Nearly 36,000 children and adolescents (up to 21 years of age) are treated for bunk bed-related injuries across the nation each year, according to a recent study conducted by The Research Institute at Nationwide Children Hospital. The study, published in the June issue of Pediatrics, found that bunk bed-related injuries most commonly occur from falls. Thirty percent of those injured by falls suffered serious cuts, twenty-five percent reported abrasions, twenty percent suffered fractures and ten percent sustained concussions. Injury was more common among males and the head, neck, and face were the most frequently injured body regions.
More surprising, however, is the finding that bunk bed-related injures are not exclusive to young children. College-aged individuals (18-21 years) experienced twice as many injuries as adolescents aged 14 to 17. While the reason for this is unknown, the authors speculated that it may be a result of increased residence in institutional settings such as college dormitories or the military.
One thing is clear, however: “[t]he high rates of injury found in [the] study suggest the need for increased prevention efforts to lower the risk of bunk bed-related injury especially among young children and young adults,” says study co-author Gary A. Smith.
So what can be done? A recent article from MSNBC offered these guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials:
Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we posted a related article:
For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at (202) 463-3030.
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