Fisher-Price infant swings and sleepers have come under intense scrutiny due to tragic incidents involving infant fatalities. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Fisher-Price and its parent company, Mattel, alleging that the company failed to provide adequate warnings and recall dangerous products in a timely manner. The Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, in particular, has been linked to dozens of infant deaths due to suffocation and positional asphyxia.
If you or a loved one has experienced the devastating loss of a child due to a defective Fisher-Price product, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death or product liability lawsuit.
Fisher-Price Product Recalls and Safety Concerns
Fisher-Price has recalled several products due to their association with infant injuries and fatalities, including:
Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper
- Recalled in 2019 after being linked to over 100 infant deaths.
- Infants were found to have rolled onto their stomachs while unrestrained, causing positional asphyxia (inability to breathe due to body positioning).
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned parents and caregivers about the dangers of allowing babies to sleep at an incline.
Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider
- Recalled in 2021 following reports of four infant deaths related to suffocation hazards.
- The CPSC urged manufacturers to create safer products for infants and comply with new safety standards.
Other Fisher-Price Products Under Scrutiny
- Rockers and swings with inclined surfaces continue to raise safety concerns.
- Products with inadequate harness systems may pose a risk of infants falling or becoming trapped.
How These Products Cause Harm
The design flaws in Fisher-Price products are linked to suffocation, positional asphyxia, and entrapment hazards. Many of the recalled products feature inclined sleeping surfaces, which are unsafe for infants. When infants roll over or slump forward, their airways can become obstructed, leading to breathing difficulties or death.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep on flat, firm surfaces without restraints to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
Legal Basis for a Fisher-Price Infant Death Lawsuit
Families affected by the tragic loss of a child due to defective Fisher-Price products may have grounds to file a product liability and wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits typically allege:
Design Defect
The products were inherently dangerous due to their inclined sleeping surfaces, which posed a significant risk of suffocation.
Failure to Warn
Fisher-Price is accused of failing to provide adequate warnings about the dangers associated with its products. The lawsuits claim that the company knew or should have known about the risks but did not inform consumers.
Negligence
The company may be found negligent for failing to conduct proper safety testing or ignoring reports of infant injuries and fatalities.
Breach of Warranty
By marketing its products as safe for infants, Fisher-Price may have breached its implied warranty of safety and fitness for use.
Compensation Available in a Fisher-Price Infant Death Lawsuit
Families affected by defective Fisher-Price products may be entitled to substantial compensation for their losses. Damages may include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses – Covers any medical treatment provided before the infant’s death.
- Funeral and burial costs – Compensation for expenses related to the funeral and burial services.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the emotional trauma and grief experienced by the family.
- Loss of companionship – Recognizing the loss of love, companionship, and affection.
- Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, and PTSD resulting from the tragic loss.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish Fisher-Price and deter similar behavior in the future.
How a California Product Liability Lawyer Can Help
Filing a lawsuit against a large company like Fisher-Price can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with grief and loss. An experienced California product liability lawyer can:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding your child’s death.
- Gather evidence of design defects, company negligence, and prior incidents.
- Consult with medical and safety experts to strengthen your case.
- Negotiate with Fisher-Price and its insurers for a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if necessary to fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Having a skilled attorney by your side can help lighten the burden during such a difficult time and ensure your family receives justice.
Recent Fisher-Price Settlements and Lawsuits
Several high-profile lawsuits against Fisher-Price have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements. While many cases are still pending, some recent settlements include:
- $12 million settlement for a family whose infant died due to positional asphyxia in a Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.
- $10.5 million settlement involving multiple infant deaths linked to inclined sleeping products.
- $8 million settlement for wrongful death related to the Soothe ‘n Play Glider.
These settlements highlight the importance of legal representation in holding companies accountable for dangerous products.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death and Product Liability Lawsuits
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing wrongful death and product liability claims:
- Two years from the date of the child’s death for wrongful death lawsuits.
- Two years from the injury for product liability claims.
- Six months for claims against public entities if the product was used in a publicly owned facility.
Failing to meet these deadlines can bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s crucial to contact a California product liability lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock?
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, we are committed to helping families affected by defective products recover the compensation they deserve. We offer:
- Decades of experience handling product liability and wrongful death cases.
- Access to top safety and medical experts to support your case.
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to your family’s unique situation.
- Aggressive representation to fight for maximum compensation.
Contact a California Fisher-Price Lawsuit Lawyer Today
If you have lost a child due to Fisher-Price’s Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, Soothe ‘n Play Glider, or similar products, you don’t have to face this tragedy alone. A California Fisher-Price lawsuit lawyer can help you hold the company accountable and secure the justice your family deserves.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice.
References
- Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2019). Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Recall. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Infant Sleep Safety Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Positional Asphyxia and Infant Sleep Risks. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov
