Parker Waichman LLP

Legal Restrictions on Releasing Dangerous Products Information

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – As reported online by www.news4jax.com, a Consumer Reports investigation uncovers legal restrictions that make it difficult for the government to share information with consumers about dangerous and potentially deadly products. A Consumer Reports investigation reveals that the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the government agency responsible for regulating the safety […]

Consumer Reports Investigation Reveals Legal Restrictions on Releasing Dangerous Products Information

Consumer Reports Reveals Legal Restrictions

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – As reported online by www.news4jax.com, a Consumer Reports investigation uncovers legal restrictions that make it difficult for the government to share information with consumers about dangerous and potentially deadly products.

A Consumer Reports investigation reveals that the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the government agency responsible for regulating the safety of consumer products, is limited in what information it can release to the public about defective and dangerous products.

The Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play infant sleepers are just one example of how information about injuries and death related to the infant sleepers did not reach consumers until recently as millions of infant sleepers were recalled.  The infant sleepers have been linked to numerous infant deaths involving asphyxiation from infants turning to their stomachs while in the sleepers.

Under Section 6-B of the Consumer Product Safety Act, the CPSC is required, in most cases, to get the permission of a manufacturer before releasing information about certain products, even when the information about those products relates to injuries or deaths.  As such, the CPSC may have known about infant deaths for years, but was unable to share this information with the public without the permission of Fisher-Price and other manufacturers of infant sleepers linked to deaths.

Another example involves certain Ikea dressers that were recalled in 2016 for posing a risk of injury or death to customers, especially children.  Consumers were not aware of deaths and dozens of injuries dating back to 1989 until the 2016 recall.  The CPSC was aware of the injuries and deaths linked to the Ikea dressers, but could not share information about such injuries and deaths without the permission of Ikea.

The most recent example involves Britax BOB jogging strollers.  It took seven years for the company to provide a fix to the jogging strollers, which was linked to nearly 100 injuries.  The jogging strollers have still not been recalled.  The CPSC was aware of the injuries linked to the BOB jogging strollers, but could not share information about these injuries without the permission of Britax.

Given that the CPSC was essentially prevented from sharing important safety information with consumers, Consumer Reports is urging lawmakers to repeal Section 6-B of the Consumer Product Safety Act.


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
Mom died as a result of nursing home negligence.The general consensus was that she was old and near death anyway...so,not worth much monetarily!!!The people at Parker Waichman felt otherwise.They handled the case and treated my sister and myself as though we were their ONLY clients.We were most fortunate to meet the AMAZING Cybele Louis and her team....Stephanie San Filippo and Cindy Custodio.They were sensitive to the needs of our family but also tough with our awful opponents!!!! They accomplished more in a few short months than had been done in six years!!!! I also thank the reception crew who took my endless calls!!!!(Special thanks to Stephanie for putting up with my rants!!!!)
Gail Ratigan
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I liked how they treated me today, excellent service, keep it up I give you 5 stars, Jorge, Julie, Maryann deserve it
Alexander Morales
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Gina Viti could not have been more professional and responsive at a most difficult time.
Colleen Clark
3 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