There is nothing as tragic as the death or injury of a child, except possibly knowing that it was avoidable. With so many consumer protection agencies and watch-dog groups active in the U.S. it's a wonder that a defective product ever finds its way to the market, but they do, by the thousands. One of the last items that we should have to worry about is a baby crib.

But a quick search of the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website reveals the disturbing truth about the many dangerous products that threaten our children. As a parent, you probably go to great lengths to be sure you keep your children safe. Learning that the crib your children have been using could cause them injury, disfigurement or even death is disconcerting.

Among the types of baby crib accidents and injuries reported to the CPSC are falls due to an insufficient distance (less than 26") between the mattress mount and the top of the railing. Toddlers have been able to climb over the railing, and then fall to the floor. Other hazards are associated with either a mattress mount or a side-rail track coming loose. In both situations a gap is created between the mattress and either the railing or bed frame in which the child can become entrapped and suffocate or strangle.

One brand of crib uses a mesh side rather than rails. If the mattress isn't zipped to the mesh the child can fall between the mattress and mesh and suffocate. In other cribs children can break the slats, leaving not only a gap that they can get caught in, but the broken edge of the slat exposed. Other brands use spindles that are set too far apart and create a gap that can entrap a child.

Product manufacturers know that to market their products in the United States, they have a number of regulations they have to meet, depending upon their niche. The FDA, CPSC, and EPA are among the most obvious. When a manufacturer fails to meet the products minimum safety requirements, they may be held liable when their product causes an injury.

If your child is among those that have been injured from one of these cribs, please contact Schlichter, Bogard & Denton. We have experienced consumer product attorneys who are familiar with the brands of cribs that have been recalled, as well as a track record of success with consumer product liability claims.