Falling Flat Screen TV’s Pose New Danger to Children May 13, 2009

The proliferation of readily affordable large flat-panel displays in the home has brought about an unintended and dangerous consequence. The increase in flat-panel televisions and the furniture they rest on has led to a proportionate increase in the number of children rushed to emergency rooms because of the TV or furniture falling on them. Over the past few years, two children have been killed or injured on Staten Island by falling TV sets. On March 17, 2006, 2-year old Christopher Dylan Damiano of Great Kills died after a 32-inch television fell off its stand in his Nelson Avenue home. A 7-year old Tottenville girl was injured in February 2007   by a falling TV. Two other children were killed in the Bronx. The tragedies occur when children climb furniture to either get to the TV or to the vcr/dvd player usually located on top of the furniture. The TV’s or the furniture they are on tip over with tragic consequences.

Statistics have shown that 3/4 of the 17,000 children injured yearly by falling furniture are younger than 6 years old. Children of that age are unable to understand the danger of climbing on furniture. The new flat panel TVs have a very high center of gravity and are prone to tipping over. Although they are light compared to the old style tube TVs, an average 32″ flat panel weighs approximately 25 pounds, sufficient to fatally injure a child, especially when falling from atop a dresser. The furniture that the TVs are placed on also has changed. as the TVs have become narrower and less stable, so has the furniture upon which it rests, creating a very dangerous situation.

Although legislation was introduced to to require stringent standards for the manufacturer of furniture that poses a substantial risk of tipping. Unfortunately, the legislation twice died in committee.

You can prevent such tragedies from occuring by following some simple precautions. The simplest and most secure is to use the straps and brackets that are supplied with some flat-panels. Sure, you’ll have to make some holes in your wall but holes can be easily fixed. Would you want to risk serious injury to your child because you were too lazy to drill a few holes in a wall? I didn’t think so. Also, eliminate temptation by removing toys and remote controls from atop the TV or furniture. Finally, the simplest and best solution: always be aware of what your children are doing and where they are.

If your child has been injured by a falling TV or  furniture, please contact attorney Frank J. Dito, Jr., Esq., at (718) 979-4300 so that you may discuss your legal rights. Remember, your time to do so is very limited so please call today

Frank Dito is a New York Personal Injury attorney specializing in New York real estate law , New York business law, and New York franchise law. You can visit his Law Firm Decker, Decker, Dito and Internicola website by clicking here, download his FREE New York Car Insurance book, or call him at 718-979-4300 or 1-800-310-5520 for a free case analysis.

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