The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing a defective product warning concerning safety alert pendants because they may pose a strangulation hazard. According to a news article in Consumer Reports, FDA is saying that at least four deaths have been attributed to these devices. In its notice, the federal agency said that there were six reports between 1998 and 2009, of serious personal injury or death. This includes three deaths in the United States and one in Canada. All were caused by strangulation after the device’s cord that is worn around a person’s neck became entangled on other objects.

Safety Alert Pendants Increasing in Popularity

This alert is an important one because these safety alert pendants are becoming increasingly popular with elderly who live on their own. It helps them maintain their independence while giving them an opportunity to call for help if they have been injured or have a health emergency. By pushing the “help” button on these pendants, the elderly can call for emergency assistance.

Apparently, the main problem with these pendants is their design. They are deliberately designed so they don’t break away when pulled so the help button remains within the person’s reach. Some manufacturers have a warning on their Web site stating that it can pose a choking risk including the possibility of death and serious injuries.

Defective and Dangerous Products

There is no question that these devices help out elderly people who want to maintain their independence and their lifestyle. With an entire generation of aging baby boomers in the way, these devices are bound to become even more popular than they are right now. However, the companies that make them need to change the design so that the wearer does not choke or get strangulated. It’s ridiculous that a device meant to help its wearer alert emergency personnel, itself becomes the source of the emergency.

There are a number of defectively designed products in the market – products we use everyday — that cause serious personal injuries and deaths. Not all defective products are recalled. So, if you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective product, please consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in product liability cases. Please do so even if the product in question has not been recalled. If your injury was caused as a result of manufacturing defect or a design defect, you could seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.