A 2-year-old girl sadly died Thursday after a 32-inch television fell on top of her in Oceanside, the North County Times reported. The young girl was at the home of a relative when a television that was on a narrow table or bar stool topped onto her at about 2 p.m. The child was rushed to Tri-City Medical Center, where she died at 2:44 p.m. The girl's mother was reportedly at the home at the time of the accident.
Police are investigating the incident but believe it to be a tragic accident. This accident is a heartbreaking loss for this family, whose lives are forever changed as a result. Please keep this young girl's family in your prayers.
Falling TV Injuries
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that as many as 10,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year due to furniture and television "tip-over" accidents. In December 2007, Rady Children's Hospital issued a warning to parents about the dangers of children being injured by falling televisions and furniture, after 15 San Diego County children in as many months visited the hospital's emergency unit after being injured by falling TVs (see 10 News story "Hospital Warns Parents Of Falling TV Dangers After Child's Death"). Two children died in September 2008 by falling television sets, prompting Rady Children's Hospital again to warn parents of the potential dangers of falling televisions (see San Diego 6 story "Tipping TV Sets and Furniture Put Infants at Risk")
Preventing Television "Tip-Over" Accidents
Parents can prevent accidents by using a brace to secure furniture to the wall, or an appliance strip to secure a television to a wall. TV stands should be cleared of any items that children might try to climb to reach, such as DVDS, books, or toys. Children should never be allowed unsupervised in areas of the home where potential hazards are located. When children are injured due to negligent supervision of babysitters, day care providers or paid caregivers, negligent caregivers may be liable for a child's injuries or death.
Sources: North County Times, San Diego Union Tribune
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