Product Liability Law Blog

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, Consumer Product Safety Commission port investigators and US Customs Border Protection agents have stopped nearly 650,000 units (of approximately 240 different noncomplying products) from entering the country and reaching consumers. They screened over 2,900 shipments at ports of entry throughout the country and pulled the items that they determined were unsafe and/or violated US safety rules.

Most of the products that the agents and inspectors halted were for children (527,950 units). Some of the reasons they didn't make it through included lead paint violations, small parts, phthalates, which are banned from child products, tracking label violations, misbranding, and other violations involving art materials, battery-operated toys, baby walkers, magnets, baby rattles, clacker balls, and toys with sharp points or chemical hazards. Adult products (119,410) that were stopped included holiday lights, hair dryers, lighters, luminaries, fireworks, and bicycles.

In fiscal year 2011, the federal safety agency had examined over 9,900 product shipments at US ports. Nearly 4.5 million units of products considered hazardous or violative were stopped from reaching consumers.

Products Liability
At The Gilbert Law Group, our products liability lawyers have the skills and experience to represent children and adults injured by defective products, including dangerous or hazardous toys, appliances, furniture, electrical products, recreational equipment, and accessories. Even though the CPSC works hard to prevent manufacturers and distributors from producing and bringing unsafe products into the marketplace, it is obvious from the number of recalls that continue to be announced every month that there are many unsafe units that still manage to make their way in, posing a serious injury and health risk to consumers.

This month alone there have been over 10 products recalled already over fire dangers, fall hazards, fingertip amputation and laceration risks, and suffocation and entrapment dangers. Recalled items included approximately 16,700 Rockland Furniture Drop-side cribs for the usual strangulation, suffocation, and entrapment hazards posed by this type of design, about 40,000 Topeak Babyseat II Bicycle Carrier Seats (the grab bar's hinge mechanism can cause fingertip amputation and laceration injuries), around 2,000 Viking dishwashers due to an electrical issue that may cause them to overheat and start a fire, and more than 307,000 Office Depot® Brand Biella Leather Desk Chairs that can cause fall injuries should the chair to come off its base. Already there have been several reports of minor injuries.

Port Surveillance News: CPSC Investigators Find, Stop Nearly 650,000 Unsafe Products at the Start of Fiscal Year 2012, CPSC, April 5, 2012

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Consumer Reports

More Blog Posts:
Even as Number of Children's Product Recalls Went Down in 2011, Injuries Rose, Product Liability Law Blog, April 13, 2012

More Pourable Gel Fuel Recalled by Manufacturers, Product Liability Law Blog, September 30, 2011

CPSC Now Ready to Talk About Tougher Safety Regulations for Table Saws, Product Liability Law Blog, September 28, 2011

Continue reading "CPSC Stopped About 647,000 Unsafe Products from Entering the US During 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2012 " »

With the weather getting warmer, more people will be going outside to turn on the grill and start cooking meat, poultry, and other food items. While grilling is considered healthier than frying foods, there are also some risks involved. E.coli risks go up if you fail to properly grill your meat or chicken or you cook contaminated food products and burnt meat can contain carcinogens. However, there is another possible health risk being reported that involves use of a wire grill brush. Used to free up charred remains from the grill and protect the grill rack from damage, some medical professionals are reporting that there are patients seeking treatment for injuries because they've accidentally ingested the brush's wire bristles.

According to a study involving doctors at Rhode Island Hospital, between May 2009 and November 2010, six patients were admitted to the emergency room there because of wire bristle ingestion. These patients came in complaining of abdominal pain and painful swallowing. They all had just eaten grilled meat. CT scan and x-ray results showed that there were wires in the abdomens and throats of the patients. The doctors determined that these were the grill brush bristles that had come off and gotten stuck in the meat.

The study's lead author, radiologist David Grand, says they don't know if this is a widespread problem. He is, however, calling for more research. Meantime, our products liability law firm will continue to monitor developments surrounding the wire grill brush and we will bring you updates.

