Parker Waichman LLP

Recalls Not Enough to Keep Products Off the Market

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is urging federal safety regulators to stop the sale of secondhand products recalled for potentially deadly flaws.

This move comes after her office discovered over 400 recalled bassinets for sale in secondhand venues, primarily Craigslist.  The bassinets, sold under the Simplicity, Graco, and Winnie the Pooh labels, all contain defective designs […]

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is urging federal safety regulators to stop the sale of secondhand products recalled for potentially deadly flaws.

This move comes after her office discovered over 400 recalled <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/simplicity_graco_crib_recall">bassinets for sale in secondhand venues, primarily Craigslist.  The bassinets, sold under the Simplicity, Graco, and Winnie the Pooh labels, all contain defective designs that caused the deaths of two babies.

We have long been reporting on what Madigan’s investigation revealed:  A key flaw in the process of recalling dangerous consumer products.  Quite simply, recalls are only as good as the information provided and the follow-up action taken.  If someone in the purchasing chain—consumers, retailers, and resellers—does not receive the appropriate information and cannot act on it, a dangerous, recalled product can end up in a consumer’s possession.  

Five of Madigan’s staffers reviewed over 300 nationwide Craigslist sites, contacting all of those people who were attempting to sell recalled bassinets.  Staffers helped sellers secure refunds when stores initially refused to take the products back.  Madigan staffers relayed their concerns to the Craigslist corporate office; however, they received no response according to Cara Smith, Madigan’s deputy chief of staff.

Some of the issues involved store managers disputing that the recalled items had been recalled or demanded that bassinet owners provide proof that recalled items were purchased there, no easy task for many of the consumers since many of the bassinets were given as gifts or purchased years ago for a different child and few families saved the original packaging affixed with bar codes.

In announcing a large crib recall in August, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) listed retailers who would provide store credits or cash refunds to consumers who returned the bassinets; however, the CPSC did not advise consumer how to figure out—using product model numbers—from where the items were originally purchased.  Madigan’s office worked with retailers and secured such a list, spending hours haggling with stores to refund consumers their money.  Although Madigan’s staff turned to the CPSC upon occasion for assistance, the CPSC did not provide any help.  As a matter-of-fact, Smith called the CPSC recall hot line for assistance with a consumer in Alaska who was unable to get any store to take back her bassinet because the store where she originally purchased the item had closed.  According to Smith, the CPSC hot-line operator told her she was “out of luck.”

Meanwhile, CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese defended its current strategy in the secondhand market and said that the CPSC has worked with eBay, Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and others to stop recalled products from being sold.  Vallese also claimed local CPSC field offices also check Craigslist; however, the mere fact that Madigan’s staff was able to find so many potentially deadly bassinets means the CPSC strategy apparently isn’t working, countered Smith.  Not one single consumer contacted by Madigan’s office had heard about the recall.

”The issuance of a recall is like a starting gun,” Smith said. The follow-through, she added, is what counts.

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
Michele Josama Has been an Amazing Help, I appreciate all she has done!! Her customers service is 100%.
Angee Hammond
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Excellent law firm. I never had to leave the house. The researchers went to both the hospital and my own home to collect all the required information and followed up on the entire process. Don't make a bad decision by choosing this firm. The solution was convenient and quite fast compared to other nearby experiences. Linda and Jorge were very attentive to the entire process and were very concerned about a prompt resolution. Many thanks to your firm and your excellent secretaries and legal representatives Linda and Jorge from the Parker Waichman LLP firm. Congratulations on your efficient service.
Cristal N. Aguasvivas
a week ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Excellent customer service provided by Nicole. Very strong communication, providing updates and good follow ups. Overall very good experience dealing with PW; Nicole was very professional and always had a great attitude.
Sonia Castro
a month 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