Dangerous inflatable slide recalled nationwide

With summer right around the corner, many Miami families will be headed outside to relax by the pool. One product that residents will want to avoid is an inflatable slide that is intended to be set up next to an in-ground pool. Several severe injuries and at least one fatality have been sustained by people who used one of these dangerous products.

The slide is called the Banzai Splash. They were sold nationwide in Wal-Mart and Toys R Us stores up until June 2009. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of 21,000 of the hazardous slide.

According to reports, one woman suffered fatal injuries when her slide partially deflated. When the slide deflates, it can cause the user to hit his or her head on the cement ground surrounding an outdoor pool.

At least three other accidents happened when the slide was set on the edge of a pool, as it is intended to be. Two women hit their heads and suffered a fractured neck and other injuries. A man in Missouri also hit his head when the slide partially deflated. His injuries were so serious that he is now a quadriplegic.

In addition to the dangers caused when the slide deflates, it is also reportedly very unstable and can fall over easily. The CPSC also states that the product does not have adequate warnings or instructions. People are urged not to use the product anymore.

When products like this are intended to be safe and fun, it can be very frustrating and emotional when a person suffers a serious injury. There may be ways for an injured person to seek compensation for any medical bills or lost wages that may result from a serious accident caused by a defective or dangerous product.

Source: CNN, “Reported death, severe neck injuries prompt recall of pool slide,” Todd Sperry, May 10, 2012