product defect, emotions are even higher. At Kherkher Garcia, we want parents and consumers to be aware of potentially dangerous or defective products on the market.
In the article below, our children’s product liability lawyers provide more information about the bunk bed recall, the hazards of defective bunk beds, and what parents can do if an injury occurs.
Walker Edison Bunk Bed Recall Information
According to the CPSC, the bunk bed recall is due to a defect that allows the wooden slats that support the bunk bed to come loose or break. Without the wooden slats, there is a risk of falls and impact injuries to children using the bunk beds.
The bunk bed recall includes the following products:
- BWSTOTBL – Solid Wood Bunk Bed – Black
- BWSTOTBL – TR Solid Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed + Storage/Trundle Bed – Black
- BWSTOTCH – Twin over Twin Wood Bunk Bed – Cherry
- BWSTOTCH – TR Solid Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed + Storage/Trundle Bed – Cherry
- BWSTOTES – Twin over Twin Wood Bunk Bed – Espresso
- BWSTOTES – TR Solid Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed + Storage/Trundle Bed – Espresso
- BWSTOTGY – Solid Wood Bunk Bed – Gray
- BWSTOTGY – TR Solid Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed + Storage/Trundle Bed – Gray
- BWSTOTHY – Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed – Honey
- BWSTOTHY – TR Solid Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed + Storage/Trundle Bed – Honey
- BWSTOTNL – Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed – Natural
- BWSTOTNL – TR Solid Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed + Storage/Trundle Bed – Natural
- BWSTOTWH – Twin over Twin Wood Bunk Bed – White
- BWSTOTWH – TR BWSTOTWH-TR – Solid Wood Twin over Twin Bunk Bed + Storage/Trundle Bed – White
The bunk bed recall includes around 121,000 products. They were sold at major retailers including Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Wayfair between February 2010 and February 2022.
The CPSC advises anyone with these bunk beds to stop use immediately. Consumers can contact the manufacturer, Walker Edison, for a free repair kit.
What are the Dangers of Defective Bunk Beds?
Defective bunk beds can pose a serious safety hazard to children. Common defects include:
- Structural weaknesses: Defective bunk beds may have weak or poorly constructed frames, ladders, or guardrails. This can lead to the bed collapsing, which can cause serious injuries or death.
- Entrapment hazards: Defective bunk beds may have gaps between the slats of the mattresses or between the bed frame and the mattress. This can create entrapment hazards for children, who could become stuck and suffocate.
- Fall hazards: Defective bunk beds may have ladders that are too steep or slippery, or guardrails that are too short. This can increase the risk of children falling from the top bunk.
The dangers of defective bunk beds are particularly high for young children, who are more likely to be injured in a fall or entrapment hazard. Defective bunk beds have been linked to a number of deaths and serious injuries in children.
Here are some specific examples of the dangers of defective bunk beds:
- A child could fall from the top bunk and hit their head on the floor, causing a serious head injury or death.
- A child’s head could become trapped between the mattress and the bed frame, causing suffocation.
- A child could fall through a gap in the mattress or between the bed frame and the mattress, causing serious injuries.
- A defective ladder could collapse, causing a child to fall from the top bunk.
- A defective guardrail could break, allowing a child to fall from the top bunk.
If you have a bunk bed, it is important to inspect it regularly for any signs of defects. If you find any defects, do not use the bunk bed until the defects have been repaired or the bunk bed has been replaced.
Common Impact Injuries from Falling off a Bunk Bed
Falling off a bunk bed can result in various types of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to more serious injuries. Common impact injuries that can occur from falling off a bunk bed include:
- Bruises and Scrapes: These are usually minor injuries and may occur on various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, and face, depending on how the person falls.
- Sprains and Strains: Falling off a bunk bed can lead to sprained wrists, ankles, or other joints. These injuries can be painful but are typically not severe.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: More severe falls can result in fractures or broken bones. Commonly affected areas include the arms, wrists, collarbone, and occasionally the legs or skull.
- Concussions: If a person’s head hits a hard surface during the fall, they may suffer a concussion. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, confusion, and nausea.
- Head Injuries: Even without a concussion, falling from a bunk bed can lead to head injuries, such as cuts, bumps, or contusions.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: In rare cases, a fall from a bunk bed can result in back or spinal injuries. These injuries can be severe and may lead to long-term complications.
- Internal Injuries: Depending on the angle and force of the fall, there is a risk of internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
It is essential to note that the severity of the injury can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the height of the bunk bed, the surface the person falls onto, and the way they land. To prevent bunk bed injuries, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines, such as using guardrails, ensuring proper assembly of the bed, and educating children about safe behavior when using bunk beds. Additionally, using protective padding on the floor around the bunk bed can help reduce the risk of injury in case of a fall.
What to Do if Your Child is Injured by a Defective Bunk Bed
If a child is injured by a defective bunk bed, it’s essential to take immediate action to ensure their safety and address the situation properly. Here are the steps you should follow:
Seek Medical Attention
The well-being and health of the child should be your top priority. If the child’s injuries are severe or if you are unsure about the extent of the injuries, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment.
Document the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, document the scene of the accident. Take photographs of the bunk bed and the surrounding area, including any visible defects or damage to the bed that may have contributed to the accident.
Preserve Evidence
Do not alter or repair the bunk bed until you have documented the evidence. This includes not removing any broken or damaged parts of the bed. Preserving evidence can be crucial if you plan to pursue a legal claim.
Contact the Manufacturer
Reach out to the manufacturer of the bunk bed to report the defect and the accident. Provide them with details about the injury and the bed’s make and model. They may initiate an investigation and recall if necessary.
Keep Records
Maintain detailed records of medical bills, treatment plans, and any other expenses related to the child’s injury. This documentation can be crucial in a legal case.
Notify Consumer Safety Agencies
Report the incident to relevant consumer safety agencies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They can investigate the issue and potentially issue recalls or safety alerts.
Check for Recalls
Keep an eye on recall notices for bunk beds or similar products. If a recall is issued, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for returning or repairing the bed.
Child Counseling and Support
Depending on the severity of the child’s injuries and the emotional impact, consider seeking counseling or therapy for the child to help them cope with any trauma.
Contact a Product Liability Lawyer
If the injury was indeed caused by a defective bunk bed, consider consulting with a product liability lawyer. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, including pursuing a personal injury or product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or retailer.
Legal Help for Defective Children’s Products
If you believe a defective bunk bed caused your child’s injury, it is essential to consult with a qualified lawyer who specializes in product liability cases. A skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal process and protect your child’s rights.
At Kherkher Garcia, we care deeply about our clients and their safety and wellbeing. We are aggressive advocates for consumers who are injured due to dangerous or defective products. As the bunk bed recall highlights, even a seemingly small defect can cause major injuries. When that happens, get the legal help you need by contacting our children’s product liability lawyers.
Get a free consultation by calling us at 713-333-1030, or by completing our online contact form.
Image from CPSC recall announcement
