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Wire component of clothes hamper to blame for eye injuries

Laundry is a regular chore most households in the Pittsburgh engage in regularly. The more individuals living in a home the more laundry that needs to be done. This is particularly true when there are children in a household.  While washing and drying machines are vital to accomplishing this task, many used laundry baskets as well to transport the clean laundry from the dryer to where it belongs. Because these baskets can take up a lot of room, many opt for a collapsible design. These make it possible to easily stow the basket when not in use.

Many collapsible laundry baskets are designed with a wire that works as a spring. When collapsed and secured the hamper is small. When it is unfurled, the wire spring which is encased in fabric, pops the basket open. Individuals who purchased these types of laundry baskets should be aware of dangers to children associated with what may be considered a defective design. When the fabric becomes worn, it is possible for the end of the wire to stick out.

A report recently found that at least two children have been seriously injured by the wire in the baskets. In both cases an eye was punctured. One of the injured children was approximately 2-years-old. The other, was 11-years-old. According to one oculoplastic surgeon, these types of injuries are serious and could result in the loss of sight in the affected eye. In both of the cases documented in the report, the children underwent surgery. Though the surgery should make it possible for both children to regain sight in the affected eyes, one now is dealing with a lazy eye while the other one’s eyes tend to cross.

It is unclear if the parents of either of the children have filed a personal injury lawsuit in the matter. That certainly is an option however and considering the medical bills likely associated with the surgeries and follow-up medical care, it is understandable why some might decide to pursue that course of action.

Source: HealthDay.com, “Collapsible Laundry Hampers May Pose Risk to Kids' Eyes,” Dennis Thompson, July 1, 2013

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