Latest Updates
CPSC announced the stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding or opening the stroller. [1] The firm has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States. [1]
12 Fingertip Amputations
Twelve children suffered complete fingertip amputations from the hinge mechanisms. The severed fingertips required emergency medical treatment and often could not be reattached.
15 Total Hinge Injuries
Maclaren received 15 total reports of children inserting fingers into the hinge mechanisms. Three additional incidents resulted in severe lacerations without complete amputation.
Injuries Occur During Unfolding
The amputations and lacerations occur when consumers unfold or open the strollers. Children’s fingers become trapped in the hinges as the stroller frame opens.
All Single and Double Umbrella Strollers
The recall covers all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the strollers.
Sold 1999 Through November 2009
The strollers sold at Babies”R”Us, Target, and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide for between $100 and $360. The ten-year sales period distributed one million defective strollers to families.
No Remedy Available
The recall remedy is no longer available as of December 21, 2021. Consumers must destroy and discard the recalled strollers.
Hinge Mechanism Design Defect
The hinge mechanisms that amputate children’s fingertips during normal stroller unfolding are defectively designed. Safe hinge design requires guards or covers preventing finger insertion during opening operations.
Exposed Pinch Points
The exposed hinge areas create unguarded pinch points accessible to children’s fingers. Compliant stroller designs shield hinge mechanisms from finger contact.
Fingers Trapped Between Frame Components
Children’s fingers become caught between the closing frame components as the stroller unfolds. The powerful spring-loaded hinges crush and sever fingertips with sufficient force to cause complete amputation.
Permanent Disfigurement
The amputated fingertips create permanent disfigurement and disability. Children lose sensation, dexterity, and fine motor function in the affected digits.
Emergency Surgical Treatment Required
The fingertip amputations require immediate emergency room treatment and often surgical intervention. Medical teams attempt reattachment when severed tissue is recoverable, though success rates vary.
Psychological Trauma
Young children suffering traumatic amputations experience lasting psychological effects including anxiety and fear. The visible disfigurement impacts self-esteem and social interactions throughout childhood.
Loss of Function
The amputated fingertips permanently impair hand function for writing, grasping, and fine manipulation. The disabilities affect educational development and future career options requiring manual dexterity.
Failure to Include Hinge Guards
Maclaren failed to install protective guards covering the hinge mechanisms before sale. Reasonable safety measures require shielding all pinch points accessible during stroller operation.
Failure to Warn About Hinge Hazards
Maclaren failed to warn consumers about the fingertip amputation risks from the exposed hinges. Adequate warnings must alert caregivers to keep children’s hands away from the hinges during unfolding.
Breach of Implied Warranty
Maclaren breached implied warranties by selling strollers that amputate children’s fingertips during normal use. The strollers causing severe injuries fail basic safety requirements for children’s products.
Negligent Product Design
Manufacturing strollers with exposed hinge mechanisms accessible to children’s fingers constitutes negligence. Stroller manufacturers must shield all pinch points preventing amputation injuries.
Delayed Recall After Multiple Amputations
Receiving 12 fingertip amputation reports before recalling in November 2009 demonstrates inadequate response to severe injuries. Companies learning of amputation hazards must recall immediately after the first incident.
Contact an Attorney
If your child suffered fingertip amputation or laceration from a Maclaren stroller hinge mechanism, contact a product liability attorney. Preserve the stroller, purchase receipts, medical records, and photographs documenting the injuries.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2009/maclaren-usa-recalls-to-repair-strollers-following-fingertip-amputations