I’ve already reported one bicycle-related recall to you today, and I’m sad to say that I have to now report another one.
This recall concerns 40,000 Topeak Babyseat II Bicycle Carrier Seats imported from Taiwan by a Massachusetts company called Todson, Inc. The item in question was sold at various bicycle dealers all across the country as well as REI’s website. Available between January 2009 until this month, the seats retailed from $140 to $180.
At issue is the hinge mechanism in the grab bar of the seat. The mechanism has an opening that is wide enough for a child to put his or her finger into it. If the adult taking care of the child fails to see that the kid has placed a finger into this opening, then the digit can get caught in the mechanism when the adult goes to lift the seat. This could lacerate or totally sever the child’s finger.
Sadly, two reports have already arisen in which babies needed to get stitches and/or suffered a crushed finger injury.
To determine if your baby seat has been affected, check the model number on the packaging. If it says TCS2100, TCS2101, or TCS2102, then cease usage immediately. Todson will provide a free retrofit kit if you contact them.
As a personal injury attorney in Fresno, I find defects affecting children’s products to be heartbreaking. Manufacturers need to be taking steps to keep children healthy, and if they don’t, then chances are they will soon be contending with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer like me.