Preventing Crib Entrapment, Suffocation, and Fall Accidents: CPSC Chief Vows to Ban Drop-Side Cribs

The head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is vowing to ban the sale and manufacture of drop-side cribs. The promise comes in the wake of at least 32 child deaths linked to drop-side cribs over the past 10 years. While the CPSC has recalled over 7 million drop-side cribs following reports ofinjuries to children and wrongful deaths, crib manufacturers and sellers have failed to get rid of the defects that make these cribs so dangerous.
Just yesterday, with the cooperation of C&T International/Sorelle, the CPSC recalled about 170,00 drop-side cribs. The cribs can pose a hazard in the event that the drop-side hardware becomes disengaged from the tracks and the drop side detaches. Full-sized C&T International, Sorelle and Golden Baby wood cribs are included in the recall.
This latest recall comes following reports of 104 drop-side/crib slat detachment incidents. Six babies sustained abrasions and bruises on different parts of their bodies when they fell or became entrapped. Five infants who were involved in fall accidents and crib entrapment incidents were rescued before any injuries could occur.
Now, CPSC Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum is saying that enough is enough. In addition to the 32 fatalities caused by suffocation or strangulation in a crib, 14 other entrapment fatalities may also have occurred because of drop-side failures. Granted, major crib manufacturers have consented to a voluntary ban on drop-side cribs. However, this isn’t the same has having to obey a federal safety standard that bans these cribs.
Drop-Side Crib Dangers
Drop-side or crib slat detachment can create an opening between the crib mattress and the drop-side that infants and toddlers can get stuck in. Crib entrapment can cause suffocation and/or strangulation if the baby isn’t rescued immediately. A child can also get hurts if the drop side comes off completely or collapses, making it easy for a toddler to fall onto the ground.
This defect can be grounds for a products liability lawsuit if a child gets hurt because of a flaw in the crib design or materials.
Federal safety regulator pledges to ban drop-side cribs, Los Angeles Times, May 8, 2010
C&T International/Sorelle Recalls Cribs Due to Strangulation and Suffocation Hazards, CPSC, May 6, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Crib safety tips, Consumer Reports
Choosing a Crib, Healthy Children

Contact our furniture product liability lawyers today.

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