Texas Window Blind Strangulation Lawsuit

Consumer advocacy groups are growing increasingly angry at the actions of window blind manufacturers, who they claim are not making window blinds safer. More than 200 children have strangled to death on window blind cords in the last twenty years, prompting several window blind strangulation lawsuits. If you or someone you know has been injured by a window blind, you may be entitled to compensation.

The fight between consumer advocates and manufacturers has escalated since 2009, when five children died and 16 nearly strangled themselves to death on Roman Shades, Roll-Up Blinds, and Roller Blinds. A common feature among the window blinds is a hanging cord in a loop, or exposed cords within the window shade design. If the cords hang down to a child’s level, they may become entangled. Children have also died after climbing up to look out of a window and becoming entangled in the cords.

There has been a growing movement from child advocates who want window blind manufacturers to adopt cordless designs that eliminate the risk of strangulation. So far, the manufacturers have resisted change. They are now facing several window blind strangulation lawsuits.

It seems likely that the manufacturers will choose to adopt less-strict standards than federal regulators have suggested. The manufacturers claim that cordless designs do not exist for large or heavy window blinds. They also claim that there will be an increased cost to consumers. Despite public outcry, the window blind manufacturers will likely have the final say about safety standards. Though government regulators could step in and mandate safety requirements, the process takes several years and requires an extensive cost-benefit analysis.

The manufacturers have shown willingness to adopt safety technology that is less strict that a cordless design, such as a tie-down or tension device. These devices would feed the cord through a pulley-system, and secure the cord to the wall or the windowsill. They have also shown willingness to include a warning label on their product directed at people with children, that would recommend parents purchase cordless window blinds.

Child safety advocates contend that these tie-down devices will not eliminate strangulations, because they break easily and are often installed improperly.

It is possible that litigation will have an effect on changing safety requirements. Often, when safety devices are invented, manufacturers resist implementing them and consumers must lobby for higher standards. For example, airbags did not become standard issue in cars until injured people brought lawsuits against the manufacturers. Recently, a man who suffered a table saw amputation was awarded $1.5 million by a court that found the table saw manufacturer liable for not including safety device in their product. If you have a window blind strangulation lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation.

How do I contact a Lawyer for a Window Blind Strangulation Lawsuit?

For a free consultation, please contact Collen A. Clark at The Clark Firm, LLP immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more that 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact a lawyer for a free window blind strangulation lawsuit review.