The Dangers of Garage Doors
Garage doors are one of the heaviest moving objects in a home, which can be incredibly dangerous in the event of a malfunction. Documented injuries from such accidents include crushed hands, broken bones, and even fatalities. A recent Journal of Consumer Affairs article highlighted key statistics along with helpful maintenance tips to ensure your garage door operates safely.
Garages are a common feature in American homes, with over two-thirds of households having a garage or carport. Fortunately, modern garage doors are significantly safer than they used to be. Before 2003, emergency rooms saw 20,000 to 30,000 garage door-related injuries annually. Even more alarming, between 1982 and 1990, 46 children aged two to fourteen died due to garage door accidents.
In response to these dangers, the U.S. government introduced safety regulations in 1993, requiring automatic reversal mechanisms and motion sensors. These features have helped reduce injuries over time. From 2018 to 2022, garage door-related injuries dropped by 13.4%, from 61 cases in 2018 to 34 in 2022.
Despite these improvements, risks remain. Finger injuries are the most common, accounting for 27.8% of all incidents, followed by head injuries at 22.2%. Older adults are particularly vulnerable, with 25.5% of injuries occurring in people over 65. Children are also at risk, making up 10.4% of reported cases.
Regular maintenance and awareness of safety features can help prevent accidents. Homeowners should check for warning signs, such as slow response times, unusual noises or misalignment, and schedule professional inspections as needed. Ensuring that the emergency release handle is easily accessible, the door reverses properly when it encounters an obstacle, and the photoelectric sensors are aligned no more than six inches from the ground can improve safety. Additionally, inspecting the door panels for cracks or fatigue and confirming that warning labels are intact can help prevent potential hazards.
Some injuries are due to human error or a simple accident. However, when product instructions are not included or are incorrect – or worse, when the product itself malfunctions, life-changing injuries and tragedies can occur. If you or a loved one were injured by a defective product and you would like to discuss your legal options, it’s a good idea to connect with a top Philadelphia attorney for product liability cases. Please contact us to set a mutually convenient time to meet.