Dangerous Products in Homes
Your home is your castle, right! Keeping that castle safe for yourself, your loved ones, and well for friends and visitors, is job one! But there are probably hazards you’ve never even thought about lurking. There is a list of products that are associated with injuries, and you may be surprised at how many are in your home—not to mention the homes of your friends and neighbors. While accidents are unavoidable much of the time, if negligence is associated with an injury or death, it could result in a major lawsuit.
Keep Your Eye on These
Topping the list is stairs, with 1.13 injuries and over 300 deaths linked to falls annually. Homeowners should always keep stairways clear, and make sure a sturdy railing is available to provide support. Other dangers include:
- Rugs & carpets: Nearly 940,000 people suffer injuries and about 1,000 die as a result of tripping on throw rugs, runners, and other types of flooring.
- Bikes, trikes, and unicycles: When helmets and safety gear are not worn, riders are at higher risk of injury or death. On average, about 360 are killed and over 600,000 are injured while cycling each year.
- Furniture: When large items like bureaus and dressers are not secured to walls, they can be a real hazard, especially for young children. Over 100 deaths and 570,000 injuries are associated with unsecured furniture annually.
- Knives: Cooking and pocket knives are associated with about 20 accidental deaths and over 400,000 injuries each year.
- Bunk beds: Over 200 fatalities and about 40,000 injuries related to bunk beds occur every year.
- Doors: Broken fingers and other injuries are associated with doors that slam shut, with over 250,000 injuries and 9 deaths annually.
- Tools: Screwdrivers, hammers, and basic saws are connected to 34 deaths and 245,000 injuries each year.
- Showers and tubs: In addition to drownings, every year slips and falls result in over 200,000 injuries and about 170 fatalities.
- Power tools: Wood chippers, nail guns, and power saws are involved in over 30 deaths and about 200,000 injuries each year.
- Hot tubs and swimming pools: Every year, over 500 deaths and 150,000 injuries occur in hot tubs and pools.
- Chemicals: Paint, fertilizer, and cleaning products lead to over 65 deaths and 150,000 injuries annually.
- Stools and ladders: Every year, falls result in about 35 fatalities and over 130,000 injuries.
- Garden tools: Over 80 deaths and 120,000 injuries related to weed whackers, hedge trimmers, and other outdoor tools occur every year.
- Trampolines: 100,000 injuries occur every year. Broken bones, bruises, and lacerations are all common ailments.
Recognize Anything?
Chances are at least some of the items on this list are in your living space. And while you may do everything you can to ensure a safe environment, the same may not be true of your neighbors. If you or a loved one is injured or killed due to negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to damages to cover medical bills and more. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation with a Kissimmee personal injury attorney at Salazar & Kelly today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
al.com/news/2016/02/25_most_dangerous_products_in.html
