As parents, our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. Unfortunately, there are hidden dangers lurking in every corner of our homes — including window blinds. While they may seem innocuous at first glance, these seemingly harmless cords can pose a serious threat to your child’s safety if left unattended.
Window Blind Safety Tips
Each year, children die and are seriously injured when they become entangled in cords from window coverings. Notably, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Window Covering Council recently recalled over 50 million rollup blinds and roman shades — but these products have a long way to go. In the meantime, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your children from hazardous window blinds.
- Choose safe designs. Some types of window blinds (such as vertical blinds) are safer than others (such as roll-up shades). When choosing window blinds for your home, consider opting for a safer design.
- Keep all cords out of reach of children whenever possible. You can do this by tying up the cords or tucking them behind furniture so they are not accessible.
- Check window blinds regularly to make sure that all cords are in good condition and not frayed or broken.
- Make sure that cords are not looped or knotted, as this can increase the risk of entanglement.
- Keep furniture away from windows so that children cannot climb on it and reach the cords.
- Follow the installation instructions closely. Manufacturers are required to provide safe installation instructions and warnings about cord placement. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure that your child is safe from harm after the blinds are installed.
- If you have older window coverings in your home, you can retrofit them with cord cleats or other cord-shortening devices to reduce the risk of entanglement.
Holding Manufacturers Accountable For Injury Or Death
Regulations require newly manufactured window blinds and shades sold in the United States to have tamper-resistant devices to prevent children from accessing cords, as well as labeling that warns consumers about the dangers of strangulation hazards posed by the cords. Unfortunately, some blinds are still not as safe as they may seem.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an unsafe window blind, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. An experienced product liability attorney can help you investigate your claim and pursue compensation for your window blind injury.
