Shopping Cart Injuries: What Every Parent Should Know

Grabbing a shopping cart is second nature for many parents when entering a grocery store or retail shop. While these carts are incredibly useful for managing large shopping trips, they can also pose serious risks to young children, especially when toddlers are placed in the designated seat.

Despite built-in child seating and safety straps, shopping cart injuries remain alarmingly common in the U.S.

How Common Are Shopping Cart Injuries?

According to recent findings published in the Journal of Clinical Pediatrics, approximately 24,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year due to shopping cart-related accidents. While some injuries are minor, many are serious—ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can lead to lifelong complications.

🧠 Head injuries remain the most frequent and severe consequence of falls from shopping carts, particularly among toddlers and infants under 5 years old.

Common Causes of Shopping Cart Injuries

The most frequent causes of injury include:

  • Falling from the cart: Children can easily tip out of the seat if they stand up or aren’t secured properly.
  • Tip-overs: Carts can become unstable and fall over, especially if overloaded or turned quickly.
  • Entrapment or pinching: Children can get fingers or limbs caught in wheels or folding mechanisms.
  • Collisions with shelves or other shoppers: Parents sometimes lose control in tight aisles or crowded spaces.

How to Prevent Shopping Cart Accidents

Here are some shopping cart safety tips every parent should follow:

âś… Use the seat belt every time

Always buckle your child into the seat, and make sure the belt is snug and functional. Never assume a cart is safe without checking.

âś… Never leave children unattended

Even a momentary distraction can lead to a fall or collision. Always keep one hand on the cart when your child is seated.

âś… Choose carts with built-in safety features

Look for carts with a low-to-the-ground child seat (like the car-shaped ones), which offer better stability and reduce the fall height.

âś… Avoid placing infant car seats on top of carts

This is a common practice, but it’s dangerous. Car seats can tip or fall easily and are not designed to latch securely onto shopping carts.

âś… Consider using a baby carrier or stroller

For smaller children, using a front-facing baby carrier or a stroller may be a safer alternative.

What to Do If Your Child Is Injured

If your child is hurt in a shopping cart accident—especially at a grocery store or large retail chain—it’s important to act quickly:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms of head trauma can be delayed.
  2. Document the incident – Take photos of the cart, store environment, and your child’s injuries. Request surveillance footage if available.
  3. Report the accident – Notify store management and ensure an incident report is filed.
  4. Contact a personal injury attorney – You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Legal Options for Families

Many parents don’t realize that stores and cart manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by faulty equipment or inadequate safety measures. If the cart was damaged, improperly maintained, or lacked working safety straps, you may have a case.

At Bell & Bell, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the devastating effects a child’s injury can have on a family. We’ll investigate your case, gather evidence, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call for a Free Consultation

If your child has been injured in a shopping cart accident, contact the personal injury lawyers in Pompano Beach at Bell & Bell, P.A. today. We offer free consultations and only get paid if you win your case.

đź“ž Call 954-783-2215 or contact us online to get started.