Trusted Baby Brand Sent Dangerous Product to Market
June 9, 2021
Nothing is more important than your child’s safety. Unfortunately, Mattel Inc.’s Fisher-Price unit – a subsidiary specifically known for their children’s toys and baby products – knowingly sent a dangerous product to market.
Continue reading to find out what happened.
What Happened
The Rock ‘n Play baby sleeper was introduced back in 2009 and was pulled from market in 2019 after more than 30 infant deaths were reported. Sadly, that number would grow to 90. These deaths usually occurred after babies flipped over to their stomachs and resulted in accidental asphyxiation.
Prior to being sent to market in 2009, though, Fisher-Price’s internal safety committee warned them multiple times that further research was needed before moving forward. According to an investigation conducted by the Washington Post, Fisher-Price supposedly only consulted one family physician about the safety of the product before sending it to market.
This consultation was in lieu of conducting clinical research that the product was safe for families to use. Instead, Fisher-Price claimed that the sleeper was safe for overnight use despite a lack of evidence that sleeping in an angled position was even safe.
Mattel Execs Testify Before the House
On Monday, June 7th, Mattel executives testified before the congressional committee to reveal the steps they took over the years to ensure the product’s safety. According to senior vice president and general manager, Chuck Scothon and Chief Executive Officer, Ynon Kreiz, the Rock ‘n Play sleeper was safe when parents followed the safety instructions, but nonetheless tragic. Mr. Scothon even went on to say that he had purchased the Rock n’ Play for his own friends and family because he believed “that every product we [Fisher-Price] offer is safe.”
Kreiz concluded, “we will not hesitate to recall a product when we determine that a recall is in consumers’ best interests.” His words could not have had better timing considering how two more Mattel products — the 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother and 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider — were recalled last week. Like the Rock ‘n Play, these two products allowed babies to lie in an inclined position. Four babies tragically died while using the Rock ‘n Glide Soother after rolling over onto their stomach.
Contact A Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Defective Product Case In Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a defective product in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured because of defective products in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Western PA counties. Call (412) 766-1455 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
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