As Published By
ALAN S. RIPKA, ESQUIRE
When you have a baby, the last thing you want to think about is whether the crib you purchased is safe – especially whether or not your drop-side crib will injure your child or even cause your child’s death. Cribs are meant to be a safe haven for your newborn, and should create a sense of security, warmth, and fun for your infant. A parent should be assured that when they turn their back to answer a phone call or cook a meal that their baby will be safe and sound, smiling and cooing (or sleeping) upon return. It is simply devastating to believe that a baby’s first world could be that of danger, and that the thought of finding your baby trapped and suffocating, or potentially dying, could ever become a reality when purchasing, setting up, and placing your newborn in the crib.
Recent news has instilled fear in parents’ hearts. On January 19,2010, the CPSC recalled Dorel Asia drop-side cribs that have resulted in suffocation and death of infants. Less than a year before, on July 2, 2009, around 400,000 Simplicity drop-side cribs were recalled for the same reason as well.
The death of a 6-month-old child, who was strangled after getting trapped in the crib when a drop-side part broke, prompted the Dorel Asia crib recall Tuesday of about 635,000 cribs sold by Kmart, Sears, Wal-Mart and other stores. The drop sides of the crib can detach, creating a space where a child can be trapped and suffocate or strangle.
CPSC and Barbados-based Dorel Asia SRL have received 31 reports of incidents involving drop-side cribs, including six incidents of children being trapped between the mattress and the drop side. The agency and company have also received 36 reports of broken slats, including two reports of trapped children.
Last year, a similar recall of Simplicity cribs was made by the CPSC because of deformities causing child deaths. So far, three children have died of suffocation from the Simplicity drop-side cribs, and the CPSC is aware of an additional 25 incidents involving the drop side detaching from the crib.
The cribs were also sold under the Graco brand name. The recalled cribs were sold by U.S. retailers and chains including Target Corp., Big Lots Inc, Babies “R” Us and family-owned Meijer Inc. under the Simplicity or Graco brands, from January 1998 through May 2007. The recalled Simplicity crib models are: Aspen 3 in 1, Aspen 4 in 1, Nursery-in-a-Box, Crib N Changer Combo, Chelsea, and Pooh 4 in 1. The recalled Graco crib models are: Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in 1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney, and Trio.
If your child or any of your loved ones’ children have been injured or killed because of faulty drop-side cribs, call Alan Ripka to discuss your claim. Alan Ripka and his professional team of lawyers can evaluate your situation and determine the next steps to gain justice for you and your family. Alan Ripka has fought against large companies in other matters and will fight for you if we believe you have a potential case for medical malpractice, products liability, personal injury, and is prepared to go to court and have a trial if necessary. Please call or contact Alan Ripka.