The doctors had to perform surgery on three of the patients to remove the bristles. Two of these procedures were done on the small intestine, another on the liver. They also took out bristle wires from the necks of three patients. The findings from their study can be found online in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Obviously, getting wire bristles stuck in your throat or in one of your internal organs can be very painful and could lead to serious health problems--not to mention the complications that might result from having to undergo surgery to remedy the matter.

Grill brush bristles aren't the only products that can cause a grilling accident. Unstable grills that have a defective support design can cause a fire and/or burn injuries, as can propane tank defects. Sometimes the danger is the person grilling because of inexperience or carelessness. Not knowing how to operate a grill or placing it in an area of the backyard that makes it a fire hazard can up the chance of serious injuries or death. Also, person in charge of food might leave meat products out in the sun too long, causing bacteria to grow, which can potentially lead to stomach illnesses and other health issues for those eating.

Our products liability lawyers represent persons that are seriously injured because of dangerous, defective, and/or poorly designed products. We also represent burn victims injured in accidents. Contact The Gilbert Law Group today.

Watch The Wire: How Your Grill Brush Could Make You Sick, NPR, March 30, 2012

RI Hospital warns of wire grill brush dangers, The Examiner, March 28, 2012

Backyard barbecues are a big part of summer fun, but avoiding their hidden dangers is key to staying healthy and enjoying a cookout, a doctor suggests, USA Today/AP, July 22, 2011

American Journal of Roentgenology

More Blog Posts:
Portland, Oregon Child Injury: 3-Year-Old Undergoes Surgery After Swallowing 37 Buckyball Earth Magnets, Product Liability Law Blog, March 16, 2012

More Pourable Gel Fuel Recalled by Manufacturers, Product Liability Law Blog, September 30, 2011

CPSC Now Ready to Talk About Tougher Safety Regulations for Table Saws, Product Liability Law Blog, September 28, 2011

According to a report released by Kids In Danger (KID), although the number of children's products that were recalled last year declined by 24%, there was a 7% increase in the number injuries and incidents related to the recalls. The advocacy group says that because of the confidentiality involving the recall process, it can be hard to figure out the reason for the decrease in recalls. For example, could there really be less dangerous products in the marketplace now or was the Consumer Product Safety Commission unable to get companies to recall certain products?

The decline in recalls, however, does come just as new requirements for testing and standards have gone into effect as part of the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). That said, any child injuries caused by any products, whether recalled or not, is never a positive development. Our products liability lawyers at the Gilbert Law Group make it our business to help children and their families obtain the personal injury or wrongful death compensation that they are owed.

Per some of KID's findings in its report, in 2011:
• The CPSC recalled 121 children's products (39% of the total products it recalled).
• There were over 11.6 million units of kids products recalled.
• Three recalls involved at least a million units or more, respectively.
• The biggest recalls involved 1.7 million baby monitors (over concerns they posed a strangulation hazard) and 1.7 million toy tools and workbenches over worries that their parts might end up stuck in a child's throat.
• 30% of the children's products recalled were nursery products.
• 26% of the children's products recalled were toys.
• Little girl's KEDS shoes with decorative stars caused the most injuries with 27 laceration reports.
• 14 sleep environment products, including a bassinet, a crib, a canopy bed, and bunk beds were recalled.
• Prior to its recalled, the Adventure Playset Swingset was named in 500 incident reports.
• A remote control chopper, a swing set, and pogo sticks received over 100 reports before their recalls were announced.

Children and babies are vulnerable to serious injuries and even death when exposed to a product that is unsafe for use. It is unfortunate that there are still kids' products out there that continue to pose the hazards of choking, laceration, suffocation, strangulation, toxic poisoning, or other dangers.

