Getting your hands on a dangerous or defective product is bad enough. When that product endangers the life of your child, it’s far more infuriating. Fisher-Price and Mattel, two companies trusted by parents the world over for providing toys and baby equipment that are safe and useful, is now facing two class action lawsuits in relation to their recent recall of the ‘Rock ‘n Play’ baby sleeper.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) demanded earlier this month that the soother-type Rock ‘n Play baby sleeper from Fisher-Price be removed from the market. This came on the heels of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issuing a warning regarding the infant seat. A recall of 4.7 million units ensued.
According to the CPSC, the Rock ‘n Play has caused 32 infant deaths over the years that it has been in production. These injuries resulted when infants would roll from their backs to their stomachs or sides while sitting unrestrained in the Rock ‘n Play. The Rock ‘n Play was designed to provide a convenient place for an infant to nap or sleep, and it features a vibe setting to help provide soothing vibration for babies. According to Fisher-Price, the Rock ‘n Play is compliant with “all applicable safety standards, including those of the international standards organization, known as ASTM International, and is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA).”
Lawsuits Filed
Two class action lawsuits have been filed against Fisher-Price and its mother company, Mattel. The first of these is a Delaware class action that may eventually include potential claimants from all over the country. The seconds was filed in New York and is only aimed at claimants there. The former includes not just injured consumers or their parents, but also anyone who purchased the sleeper. Neither suit has disclosed the amount of damages being sought.
Unsafe Sleeping Environment
The AAP, after calling for the Rock ‘n Play’s removal due to the dangers it presents infants, went on to point out the its Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome found the sleeper to be an unsafe sleeping environment for babies. The organization does not formally endorse any infant sleeping products, but it does advise that infant should sleep only on their backs on a flat, firm sleep surface free from bumpers or bedding.
Returning Your Defective Item
If you own this baby sleeper, then Fisher-Price advises you to stop using it immediately. You can either discard the item in the trash, or you can return it to the company for a refund. Reach out at 866-812-6518 to speak with a customer service agent at Fisher-Price.
What To Do
No amount of financial compensation can ever make up for the profound loss of a child due to the negligence of someone else. Still, holding manufacturers accountable and responsible for releasing dangerous products onto the market is important. Our product liability lawyer in Dallas is a staunch advocate for consumer rights and provides expert representation for our clients. Contact the Law Office of Dorothy Hyde in Dallas to schedule your no-cost case consultation at 214-883-1700.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/fisher-price-recall-rock-play-sleeper-lawsuit