Parker Waichman LLP

Jackets Sold at TJ Maxx Recalled for Drawstring Hazard

Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Maran Inc., of North Bergen, New Jersey, announced a voluntary recall of about 6,000 Squeeze Kids Girl’s Corduroy Jackets due to a strangulation hazard. Maran’s Squeeze Kids Girl’s Corduroy Jackets were manufactured in China and sold exclusively at TJ Maxx retail stores nationwide during […]

Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Maran Inc., of North Bergen, New Jersey, announced a voluntary <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/product_liability">recall of about 6,000 Squeeze Kids Girl’s Corduroy Jackets due to a strangulation hazard.

Maran’s Squeeze Kids Girl’s Corduroy Jackets were manufactured in China and sold exclusively at TJ Maxx retail stores nationwide during January 2007.  The jackets retailed for about $13.  The Squeeze Kids Girl’s Corduroy Jackets have a drawstring that runs through the hood, which poses a strangulation hazard to children.  The recalled jackets are made of brown corduroy with a pink hood and pink sequins on the front pockets.  The words “Squeeze Kids” and style number 4JZ642FK are printed on the care label sewn into the back collar area.  Recalled sweatshirts were sold in girls’ sizes small (7/8), medium (10), large (12/14) and x-large (16).

Consumers are advised to immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard or to return the garments to the place where purchased or to Maran Inc. for a refund.  Maran Inc. can be contacted toll-free at (866) 431-5698 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or at its Website at www.Sqz.com

Meanwhile, several firms that sold children’s clothing with drawstrings that posed a strangulation hazard have agreed to pay a total of $320,000 in fines.  These firms failed to report to the CPSC—as required by federal law—that their children’s hooded sweatshirts or jackets were sold with drawstrings at the hood and neck.  Since April 1, 2007, there have been 17 recalls of over 190,000 units of children’s clothing because of drawstrings in the hood or neck.  This, despite the existence of an 11-year old voluntary industry standard that instructs manufacturers not to use drawstrings in the neck area of children’s outerwear and to ensure drawstrings at the waist are of a certain length, have no toggles or knots, and are sewn in the back so they can’t move.  The CPSC has similar guidelines on the books and both New York and Wisconsin have made the standard mandatory.

Still, the guidelines are routinely ignored by the clothing industry and that attitude has had deadly consequences.  From January 1985 through January 1999, the CPSC received reports of 22 deaths and 48 non-fatal entanglement incidents involving drawstrings on children’s clothing.

The CPSC can take action if it sees voluntary standards being flouted, which includes levying fines, which it did in the case of eight firms–Life is Good Inc., True Religion Apparel Inc., The Cayre Group Ltd., DollarDays International, LLC, Kohl’s Department Stores Inc., Seena International Inc., Gildan Activewear SRL, and Neiman Marcus Group Inc—that did not report hazardous drawstring clothing to the agency.  Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers report dangerous products to the CPSC within 24 hours after learning that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial risk of injury to the public, presents an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates a federal safety standards.

Most recently, in April, Brents-Riordan Inc. LLC, of Shreveport, Louisiana, recalled 7,400 hooded youth sweatshirts and jackets due to similar strangulation hazards.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Benita Rollis for the exemplary manner in which my case was handled from the inception to the end. Ms. Rollis was compassionate, friendly, understanding, professional, accurate, informative and patient. She took the time and effort to explain the process, timeline, the various documents involved and how to go about obtaining certain forms. She was definitely on point. If I had to go this route again, I would hands down, choose and highly recommend Ms. Rollis because she is highly competent in getting the job done. She is a definite asset to Parker Waichman LLP. On behalf of myself and my family we thank you for a job well done. Be well and be blessed. Margarita R. Mitchell
Margarita Mitchell
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Nicole Copertino is the BEST. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She give a clear understanding of your claim and takes the time to give a caring extra moment if u need it. Which means a lot.
NINA DEAN
2 weeks ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Ms christina morace was wonderful, she answered all my questions and concerns
Anita Grayson
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038