You may be able to sue the manufacturer, distributor, seller, or retailer that allowed you to have access/purchase a dangerous/defective/malfunctioning product. Even when a product is used as intended, if it proves to be dangerous and causes serious harm, you still may have grounds for a products liability case.

A Measure of Safety: Children's Product Recalls in 2011, KIDS in Danger, KIDS, March 26, 2012

Read the Report (PDF)

Consumer Product Safety Commission

More Blog Posts:
Consumer Groups Coalition Ask CPSC to Recall Bumbo Baby Seat, Product Liability Law Blog, February 7, 2012

Clothing Defects: Apparel Industry Must Follow Standards for Children's Loungewear and Sleepwear, Says CPSC, Product Liability Law Blog, January 18, 2012

Can Loud Toys Impair Children's Hearing?, Product Liability Law Blog, January 12, 2012

Continue reading "Even as Number of Children's Product Recalls Went Down in 2011, Injuries Rose" »

A toddler is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove 37 Buckyball earth magnets that she had swallowed. The small pieces came together inside her stomach to form the shape of a large circle.

Payton Bushnell was rushed to the hospital after she fell ill. Her family thought she was suffering form the stomach flu. Instead, what happened was that the magnetic balls pulled the little girl's intestines together and tore holes in her stomach and intestine. Following the incident, Buckyballs, put out a notice reminding parents that its products are for adult use only.

While Bushnell is fortunate in that she is expected to recover, the Portland, Oregon child injury accident highlights the dangers involved with small magnets and the risk they pose to young children, who are prone to putting small objects in the mouth. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned that a child that swallows at least two magnets is at risk of fatal injury. Even when inside the body, magnets continue to be drawn toward each other. They can create holes in the stomach, block or twist up the intestines, or cause sepsis and/or death. Sometimes, surgeons may be forced to remove parts of the intestines in order to get all the magnets out and repair the damage.

A parent may not even realize that a child has swallowed a small magnet--especially if the boy or girl is too young to speak or explain what happened. Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting are some of the symptoms indicating that your child may have swallowed a magnet. (Even older kids have been known to accidentally ingest magnets. They might try to use the magnet as a pretend nose ring or tongue ring. They, too, place themselves at risk of similar injuries as their younger counterparts.)

Product manufacturers whose products include small magnets are supposed to make sure that they include a warning of potential injuries. If the product is for kids, then they need to make sure the magnetic parts are not small enough to swallow or cannot be easily removed.

If it becomes apparent that a product becomes an injury hazard even when designed and used as intended, then this could mean that the product is a dangerous one and unsafe for use. Our Portland, Oregon products liability lawyers represent families whose children were injured or died because of product defects. The Gilbert Law Group also has child injury lawyers who represent clients throughout the US.

It is not that difficult for a child to get a hold of the magnets, especially if one were to separate from the rest of the product and land on the ground where it would within easy reach. A parent may not even know that the part has gone missing. Last November, the CPSC reported that the danger posed by small magnets continues to be a growing problem.

Portland, Ore., 3-Year-old Ingests 37 Magnets, ABC News, March , 2012

High-Powered Magnets + Swallowing by Kids = Deadly, CPSC, November 10, 2011

Buckyballs

More Blog Posts:
Swallowing High-Powered Magnets Can Be Deadly for Kids, Warns CPSC, Product Liability Law Blog, November 6, 2011

Latest Magnetic Building Kit Recall Is A Reminder That Swallowing Magnets Can Cause Serious Injuries, Product Liability Law Blog, January 29, 2008

MEGA Brands and Battat Recall 2.4 Million China-Made Toys with Magnets, Product Liability Law Blog, March 17, 2008

At the Gilbert Law Group, PC, we believe that kids' safety is nonnegotiable especially when it comes to consumer products that are designed specifically for them. Over the years, our child products liability law firm has helped many families recover compensation from negligent manufacturers, distributors, and sellers that endangered the lives of children, teenagers, and babies by making, releasing, and selling consumer goods that were dangerous or defective.

