Heelys Cause Broken Wrists, ArmsUpdated June 2007- Heelys, the wheeled footwear geared toward kids aged 6 through 14, has come under greater scrutiny in recent months. The Carrollton, Texas company
Heelys, Inc. manufactures and ships its unique brand of roller shoe footwear to 70 countries, and has shipped more than 10 million pairs since their introduction in 2000. The shoes are outfitted with a wheel in the heel of each shoe that pops out when weight is shifted onto the heel for support.
Unfortunately, many Heelys users and users of Heelys knockoff roller shoes have found the
technique of “heeling” difficult to master. This difficulty has resulted in some serious defensive injuries to users’ arms and wrists, including several broken bones and even one death. As early as 2003, the
Korean Consumer Protection Board had sent out an alert about the problems with Heelys shoes, particularly on gravelly surfaces. In their alert they noted that if a small piece of gravel slips up into the wheel canal, it will cause the rider to stop instantly, causing him to fall onto his back. According to the Associated Press, from September 2005 to December 2006 one death and 64 rollershoe injuries were reported. The
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons announced in May 2007 new guidelines for helmets, wristguards, and kneepads to help protect consumers from injury.
If you or your child have become injured as a result of a roller shoe accident, then it may be important to
consult a lawyer to find out what your rights are. Please fill out the form on your right to receive a FREE evaluation by an Injuryboard attorney today. Please bear in mind that there are
time constraints that may affect your claim
See Also
- Sporting Goods: Overview