You can file a Fisher-Price baby sleeper lawsuit if you are among the unsuspecting parents who purchased the baby sleeper, believing them to be safe for babies, only to cause injuries or death. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleepers have been added to the list of hazardous and deadly nursery products. If your child or a loved one’s infant suffered injuries or death from using this product, please contact a mass tort attorney immediately.
The Fisher-Price sleepers were released in 2009. Between then and 2022, there have been approximately 100 deaths associated with the product. These unfortunate incidents sparked outrage, and aggrieved parents have filed several lawsuits against the company. Many have been taken a settlement, while others are still in litigation.
These lawsuits contend that the product was defectively designed, contributing to the suffocation of infants who slept in them. Also, Fisher-Price and the parent company — Mattel were fully aware of its dangers but negligently failed to remedy the safety defects. This article explains the Fisher-Price baby sleeper lawsuit and how Rueb Stoller Daniel can help you get justice.
The Fisher-Price Rock ‘n’ Play Sleeper Defects
Fisher-Price is an American company known for its range of baby gear and toddler toys. Their baby sleeper products were released in 2009 and is one of the most popular baby product line. The sleeper is designed to recline, rock, vibrate and play soothing music to help babies fall asleep.
According to CPSC, these products sold for $40 to $149 between September 2009 and April 2019 at major retail stores, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
However, the safety of these sleepers was cast into doubt after it was linked to infant injuries, including death. Several infants reportedly died from rolling onto their stomachs while unrestrained inside the device. Sadly, many deaths involved infants who were three months or older.
Customers who purchased these products did so, believing they were safe to use. Unfortunately, that is not the case. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Rock n’ Play sleepers do not meet the recommendations for a safe sleep environment for any baby.
Infants should always sleep on their back, on a separate, flat, and firm surface without bumpers or bedding. The AAP further claimed that the device put infants at a compromised risk of rolling into a dangerous position, causing limited movement, and leading to suffocation or strangulation. Unfortunately, several babies suffered life-threatening injuries or death due to asphyxia from the reclined position of the sleeper and the pillow headrests.
Fisher-Price Baby Sleeper Recall
On the 12th of April 2019, Fisher-Price recalled all 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers following reports of at least 32 infant fatalities. But per CPSC, approximately 70 additional fatalities have been reported since the recall, which includes at least eight deaths that occurred after the initial recall announcement.
Before the recall, the company Fisher-Price issued a safety warning about the product. Despite the notice, the fatality rate from using this product increased. In a statement, the CPSC Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric said “……despite their removal from the marketplace and a prohibition on their sale, babies continue to die in these products.
He noted that the products are still in too many homes, and babies continue to be at risk. If your baby suffered injuries or died from using the sleeper, you have a right to legal action. With the help of an experienced mass tort attorney, you can take legal action against Fisher-Price for the devastating loss or injuries of your child.
Fisher-Price Baby Sleeper Injuries and Death
The design of the Rock ‘n Play baby sleepers positions babies at a 30-degree incline, making it easier for them to roll over on their stomachs. This incline is unsafe as it significantly increases the risk of the infant’s head slipping into a dangerous position.
Furthermore, this unsafe angle can constrict the baby’s windpipe or cause their heads to be pressed against the padded material in the sleeper, blocking airflow and making it difficult for the baby to breathe. This can cause death by suffocation or asphyxiation.
Additionally, defective baby sleepers put babies at risk of:
- Neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Falls
- Flat Head Syndrome
- Abdominal Injuries
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), etc.
Who Can File a Fisher-Price Baby Sleeper Lawsuit?
Again, you can file a lawsuit against Fisher-Price and Mattel if your baby was harmed while using this baby sleeper. Several lawsuits have been filed throughout the United States, some of which have resulted in huge settlements. So you don’t have to go through the legal and financial hurdles alone.
Although a successful lawsuit will not reverse the loss of your child, it can bring a measure of closure for you and your family. It will also hold the offending company accountable for selling defective products.
Additionally, a jury award or a settlement can pay for the damages associated with the loss, such as funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, etc.
Do I Need a Mass Tort Attorney?
Yes!
Without any doubt, fighting legal battles of this nature can be complicated. If you have no in-depth understanding of the law or handling civil procedures, you can get overwhelmed by the process. Also, a company like Fisher-Price will be represented by a team of experienced and highly paid attorneys.
Therefore, you should not go against them alone. With the help of an experienced mass tort attorney, you will receive maximum compensation for your damages. Your legal team will ensure the company is held accountable for its actions and keep them from bullying you into accepting a meager settlement. Also, your mass tort attorney will investigate your case, gather all facts, and get expert witnesses to prove liability to maximize your case value.
Ready to Start on Your Fisher-Price Baby Sleeper Lawsuit? Book a Free Consultation With Our Mass Tort Attorney
No parents should worry that a product bought for their child should cause their death or lead to an injury. If your baby was injured or died using the Fisher-Price baby sleeper, you have our deepest condolences. At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we can help you get justice and maximum compensation for the wrong done to your family.
With over 50 years of experience in wrongful death lawsuits and mass torts litigation, you can count on us to represent your best interest. So reach out to our class action lawyers for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis.