Unfortunately, unsafe products continue to cause injury and deaths to children. Just this month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a number of recalls of kids' products because of the hazards that they pose.

Last week the CPSC recalled about 31,000 Tumblekins Toys that could cause laceration and choking injuries. All Tumblekins play sets and toy vehicles are included in the recall. The federal safety agency is concerned that the toys can break into small, sharp pieces that can easily cut a child or may be easy for him/her to swallow.

The distributor of these toys is International Playthings LLC. The manufacturer is Lishui Treetoys Trading Co. Ltd. There has so far been one report of a toy breaking up into small pieces. There are no reports of injuries so far.

Whenever a manufacturer or distributor acts right away to notify the government about a product defect so that an immediate recall can be made, lives may have been saved and injuries prevented. Unfortunately, not all companies may know of a safety defect until many people have already gotten hurt. Some manufacturers may even delay reporting the hazard in order to keep making money.

Earlier this month, the CPSC recalled about 28,000 Bumbleride Indie & Indie Twin Strollers over worries that the front wheel of the stroller may crack, causing the stroller to tip and the child seated to sustain fall injuries, including head injuries. So far, 36 incidents involving the front wheel cracking have been reported. Two reports noted that the stroller tripped over, causing the riders to sustain minor injuries. The CPSC, in cooperation with importer Bumbleride Inc., is asking consumers to stop using these twin strollers right away.

Also this month, the CPSC, in cooperation with manufacturer and importer Weeplay Kids LLC, recalled about 128,000 Carter's Watch the Wear Bodysuits and Sleep 'n Play Garments because the detachable snaps on the clothing's fabric could pose a potential choking hazard to young children and babies. Fortunately, no one appears to have gotten hurt by clothing defect so far, but there have been about 30 reports of the snaps coming off the garments.

Considering that young children and babies are known to be more at risk of choking--infants and toddlers, especially are prone to put things in their mouth while unaware that they may be endangering themselves should they swallow. Our products liability lawyers are here to help children and their families recover the child injury compensation that they are owed.

Tumblekins Toys Recalled by International Playthings Due to Choking and Laceration Hazards, CPSC, February 16, 2012

Recall of Bumbleride Indie & Indie Twin Strollers, ABC Local, February 3, 2012

128,000 Carter's infant bodysuits and garments recalled for choking dangers, Consumer Reports, February 3, 2012

More Blog Posts:
Consumer Groups Coalition Ask CPSC to Recall Bumbo Baby Seat, Product Liability Law Blog, February 7, 2012

Clothing Defects: Apparel Industry Must Follow Standards for Children's Loungewear and Sleepwear, Says CPSC, Product Liability Law Blog, January 18, 2012

Can Loud Toys Impair Children's Hearing?, Product Liability Law Blog, January 12, 2012

Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have announced the voluntary recall of 284,000 Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears. The recall is over concerns that the stuffed doll's eyes might come lose and fall off, creating a potential choking hazard. To date, there have been no reports of related injuries.

The announcement comes shortly after the CPSC fined Build-A-Bear $600,000 over a defective toy beach chair. The fine settles claims that the company allegedly knew that the toys were dangerous long before notifying the CPSC about the product defect.

The CPSC claims that Build-A-Bear started getting reports as early as July 2007 that the toy chairs, which are accessories for their stuffed animals, could cause laceration, pinching, and fingertip amputation injuries in the event that the finger or another part of the body were to get caught in the middle of the wood frame while it was being folded. Build-A-Bear finally reported the defect in March 2009. Prior to that, however, in October 2008 the company stopped selling the chairs and told stores to give the product back to the storage warehouse.

Build-A-Bear says that with over 200,000 toy chairs sold between 2001 and 2008, it had received 10 injury complaints.

