A National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety recall has been announced regarding certain infant, convertible and booster child restraint systems manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG). The recall includes products which were manufactured from May 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009 and were sold both as standalone car seats and as part of a travel system (combined with a stroller). For a complete list of child restraint systems included in the recall, please refer to the NHTSA safety recall alert.
The DJG car seats are being recalled because the harness locking and release button does not consistently return to its locked position. If the button is not in the locked position, the harness can become loose, especially if the harness adjustment strap slips back through the adjuster as a child moves around in the seat. As a consequence of the child car seat failure, a child may not be properly protected in the event of a motor vehicle accident and can potentially suffer serious injury or death.
Registered owners of the defective car seats are expected to receive a free remedy kit, instructions, and a label to specify that the repair has taken place. Non-registered owners of the recalled child restraint systems can contact DJG at 1-866-623-3139 or by e-mail at harnessadjustment@djgusa.com. Owners can also contact the NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safecar.gov for more information.
Car seat and child restraint system manufacturers are responsible for properly designing, testing, labeling and providing clear instructions for products which are safe, fit for the purpose intended and will not cause harm to consumers. If a manufacturer fails to fulfill these obligations and a consumer suffers injury or death as a result, the injured individual or the family members of the person killed may be able to seek compensation by pursuing a product liability action.
While safety recalls are initiated to help prevent injury or death, some product defects are discovered too late. Sometimes adequate notice of defective products are not timely provided to consumers. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a defective product, the New Jersey product defect attorneys at Blume Forte can help. Our law firm is committed to helping those with meritorious product liability claims. Call us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.