Parents have enough to worry about without the additional concern regarding the safety of a crib. However, over the last couple of years, parents have a reason to be anxious, as millions of cribs have been recalled after major defects were identified. These defective cribs led to serious injuries, even death of young children. Manufacturers owe a responsibility to consumers to provide cribs that are free from defects.
Simplicity Cribs Recalled After Two Deaths
In 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled approximately 1 million Simplicity cribs after two babies died from a defect contained in the crib. It was discovered after the cribs had been distributed to the masses that the drop-side had the potential to detach from the crib, which could cause a dangerous gap and lead to the entrapment and suffocation of infants. A 9-month-old child and a 6-month-old child were killed in Simplicity cribs and the CPSC was also aware of seven infant entrapments and 55 incidents caused by this product.
Delta Enterprise Drop Side Cribs Recalled Following an Infant’s Death
In 2008, the CPSC cooperated with Delta Enterprise, Corp. to recall 985,000 drop side cribs. It was discovered that there were missing safety pegs. According to the press release sent out by the CPSC, “failure to use or install safety pegs can cause an entrapment and suffocation risk to infants and toddlers.” If the safety pegs were not installed in the base of each crib leg from the lower track, the crib locks could disengage and detach if lowered below the peg hole, which could create a dangerous gap. The gap could cause entrapment or suffocation of an infant or toddler. An 8-month-old infant was entrapped and suffocated when the drop side of the crib detached. There were two other reports of entrapment of young children and nine disengagement incidents.
Stork Craft Baby Cribs Recalled After Toddler Injured
In 2009, the CPSC announced a recall of more than 500,000 Stork Craft baby cribs following the discovery that the metal support brackets used to support the mattress could crack and break. It was found that if one or more of the support brackets broke, the mattress could collapse and create a hazardous gap between the mattress and crib rails. A young child could become entrapped and suffocate. There were 10 reported incidents of the mattress supports breaking. One report was received of a toddler who sustained bruises to his forehead and another report of a child who became entrapped in the gap.
If your child has been injured by a defective crib, you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible. Manufacturers are strictly liable for their products and have a duty to make sure that their products are safe before placing them on the market. Contact the Florida mass tort lawyers today at the Law Offices of Lilly, O’Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 for legal advice.