Companies must report a product defect that poses a substantial injury risk immediately. The CPSC has taken a tough stance against companies that fail to notify it about any products that pose a serious injury risk. In 2005, Graco Children's Products Inc. was fined $4 million for not notifying the government in a timely manner about over 12 million products that were dangerous to kids.

Notifying the government about a defective product makes it easier for the public to become aware that a product may be dangerous. This may prevent serious injuries from happening.

Build-A-Bear Workshop to pay $600,000 fine in defective toy chair case, Business Insurance, December 22, 2011

Build-A-Bear Recalls Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears Due to Choking Hazard, CPSC, December 23, 2011

Build a Bear

More Blog Posts:
Registering Your Kid's Products Can Help You Find Out About Dangerous Defects, Product Liability Law Blog, December 12, 2011

Prevent Child Injuries This Holiday Season By Avoiding Dangerous and Defective Toys, Product Liability Law Blog, November 23, 2011

Little Tikes Recalls Another 1.7 Million Toy Workshop and Tool Sets Over Choking Hazard, Product Liability Law Blog, October 6, 2011

Continue reading "Choking Hazard Prompts Build-A-Bear to Recall Over 280,000 Teddy Bears" »

More than two years after recalling approximately 1.6 million Little Tikes™ Workshops Sets and Trucks after an 11-month-old South Carolina boy choked on a toy nail that got stuck in his throat, the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are recalling another 1.7 million units--this time of Little Tikes® Workshop and Tool Sets--over the same child choking hazard posed by the plastic toy nails.

The recall comes after reports of another two child choking accidents involving nails getting lodge in kids' throats. Both incidents occurred before the 2009 recall. Fortunately, all three children were treated at hospitals and fully recovered.

Choking Hazards and Toys
Per the CPSC, in the last 18 years, more than 290 kids have died because of toy-related incidents. Over 55% of these involved choking that resulted in asphyxia. The majority of choking accidents involved toy parts, balls, and balloons.

Most of the kids were younger than age 5, which is not surprising, considering that choking is the number one cause of accidental child death for kids 10 and under. Not only is this because a young child's trachea is so narrow--about the size of a drinking straw in diameter--but also, young kids are especially prone to put small objects in their mouth without realizing how dangerous this can be for them. Over 10,000 children end up in hospital emergency rooms each year for treatment of choking-related injuries.

Examples of toy items that can pose a choking hazard:
• Marbles
• Small parts
• Tiny figures
• Button size batteries for toys
• Crayons
• Small, removeable toy parts

Toys are not the only products that can pose choking hazards. Toymakers and the manufacturers of other products know of this danger and they are supposed to make toys for infants and toddlers that minimize this risk. Unfortunately, products are still getting made that do pose a choking hazard to children. Our products liability lawyers have watched as teething products, rattles, and other items that have had to be recalled because they were small enough that they were too easy to swallow.

Unfortunately, in many instances, safety recalls aren't announced until after someone has already gotten hurt. It is always a good idea to properly supervise your child/monitor the types of toys and other products he/she is allowed to use just in case. For older kids, smaller toys and toy parts should come with the proper warnings of any risks.

Our child injury lawyers represent families whose children were injured because a product was defective or posed some type of safety hazard. You should not be afraid to hold a negligent manufacturer, seller, or distributor liable for products liability.

Little Tikes Expands Recall of Toy Workshop and Tool Sets Due to Choking Hazard, CPSC, September 28, 2011

Children And Choking Hazards, CBS News

Choking Prevention for Children

More Blog Posts:
Choking, Entrapment, Fall, and Suffocation Hazards Prompt CPSC's Latest Recalls Involving Children and Infant Products, Product Liability Law Blog, April 5, 2011

Number of Button Battery-Linked Deaths and Injuries Rising, Says CPSC, Product Liability Law Blog, April 23, 2011

Strangulation, Choking, and Fall Hazards Prompt Recall of Baby Walkers, Clothing, and Books, Product Liability Law Blog, April 17, 2010

Continue reading "Little Tikes Recalls Another 1.7 Million Toy Workshop and Tool Sets Over Choking Hazard" »

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a warning that as the number of coin-sized batteries used increases, so do the number of injuries and deaths. Seniors and toddlers are most at risk of accidentally swallowing the button batteries. CPSC is asking battery manufacturers and the electronics industry to develop industry standards and warnings to address safety concerns. Our products liability lawyers would like to remind you that failure to find a way to remove/remedy/warn about a safety hazard can be grounds for a lawsuit if injuries result.

