Evenflo Co. Inc. has recalled nearly 100,000 of its Majestic high chairs after receiving reports that children were getting injured as a result of parts falling off the defective high chairs. According to this MSNBC news report, the voluntary recall came after reports of dozens of injuries to children when the seatbacks fell off. Injuries to children ranged from broken bones to head bruises.

In addition to the fall hazard, the plastic screws and metal screws on both sides of the high chair can also fall out, posing a choking hazard to children. According to this Consumer Reports Web site, Evenflo received more than 1,000 reports of plastic caps and screws falling out of the high chairs, including seven incidents in which caps and screws were found in children’s hands or mouths, but were removed before the choking occurred.

These defective high chairs were manufactured in China. These chairs were sold nationwide at children’s product and retail outlets including Toys ‘R’ Us, Babies ‘R’ Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Shopco and Web sites such as walmart.com. They were sold from January 2006 through May 2007. If you own one of these defective Majestic high chairs and have more questions, please call Evenflo at 1-800-233-5921 or visit www.majestichighchair.com.

It is not only appalling to me that there were so many problems with these children’s products, but also disturbing that the company waited to get more than 1,000 complaints of injuries or near-injuries before decided to pull these dangerous and defective products off the shelves. It certainly seems to me that the manufacturer was dragging their feet and not issuing a prompt recall of these faulty products.

Over the last one year, we have seen an unusually high number of recalls and alerts relating to defective and dangerous products. A large number of them involve children’s products ranging from toys and food to cribs and high chairs. A majority of these products were made in China. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a defective product and require more information on how to pursue your rights, please contact my office. My staff or I will be happy to provide you with the information and help you need.