By Personal Injury Attorney Mathew Saint of Saint & Associates, PLLP
Contigo has recalled approximately 5.7 million kids water bottles due to cases of defective silicone spouts detaching and causing potential choking hazards for children.
Contigo has received around 149 complaints from consumers so far. Although there have not been any injuries reported as a result of these defective spouts, 18 incidents involved the silicone spout detaching in a child’s mouth.
Children that have access to a water bottle with a defective, detachable spout are at serious risk of choking. Choking poses a significant risk to the health and safety of children. Choking refers to a partial or total blockage of the airway, preventing oxygen from entering the lungs. If a child is choking and no oxygen can get to their lungs, this child will begin to suffer significant health hazards as a direct result from choking. These hazards include permanent brain damage, which can occur when oxygen is not supplied to the brain.
These Contigo kid’s water bottles were sold nationwide at stores such as Wal-Mart, Costco and Target, as well as a variety of other retailers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges parents and caregivers to remove these bottles from children immediately. Contigo has recalled the defective lids and has offered free replacement lids if consumers complete an online form.
Product manufacturers have a responsibility to produce items that are safe for consumers to use. If a consumer suffers an injury or damages as a result of a dangerous or defective product, the manufacturer may be liable to the consumer for the injury or damages the consumer suffered.
Children’s products, such as toys and bottles, can present severe dangers to kids and can cause significant injuries or even death. Choking on a defective product, such as a faulty water bottle spout, is one type of damage that can occur.