According to a recent button-battery linked deaths and injuries have gone up seven-fold since 1985. In most incidents, the culprit is 3 volt batteries that are at least 20 mm in diameter. Dr. Toby Litovitz of the National Capital Poison Center conducted the study.

The disc-sized batteries become dangerous when swallowed. If they don't get stuck in the throat, they may make their way all the way down to the intestine. Bodily fluids can cause the battery to release an electrical discharge that can cause chemical burns. Other injuries have included damage to the esophagus and the appearance of a whole between the trachea and esophagus.

Button batteries are used in thousands of products found in the home and are easy to for kids to access in toys, remote controls, games, and other products and appliances. CPSC says parents often don't realize that their toddler has swallowed a button battery, thinking that he/she just has a stomach ache, cough, sore throat, or fever. Over 60% of cases are initially diagnosed. Last year, the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery published the work of Stanley J. Kimball of Mount Carmel Health System. In his study of 10 pediatric patients who accidentally swallowed a button battery between 1998 and 2008, he found that treatment usually occurred anywhere between 6 hours to 30 days of the baby swallowing the battery.

CPSC Warns: As Button Battery Use Increases, So Do Battery-Related Injuries and Deaths, CPSC, March 23, 2011

Swallowed "button" batteries cause severe injuries in babies, Baby Center, September 20, 2010

Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery

National Capital Poison Center

Continue reading "Number of Button Battery-Linked Deaths and Injuries Rising, Says CPSC" »

It's only the 5th of the month and already the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled more than 140,000 products that pose a child injury risk. The first recall, issued voluntarily with Infantino LLC, involves approximately 40,500 Troy the Activity Trucks. The toy is a possible choking hazard.

The recall comes following 28 reports of the plastic beads detaching from the truck's bead runs. At least two young children have gagged on the beads. The toy should be taken away from the child immediately. Infantino will provide a free replacement toy to those who ask.

In the recall issued this morning, CPSC and Arm's Reach Concepts Inc. are recalling approximately 76,000 Infant Bed-Side Sleepers. The announcement about the sleepers comes following several reports of babies falling from the raised mattress onto the bottom of the sleeper or getting entrapped between the side of the sleeper and the edge of the mattress.

The sleeper can become a fall hazard if the fabric liner isn't securely attached or not in use because that's when the child is at risk of falling from the raised mattress. Should the baby get entrapped in the side of the sleeper, he/she could suffocate. CPSC wants consumers to stop download assembly instructions from the Arms Reach Web site and make sure that the sleeper is properly configured before allowing a child to use it again.

Also, today, the CPSC and Key Baby LLC recalled about 29,000 Pampers® Natural Stages Infant Ortho and Bulb Pacifiers. These pacifiers are a choking hazard to children. No injuries have been reported so far.

Entrapment, choking, falling, and suffocation are some of the more common causes of child injuries and deaths involving consumer products. Manufacturers are supposed to make sure that their products are free from any defects that could cause serious injuries—especially to infants and young children who usually don't know how to protect themselves from such hazards.

It is important that you speak with our child injury law firm and request your free consultation. You may have grounds for a products liability case against a negligent manufacturer, seller, or distributor.

Unfortunately sometimes a dangerous or defective product isn't recalled until after someone has already gotten hurt.

