Tennessee Injury Lawyer Blog

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a press release instructing parents to inspect and secure televisions, furniture and appliances to prevent tip-over deaths and injuries. According to the CPSC, there are an estimated 16 thousand children under 5 years of age who were treated in emergency rooms because of injuries associated with tip-overs in the home in 2006. From 2000 to 2006, there were 134 tip-over related deaths reported to the CPSC, and, in 2007, the CPSC staff recollected 30 media reports of tip-over deaths since 2007.

Tip over accidents are often caused when a child plays in or around a TV stand, shelving, bookcases, and furniture. In some instances, televisions placed on top of furniture can tip over and cause severe traumatic bodily injuries to a child. Sometimes, furniture can tip over onto a child, and, by its weight, suffocate the child.

Truly, this is a hazard not immediately foreseeable by many parents across the state of Tennessee. But, you can be sure manufacturers are aware of the risk and can potentially be held liable for failing to warn consumers of the risk of tip-over. The CPSC suggests some things you can do to prevent tip-over injuries:

• Furniture should be stable on its own.


• For added security, anchor chests or dressers, TV stands, bookcases and entertainment units to the floor or attach them to a wall.


• Place TVs on a sturdy, low-rise base. Avoid flimsy shelves.


• Push the TV as far back as possible.