Russell Jones & Walker Ensures Maclaren Compensates Injured Children
Released
on: May 11, 2010, 5:43 am
Author:
RJW
Industry:
Law
Russell Jones & Walker has managed to ensure that buggy
manufacturer Maclaren will compensate over 40 UK children whose fingers
were seriously injured in the hinges of its folding pushchairs.
Although refusing to admit liability for the faulty product claims, the firm
and its insurers have agreed to make full damages awards. The individual amounts
will be dependent on the severity of injuries received and the money will be
invested until the children reach age 18.
The children were aged between one and eight years old when hurt, with some cases personal injury dating back
to 2003. Many amputated part of the last finger joint when the buggy was erected,
undergoing operations with a general anaesthetic to try to re-attach the joint or
perform a skin graft. Others fractured bones or suffered deep lacerations, leaving
scars and in some cases permanent loss of feeling or disfigurement. Some children
had the whole or part of their finger amputated. Further surgery in teenage years is
an option for those with disfigurement.
In late 2009 Maclaren recalled one million prams in the US after reports of similar
injuries. The firm insisted however that UK buggies were not affected and a UK
recall has not taken place. Hinge covers are available but consumers must request
them via the firm's website.
Richard Langton, senior litigation partner at Russell Jones & Walker and the
solicitor who leads the group litigation, said; "We're delighted to get the
agreement within three months of being instructed to act, and it proves the adult
opening the buggy is not in any way at fault. But compensation doesn't turn the
clock back for the traumatised children or their parents. Millions of buggies remain
in use and despite claims from Maclaren that there are insufficient cases in the UK
to warrant a recall, injuries still occur. What all my clients want is that no one
else suffers needless injury.
"Any injury from a pushchair's folding mechanism may get compensation. There are pushchair claims involving other makes too. Manufacturers need to know there is a serious issue
which must be addressed with more decisive action. It is time the authorities
stepped in and did something here as they did in America."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Case Number - 880.01
About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker employs over 360 staff (over 160 lawyers) and is renowned as
award winning employment lawyers
and the leading national firm of solicitors in protecting the rights and legal
interest of individuals and those who represent them. RJW has a network of regional
offices which includes: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Wakefield, Manchester,
Newcastle, Sheffield, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Contact Details: Gill Alexander
Full postal address
0113 243 1117
www.rjw.co.uk
2012