Toy Truck Recalled for Choking Hazard, Chesire Patch, April 4, 2011

Arm's Reach recalls infant bedside sleepers, ABC Local, April 5, 2011

Key Baby Pampers Natural Stages Infant Ortho and Bulb Stage 1 Pacifiers, Parenting.com, April 5, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Consumer Product Safety Commission

Product Hazards, Kids in Danger

Parenting

If you will recall, in November, our products liability law firm reported that the Consumer Product Safety Commission had put out a warning for people to be careful when using baby monitors that aren't wireless because the electrical cord can pose a strangulation hazard to kids. Now, following the deaths of two babies from this very cause, the CPSC and Summer Infant are recalling 1.7 million baby monitors so that better instructions can be provided for how to properly use these devices so that children remain safe.

Several deaths have been linked to corded baby monitors, including the death last March of a 10-month old girl who died in a Washington DC strangulation accident involving her Summer Infant's electrical cord. The baby monitor had been placed on top of her crib's rail. In November, the CPSC learned about a 6-month-old who died in a South Carolina strangulation accident that also involved the electrical cord of his Summer Infant monitor. Another boy, 20 months, almost died when his Summer Infant cord ended up around his neck. Now, the CPSC is urging parents and guardians to make sure that the baby monitors are kept far enough away from babies that there is no way they can reach for or get close to the electrical cord.

Even if a product doesn't malfunction or have some design flaw, if it is causing serious injury or death, then it may be a dangerous product that should be recalled. Inadequate operating instructions and warnings can warrant a products liability case if inclusion of better warnings and more complete directions could have prevented an injury or a death from happening.

Over 40 different models of Summer Infant baby monitors, including those with digital, handheld, and color monitors, are included in the recall. Summer Infant is also recalling the rechargeable batteries found in another 58,000 baby video monitors that were sold only at Babies R Us in between 2009 and 2010 because they may cause burn injuries.

Two Strangulation Deaths Prompt Summer Infant to Recall Video Baby Monitors with Cords; Firm to Provide New On-Product Label & Instructions, CPSC, February 11, 2011

Video baby monitors recalled for strangulation hazard, Reuters/Yahoo, February 11, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Summer Infant

Strangulation Hazards, Family Education

Related Blog Posts:
CPSC Warns About Infant Sleep Positioners and Baby Monitor Cords Following Several Deaths, Product Liability Law Blog, November 11, 2010

Strangulation, Choking, and Fall Hazards Prompt Recall of Baby Walkers, Clothing, and Books, Product Liability Law Blog, April 17, 2010

1-Year-Old's Strangulation Death Leads to Recall of 670,000 IKEA Blinds, Product Liability Law Blog, November 21, 2008

Continue reading "1.7M Summer Infant Video Baby Monitors Recalled Following Two Child Deaths" »

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling more than 2 million cribs because of the hazards they may pose to children. Included in the recall are cribs made by Evenflo, LaJobi, Child Craft, Million Dollar Baby, Jardine Enterprises, Delta Enterprises Corp, and Simmons Juvenile Products Inc. The cribs were made between 2000 and 2009.

To date, no fatalities have been linked to the recalled cribs. However, there are about 250 reports of drop-side detachment and failure incidents, as well as at least 16 child entrapment accidents.

The Recalled Cribs:
750,000 Jenny Lind Cribs by Evenflo: Drop-side hazards can place a toddler at risk of getting hurt or dying from crib entrapment, suffocation, strangulation, or fall accidents. 31 reports cite drop-side malfunctions and detachment, which have resulted in at least 7 injuries.

Approximately 306,000 Bonavita, Babi Italia, and ISSI drop-side cribs: 40 reports of malfunction and detachment incidents have been filed. One child got hurt during a crib fall accident.

