Over 40 children in the UK whose fingers were allegedly injured in the hinges of folding pushchairs manufactured by Maclaren, will receive personal injury compensation, following a compensation battle which has been ongoing since late 2009.
Originally, Maclaren recalled over a million products in the US but insisted its UK buggies were unaffected by the alleged problem concerning folding hinge systems. However, reports of injuries similar to those alleged in the US soon emerged here in the UK, causing concern amongst parents. As a result, Maclaren made a hinge cover available to families through its website.
Maclaren has not admitted liability but has agreed personal injury compensation with the help of its insurers and will be making full compensation damages awards. The payments will depend on the severity of injuries which included amputations to finger tips, fractured bones, disfigurement or loss of feeling. The money will be invested until the children concerned are 18.
Both personal injury solicitors and the families of victims have welcomed the compensation agreement. Whilst the payouts do not turn back the clock and undo the injuries, they have put an end to a distressing period for injured children and the parents who feared they may have been to blame.
Maclaren underlined its safety record, pointing out that out of a million buggies sold in the UK in the past decade and only 100 complaints have been received. The company also pointed out that the whole buggy industry was affected.