Safety Commission Reiterates Alert on Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleepers Recall
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is restating its advice to parents and caregivers to avoid all versions of Fisher-Price’s Rock ‘n Play sleepers, a product designed to comfort and lull babies to sleep.
On Monday, the safety body reiterated its warning, coming nearly three years after the initial recall of the Rock ‘n Play sleepers in April 2019.
This recall pertains to an estimated 4.7 million sleeper units, many of which were purchased between 2009 and 2019 from prominent retailers like Target and Walmart, as well as online marketplaces such as Amazon.
The initial 2019 recall was prompted by 30 reported infant deaths linked to the Rock ‘n Play sleepers. The infants allegedly “rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.” Since the first recall notice, the CPSC has received reports of at least 70 additional deaths associated with the sleepers.
Both recall notices include the statement, “Fisher-Price notes that in some of the reports, it has been unable to confirm the incidents’ circumstances or that the product was a Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.”
In response to the recall, Fisher-Price halted the sales of the sleepers and initiated measures to withdraw the product from the market.
The federal agency urges parents to steer clear of inclined sleepers, pointing out the 73 reported infant deaths. In the wake of the initial recall, a congressional investigation was set into motion.
In June 2021, the House Oversight Committee released its findings. The report claimed that Fisher-Price “disregarded multiple red flags indicating that the Rock ‘n Play was unsafe for infant sleep, including reports of infant injuries and deaths,” as stated by the then committee chair, former Rep. Carolyn Maloney.
When approached for comments, Fisher-Price told “GMA” it had no new statement regarding the issue, but in June 2021, it told ABC News that product safety is its topmost priority and extended its deepest condolences to all bereaved families.
A Fisher-Price spokesperson stated, “The Rock ‘n Play Sleeper was conceived and crafted after extensive research, medical advice, safety assessment, and over a year of testing and review. It complied with or surpassed all relevant regulatory standards. As recently as 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposed to adopt the ASTM voluntary standard for a 30-degree angled inclined sleeper as federal law.”
Fisher-Price has previously had to issue safety notices for other rocker models, and in June 2022, it advised consumers to stop using their Infant-to-Toddler and Newborn-to-Toddler rockers for sleep.
Monday also saw Kids2 re-issue a recall for its rocking sleepers, which were originally recalled in April 2019, in addition to the Fisher-Price recall.
The CPSC advises parents to discontinue using the Rock ‘n Play immediately, adding that consumers can contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher.
Legal Recourse for Bereaved Families: Filing Wrongful Death Claims
For families who have unfortunately lost a child due to the use of these faulty sleepers, the pathway to justice and potential compensation could involve a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims are legal proceedings that seek to hold negligent entities accountable for death resulting from their wrongful act or omission.
If a child’s death can be directly linked to the use of the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper, and it can be proven that the product’s failure was the direct cause of the tragedy, a wrongful death claim could potentially be established. This legal action would be aimed at proving that the faulty sleeper was a direct and proximate cause of the child’s death.
A successful wrongful death claim can result in compensation for numerous damages. These might include medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of love and companionship.
However, wrongful death claims often involve a complex legal process that requires a thorough understanding of product liability laws. For families considering this route, consulting with one of our experienced product liability or wrongful death lawyers is vital. Our Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper lawsuit attorneys can provide valuable guidance on the strength of the claim, assist with the collection of necessary evidence, and advise on the most effective course of action.
In the aftermath of such a tragic loss, it’s crucial that companies like Fisher-Price are held accountable for any potential shortcomings of their products. A wrongful death claim offers families the compensation they deserve, and can be a strong deterrent that prevents similar incidents in the future.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous products. For your free consultation, contact our national Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper lawsuit law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).