Children are no match against heavy televisions and entertainment systems that can easily tip over if unsecured. These large, heavy items can cause serious injury if they accidentally topple onto a child — and according to a government report, injury by way of tipping TVs are higher than they’ve ever been before.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 43,000 people are injured by televisions or furniture each year – and nearly 59 percent of those individuals are children.

Even more tragically, falling televisions have caused 349 deaths between 2000 and 2011, and 84 percent of these individuals were children under the age of 9.  And last year, a record 41 fatalities occurred from fallen TVs — a sobering figure that reminds all parents to secure televisions and furniture properly.

“If a TV cannot be anchored or mounted on a wall properly, then it’s safer to place the TV on a low sturdy base,” said a CPSC spokesperson.

Falling TVs can cause severe injury such as traumatic brain injury, neck injury, paralysis, and abdominal trauma.

“I urge parents to anchor their TVs, furniture and appliances and protect their children,” said the CPSC Chairman. “It takes just a few minutes to do and it can save lives.”

Keep kids safe: securing TVs and furniture from falling

When it comes to keeping kids safe, securing your TVs and furniture is the first step in preventing household injury.

  • Install anti-tip brackets. The first step to preventing tip-over is securing large furniture or TV stands to the wall. Brackets are available at most hardware stores nationwide. Don’t forget to install brackets on freestanding kitchen cabinets and ranges as well.
  • Keep cords secured and away from small children. A tangle of cords is a mesmerizing sight for any child and can they can become dangerous if left unattended.  Use zip ties to bunch cords together and secure them with industrial tape on the backside of the TV stand or furniture.
  • Keep toys away from the TV area. Don’t clutter your TV room with toys or other children’s items since any type of rough play or accidental bump could cause furniture to fall on top of the child. Designate a play room away from large furniture or TVs.

Falling TVs: when injury occurs

Despite our best attempts, accidents can happen. But if your child has suffered injury from a fallen TV and you suspect it might be someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call us at 1-858-551-2090 for a FREE legal consultation. You don’t pay us until we win.