children's injuries

LONDON: Around 15 families in Britain are set to take legal action over injuries to children which they say were caused by Maclaren pushchairs, a law firm representing them said Wednesday.

The move comes after US authorities last month announced the recall of around a million buggies made by Maclaren, saying they pose a risk of "fingertip amputation" to young children.

Law firm Russell, Jones and Walker said it had compiled a dossier of claims against British-based Maclaren.

"We are already representing numerous parents whose children have been injured, despite Maclaren claiming their pushchairs are not at fault," it said.

"We are already handling 15 potential claims where children have been hurt, allegedly by their Maclaren buggies, and we are urging trading standards (officials) to issue a product recall to stop any further injuries."

Maclaren responded to the US move by distributing a cover kit which fits over hinges and reassured consumers that their buggies were "perfectly safe to use".

Maclaren also says it will provide the covers to customers elsewhere who want them, but added that "the number of incidents outside the US did not warrant" a further recall.

"We would only stress that you keep children away from the buggy whilst unfolding or folding it," the firm said on its website. It was not immediately contactable about the latest development.