Are U.S. Defective Product Recalls…Defective?
The Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper is one of the recalls cited, which we wrote about in an blog post earlier this year.
Recent decisions from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have a U.S. senator questioning the agency’s actions, says a CBS News report.
According to a report released by the Democratic minority staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington took the agency to task over three “high-profile failures to effectively recall dangerous products.” The products included the Britax B.O.B. (“the Bob,” as it’s often referred to by consumers) jogging stroller, the Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper, and residential elevator systems. The CPSC was accused of not taking immediate action to recall these products and offer refunds or safe substitutes.
The report claimed that CPSC leadership:
- Ignored staff recommendations on “the Bob” jogging stroller recall after 200 incidences of wheels detaching, causing injuries. Instead, the agency settled a lawsuit with the stroller’s manufacturer, requiring Britax to offer a replacement part or a 20 percent discount on a new stroller.
- Waited on the Rock ‘n Play infant sleeper recall, instead issuing a warning that the product had been linked to 10 infant deaths. After the American Academy of Pediatrics later called for an immediate recall, the CPSC followed suit. By that time, 32 babies had died.
- Blamed residential elevator safety defects on families and state regulators, rather than on manufacturers.
If you have suffered an injury from these or other manufactured items, a Philadelphia attorney experienced in lawsuits involving defective products may help you determine whether you have a product liability lawsuit. Please contact us to set up a convenient time to speak.