Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Flat-screen TVs are a standard part of modern homes, offering space-saving convenience and clearer visuals. But while they may look harmless, these devices can pose a serious risk—especially to young children. TV tip-over injuries are more frequent than many parents realize, and they can lead to devastating consequences if left unaddressed.
This article examines the dangers of TV tip-overs, presents the latest statistics on child injuries, offers guidance on prevention, and outlines steps to take in the event of an injury.
Over the past two decades, more families have transitioned from boxy CRT televisions to slim, flat-panel models. While they’re lighter and more attractive, these modern TVs are often placed on top of furniture that isn’t designed to hold them. This makes them easier to tip over when pulled or bumped.
In many homes, TVs are set on dressers, small stands, or unsecured media cabinets. These setups become even more dangerous when children are present. A toddler trying to grab a toy or climb a dresser drawer can unintentionally bring an entire TV crashing down.
Flat-panel TVs, while lighter than CRTs, are often placed on top-heavy furniture not designed to support them, increasing the risk of tip-overs. — Journal of Pediatrics.
Even when families believe their setup is safe, without wall anchors or straps, the risk remains.
Each year, thousands of children are taken to emergency rooms due to injuries from falling TVs or furniture. These incidents often result in serious harm, including head trauma, concussions, and fractures.
Between 2018 and 2022, an estimated 17,000 injuries were reported annually due to furniture and TV tip-overs involving children. — Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The numbers haven’t declined despite growing awareness, indicating that education alone is insufficient. Physical safety steps need to be taken in every household with children.
Children under age five account for 79% of all reported tip-over fatalities involving TVs or furniture. — Safe Kids Worldwide.
Young children, especially toddlers, are naturally curious. They explore their surroundings by touching, climbing, and pulling. A TV stand or dresser may seem like a ladder to them, not a danger.
Most injuries happen when a child pulls on a TV cord, reaches for a remote on top of a unit, or opens drawers to climb. These actions can cause the furniture and TV to shift or tip. Because children’s heads are proportionally larger and heavier than their bodies, they’re more likely to fall headfirst and suffer severe injuries when something topples over.
Head and neck trauma is the most common result of these incidents. For children under five, such injuries can be life-altering or even fatal.
Preventing TV tip-over injuries isn’t complicated, but it does require planning and action.
Wall-mounting is the safest option. Use a mount rated for your TV’s size and weight, and follow the instructions closely. The wall itself must be sturdy enough to hold the mount. If you’re unsure, hire a professional to install it properly.
If wall mounting isn’t possible, use anti-tip straps to anchor the TV and the furniture to the wall. These straps are available at hardware stores and online. They’re simple to install and can significantly reduce the risk of movement or tipping.
Avoid placing TVs on dressers or tall furniture. Choose wide, solid furniture that can support the weight of the TV. Keep furniture flush against the wall and ensure drawers and doors can’t be used for climbing.
Tidy up cords using clips or covers. Loose or dangling wires can attract children’s attention, increasing the chance they’ll pull on them.
Remote controls, toys, or snacks placed near or on top of a TV can lead kids to reach or climb. Keep those items stored elsewhere.
| Year | Estimated ER Visits | Percentage Involving TVs | Age Group Most Affected |
| 2010 | 18,000 | 65% | Under 5 |
| 2015 | 16,500 | 60% | Under 5 |
| 2020 | 17,000 | 55% | Under 5 |
| 2022 | 17,200 | 53% | Under 5 |
Sometimes, a child’s injury isn’t just the result of an unsafe setup—it could involve a faulty product. Some TVs, mounting hardware, or furniture units may be poorly designed or sold without proper safety warnings. There have even been product recalls when manufacturers failed to meet basic safety standards.
Many injuries occurred even when parents believed the setup was safe. Anti-tip hardware is crucial, especially in households with toddlers.
In such cases, parents may be able to file a product liability claim. These claims can involve:
A lawyer can help determine if a manufacturer, retailer, or another party may be responsible.
When a falling TV or furniture hurts a child, the most crucial step is to obtain immediate medical attention. After that, preserve evidence if you suspect the incident involved a faulty product or inadequate safety instructions.
Take clear photographs of the scene. Keep any packaging, manuals, or hardware that came with the product. Document medical care and injuries.
If the incident may have been preventable, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer experienced in child injury and product liability cases.
Flat-screen TVs are easier to topple because they’re often placed on unstable or narrow furniture. Their lightweight doesn’t prevent serious injuries if they fall onto a child.
Wall-mounting the TV securely using proper hardware is the safest option. If using furniture, it should be wide, stable, and secured with anti-tip straps.
While not universally required, some states and manufacturers issue warnings. Failure to warn or provide safe installation instructions could lead to liability.
Head and neck injuries are most common, particularly in toddlers. In some cases, the trauma can be severe enough to require hospitalization or long-term care.
Yes. There have been multiple recalls of dressers, stands, and wall-mount systems that failed stability tests or lacked proper safety anchors.
TV tip-over injuries are preventable, but many families don’t realize the risk until it’s too late. Young children are especially vulnerable, and even a short fall can cause serious harm. By wall-mounting your TV, securing furniture, and taking basic safety precautions, you can create a safer home environment.
But when an injury does happen—especially one that may involve faulty equipment or inadequate warnings—it’s essential to understand your legal options. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps families in Tulsa navigate these difficult situations with care and clarity. Our team is here to help you know what went wrong and what can be done next.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