40,000 – 50,000 Child Craft "Crib 'N' Double Bed" stationary-side Cribs and an unknown number of Child Craft drop-side cribs: If the stationary side of the "Crib 'N' Double Bed" is assembled upside down, a dangerous gap at the top of the crib can be created, placing infants and toddlers at risk of crib entrapment. Four entrapment accidents have been reported. Two of the kids were reportedly in danger of strangulation. The CPSC has received seven reports of drop-side failure that have resulted in one entrapment accident and one fall accident. Child Craft is no longer in operation.

Approximately 156,000 Million Dollar Baby drop-side cribs: There have been 43 reports of drop-side-related incidents, including 8 entrapment accidents and 3 fall accidents.

Approximately 747,000 Delta drop-side cribs and all drop-side and fixed Delta cribs that come with wooden stabilizer bars: If the wooden is installed upside down, a mattress support hazard can be created, which increases the risk of entrapment accidents. 57 drop-side related incidents have been reported. The CPSC knows of 19 stabilizer bar incidents that have caused 10 mattress platform collapses and at least 3 resulting injuries.

All (about 13,000) Jardine Enterprise drop-side cribs: At least 47 drop-side incidents have occurred. One child who became entrapped fell unconscious and was hospitalized. Nine other entrapment accidents have resulted in injuries, including a broken collarbone.

Approximately 50,000 Simmons Easy Side drop-side cribs: CPSC has received reports of 30 drop-side incidents resulting in 2 entrapment accidents and 3 fall accidents.

The companies involved in this latest recall are offering consumers free repair kits to fix the crib defects. Do NOT try to fix these cribs without a kit.

Recent Recalls, CPSC

Feds recall another 2 million drop-side cribs, Chicago Tribune, June 25, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Feds Ending Manufacture of Drop-Side Cribs, CBS News, May 10, 2010

Dangerous Kids, Kids in Danger

Continue reading "Delta Enterprise, LaJobi, Evenflo, and Jardine Enterprises Among the More than 2 Million Cribs Recalled Over Drop-Side Issues and Other Hazards" »

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled a number of products this month because of the injuries to children that they may pose. Although recalls are a proactive step toward preventing personal injuries and wrongful deaths, it is not acceptable to expose children and babies to hazards because a manufacturer made a product that was poorly designed or developed flaws during production.

On Thursday, the CPSC recalled about 200 Le Hing Inc. baby walkers. Made for babies in the 6 months and older age range, the walkers are able to fit through standard doorways and do not automatically stop upon reaching the edge of a step. The lack of safeguards to prevent either of these can cause serious injury or death.

No injuries or deaths have been reported to date, but the CPSC says that babies should stop using these walkers immediately.

The week before, the CPSC and 5 Star Apparel LLC recalled about 11,500 Mecca Children's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings because the drawstrings on the hood pose a strangulation hazard. So far, there have been no reports of deaths or injuries from the hazardous clothing. However, the CPSC wants boys and girls to stop wearing the jackets immediately. Buyers can either get rid of the drawstrings or return the jackets to the store for a full refund.

On April 6, the CPSC and Health Canada recalled about 15,965 Gund Baby Paperboard Books because the Styrofoam in the book binding can come off, posing an aspiration/choking hazard to infants and young kids. Gund has three reports on file of incidents involving kids putting the Styrofoam in their mouths. To date, no injuries have been reported.

Injuries to Children Involving Products Liability
Infants and young children are often vulnerable to serious injuries and deaths when exposed to dangerous products. Unfortunately, defective products-related accidents involving choking, strangulation, asphyxiation, falls, entrapment, and lead poisoning claim too many lives each year. Many of these tragic accidents could have been prevented if only the manufacturer hadn't been negligent.

Le Hing Inc. Announces Recall of Baby Walkers Due to Fall Hazard, CPSC, April 15, 2010

Recalls: children's hooded jackets, chests, tables, Associated Press, April 8, 2010

Baby Book Recall, WITN, April 7, 2010

Continue reading "Strangulation, Choking, and Fall Hazards Prompt Recall of Baby Walkers, Clothing, and Books" »