As a parent, you do everything in your power to protect your child, from choosing the safest car seat to following every installation instruction. But what happens when the car seat itself fails?
A defective child car seat can turn a minor collision into a devastating event. When a safety product designed to protect your child puts them in danger instead, the emotional and physical consequences can be overwhelming and often life-changing.
At Ron Meyers and Associates, we help families across Olympia and throughout Washington navigate the complex legal landscape of product liability and catastrophic injury. If your child was injured due to a faulty car seat, here’s what you need to know about your rights and how to seek compensation.
When a Car Seat Causes Harm Instead of Preventing It
Car seats are legally required for children and are supposed to be tested and approved for safety. But despite federal regulations, car seat defects and recalls continue to surface. These failures can occur in various ways:
Common types of child car seat defects include:
- Faulty buckles or harnesses that fail to stay latched or come undone during impact
- Weak frames or poor construction that collapse under force
- Flammable materials that don’t meet fire safety standards
- Installation failures due to unclear or misleading instructions
- Latch system issues that prevent the seat from being securely attached to the vehicle
When a defect results in serious injury — or worse — families have the right to hold the manufacturer or distributor accountable.
How Do You Know If the Car Seat Was Defective?
After an accident, it may not be obvious that a defective car seat contributed to your child’s injuries. These are highly technical cases that often require investigation by engineering experts and product safety specialists.
However, warning signs may include:
- The car seat detached from the vehicle during impact
- The harness failed to hold the child in place
- The car seat collapsed or broke apart
- Your injuries are far more severe than expected given the type of accident
- The model was later recalled for a safety issue you weren’t aware of
In cases like these, it’s crucial to consult a personal injury attorney familiar with product liability claims in Washington.
Who Is Liable in a Defective Car Seat Case?
Several parties may be held responsible for a defective product injury:
- The manufacturer of the car seat
- Component part manufacturers (e.g., buckle or latch producers)
- Retailers who sold the seat without proper warnings
- Distributors or installers if the product was mishandled
Washington State recognizes strict product liability laws, meaning a manufacturer can be held liable even if they didn’t act intentionally — as long as the product was unreasonably dangerous when used as intended.
Types of Injuries We Commonly See in These Cases
Because children are so physically vulnerable, the injuries caused by a defective car seat can be catastrophic. These may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), skull fractures, or facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Broken bones
- Amputation or loss-of-limbs
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Burns
- Emotional trauma and PTSD (in both child and parents)
When a safety product fails, these injuries are not just accidents, they’re preventable tragedies. And the responsible parties should be held fully accountable.
What Compensation Can Families Seek?
If your child has been harmed by a defective car seat, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Rehabilitation or long-term care needs
- Pain and suffering (for both the child and parents)
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of parental income if time off was required for caregiving
In the most heartbreaking cases, wrongful death damages may also be available.
Our team can help you calculate the true long-term cost of the injury — both financial and emotional — and fight for full and fair compensation.
How Ron Meyers and Associates Can Help
We understand how deeply personal and traumatic these cases can be. At Ron Meyers and Associates, we don’t just see this as a legal issue — we see it as a family crisis that demands compassion, accountability, and justice.
When you work with us, we:
- Investigate the cause of the car seat failure
- Work with safety experts to build a strong product liability claim
- Handle all communication with manufacturers, insurance companies, and opposing attorneys
- Help you plan for your child’s long-term recovery and needs
We are a trusted resource for catastrophic personal injury cases in Olympia and throughout Washington. Let us guide you through this process and help you protect your family’s future.
Is Your Child’s Car Seat to Blame? Let’s Find Out Together.
If your child was injured in an accident and you suspect a defective car seat played a role, don’t wait. Preserve the seat, save your documentation, and contact a lawyer right away.
Call Ron Meyers and Associates or reach out online for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, review the facts, and help you determine the best path forward — with honesty, care, and the fierce advocacy your family deserves.
