Button Batteries Can Be Deadly to Children

If you’re a parent, it probably feels like your home is full of hidden dangers, from sharp corners to electrical outlets. However, one of the most overlooked threats to children today is something small enough to fit in the palm of your hand – a button battery. These tiny and coin-shaped batteries might seem harmless, but they pose a serious injury risk to young children.

Every year, about 2,500 children swallow a button battery or place it in their ear or nose. A battery stuck in the nose or throat can actually be fatal. In fact, Connecticut Children’s notes that severe and life-threatening damage can happen within only a few hours.

The LA Times reports:

When button batteries are lodged in the body, their electrical current breaks down water, driving up alkalinity to dangerous levels akin to bleach. Bodily tissues can begin to liquefy. Physicians say serious injury can happen within two hours, sometimes before a parent has realized that a battery was swallowed.

As button batteries have proliferated in common items, the rate of pediatric emergency visits for battery-related injuries has more than doubled in recent decades, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. Some children have ended up relying on tubes to breathe or suffered massive hemorrhaging, doctors said.

“Unfortunately, these batteries cause such severe injuries so rapidly,” some of which are impossible for surgeons to repair, said Dr. Kris Jatana, surgical director of clinical outcomes at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio.

Button batteries can be found in a host of household items, including remote controls, hearing aids, toys, electric tea lights, greeting cards that play music, watches, and other products.

The AAHO-HNS has released a position on button batteries, stating:

A button or coin cell battery can cause life-threatening tissue injuries of the esophagus, trachea, or major vasculature. A safe button or coin cell battery should be clearly defined—it will not cause severe tissue injury when lodged in the body but will still adequately function to power electronic devices. Currently, no battery manufacturer sells a safe button or coin cell battery, nor has made the public commitment to produce them. As too many children have already been harmed and other children continue to remain at risk in their households, we strongly encourage all battery manufacturers to act immediately to bring a safe button or coin cell battery to the consumer marketplace. Widespread industry and consumer adoption of such technology will prevent children from severe injuries or death.

Why are button batteries so dangerous?

If a child swallows a button battery or inserts it into their nose or ear, it can quickly turn into a medical emergency. The dangers aren’t just about choking. When a button battery comes into contact with moisture, it can create an electrical current. This current can cause a chemical reaction that burns through tissues in a matter of hours.

Some of the most common injuries from button batteries include:

• When swallowed, a button battery can get stuck in the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach). The electrical current can burn through the lining, causing life-threatening injuries.
• If a child inserts a button battery into their nose or ear, it can cause similar tissue damage, leading to permanent hearing loss or damage to the nasal passages.
• In severe cases, the burns can lead to internal bleeding, which can be fatal when not treated quickly.

How can I prevent battery button injuries?

As a parent or caretaker, the best way to protect your child is to take proactive steps to prevent accidents. Here we have some safety tips:

• Store devices with button batteries in places children can’t access, like high shelves or locked cabinets.
• Make sure that any device containing a button battery has a secure battery compartment. Some manufacturers now design battery compartments that require a screwdriver to open, providing an extra layer of security,
• Don’t leave old and used batteries lying around. Even a dead battery can cause serious injury. Dispose of them in recycling or in a secure trashcan.
• While very young children may not understand the dangers, older kids can be taught about the risks of swallowing or playing with small objects like button batteries.
• Finally, check your child’s toys and household devices regularly to make sure that the battery compartments are intact and secure.

What should I do if my child swallows a button battery?

If you know or suspect that your child has swallowed a button battery, don’t wait. Seek medical attention immediately, as time is critical. Even if your child seems fine at the moment, internal injuries can quickly develop and may not show symptoms right away. Here’s what you should do:

• Call 911 or go to the emergency room. As we stated, immediate medical intervention is necessary. Let the medical team know that you suspect a button battery ingestion.
• Don’t try to make your child eat or drink anything, as this can worsen the situation. However, you may give your child honey if they are able to swallow.
• Don’t induce vomiting, as this can cause the battery to shift and cause even more damage.
• Call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666. They can provide guidance on what to do.

What if my child is injured by a button battery?

The Cherry Hill personal injury attorneys at Ferrara & Gable understand that no parent wants to think about their child getting hurt. But if this does happen, you should know your legal rights. In some cases, injuries from button batteries can be traced back to negligence on the part of a manufacturer or retailer. You may be able to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your child’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Some of the potential legal claims you may pursue include:

• Product liability. If the battery compartment of a device was poorly designed or failed to meet safety standards, the manufacturer can be held liable for injuries. For example, if the compartment was easy for a child to open, this can be considered a design defect.
• Failure to warn. Manufacturers have a duty to provide clear warnings about the dangers of their products. If a product lacked proper warnings about button battery risks, you may be looking at a failure to warn claim.
• Retailer liability. In some cases, retailers who sell dangerous products can also be held responsible for injuries.

How can a Cherry Hill personal injury attorney help?

When you’re focused on caring for your injured child, the thought of a personal injury claim can be overwhelming. However, that’s where the Cherry Hill personal injury attorneys at Ferrara & Gable come in.

We’ll gather evidence to determine how the injury occurred and who might be at fault. We also work with medical experts to establish the extent of your child’s injuries and their long-term impacts. Insurance companies often work to minimize payouts – we’ll negotiate to ensure you secure fair compensation. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

If a button battery has injured your child, you don’t have to face this difficult situation alone. At Ferrara & Gable, our personal injury lawyers understand the emotional and financial toll these injuries can take on your family. We’re here to provide compassionate support and fight for the compensation you deserve. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. We proudly serve all of South Jersey.