The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of more than 117,000 mattresses due to a violation of mandatory federal flammability regulations. The recall includes all sizes and thicknesses of the Nap Queen Sleep Victoria Cooling Gel and Pocket Coil Hybrid Mattresses manufactured before October 2023. These mattresses, sold in stores and online by retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Wayfair, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Napqueensleep.com, pose a serious fire hazard to consumers.
Details of the Recalled Mattresses
The recalled mattresses are single-sided with a white knit top panel quilted with wavy diamonds and a black woven quilted side panel. The top and bottom edges are black with yellow stitching. Each mattress cover has a label featuring “Nap Queen Sleep,” “Victoria Hybrid,” along with the model number and manufacture date. The specific model numbers included in the recall are:
- NQ691011
- NQ691015
- NQ691021
- NQ691031
- NQ691041
- NQ691211
- NQ691215
- NQ691221
- NQ691231
- NQ691241
- NQ69811
- NQ69815
- NQ69821
- NQ69831
- NQ69841
These mattresses were sold from February 2020 through October 2023, with retail prices ranging between $160 and $375.
Health and Safety Risks
The primary concern with the recalled mattresses is their failure to meet federal flammability standards. Non-compliant mattresses can ignite easily and burn rapidly, posing a severe risk of fire. In the event of a fire, the increased flammability can lead to faster spread and more intense burns, endangering lives and property.
Fire-related injuries can be devastating, resulting in severe burns, smoke inhalation, and even fatalities. Additionally, survivors of such incidents may suffer from long-term health issues, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens due to medical expenses and property damage.
Legal Recourse for Affected Consumers
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Nap Queen Sleep Victoria Cooling Gel and Pocket Coil Hybrid Mattresses have the right to seek compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Such legal actions aim to hold manufacturers accountable for producing unsafe products and to secure damages for those harmed by their negligence.
The Lawsuit Process and the Importance of Legal Representation
To initiate a product liability lawsuit, consumers must establish that the recalled mattress directly caused their injuries or posed a significant risk to their safety. This process involves gathering evidence such as proof of purchase, medical records, and any related communications with the manufacturer or retailer. An experienced attorney can assist in compiling this evidence and building a strong case.
The lawsuit process typically begins with a consultation with a personal injury attorney who specializes in product liability cases. The attorney will evaluate the case, advise on the best course of action, and file a complaint to initiate legal proceedings. The discovery phase follows, during which both parties exchange information and gather further evidence. Settlement negotiations may occur at any point during this process, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial.
Navigating the complexities of a product liability lawsuit requires the expertise of a skilled attorney. Legal representation ensures that consumers’ rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses. An attorney can handle all aspects of the case, from gathering evidence and filing paperwork to negotiating with insurers and representing the victim in court.
Potential Damages in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Damages recovered in a product liability lawsuit for recalled mattresses can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages. These damages aim to compensate the victims for their losses and to hold the responsible parties accountable.