The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), with the manufacturer’s cooperation, recently released another voluntary recall of a drop side crib. This particular crib has also been recalled due to the risk of strangulation or suffocation for children, the safety agency reports.
The consumer product information news source, Consumer Reports, explains that these “drop-side cribs, made by Yu Wei of Taiwan, were sold at jcpenney.com and in the JC Penney catalog from January 2006 through December 2010 for $300 to $450.”
The CPSC goes on to explain that the “drop-side rails on the crib can malfunction, detach or unexpectedly fall down,” which can cause part of the drop side to detach from its normal position, then creating a space the infant or toddler can enter and become wedged or trapped in. This creates a major suffocation hazard. “In addition to entrapment and suffocation hazards,” Consumer Reports explains that “drop-side cribs can also be hazardous because children can fall out of the crib when the drop-side rail falls unexpectedly or detaches from the crib.” According to Consumer Reports, he U.S. CPSC “is aware of nine incidents involving drop side rails that malfunctioned or detached, including one report of a child who sustained minor abrasions to the arm.”
According to Consumer Reports, these cribs were manufactured and sold in “antique white, pecan and dark cherry.” The dangerous cribs also had the following information printed on the inside of the crib end panel: “Scroll Crib: Model number 343-8225, with date code between January 2006 and December 2010;” and “Lauren Crib: Model number 343-9117, with date code between January 2007 and December 2010.”
The CPSC reminds parents to never use a crib with “missing, broken or loose parts.” Furthermore, parents are reminded to regularly tighten loose hardware to keep the cribs sturdy, as well as checking to ensure “the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly.” The CPSC also explains that parents should check the corners of the crib for signs of separation, that could allow a child to become trapped, and not to attempt repairs of these issues alone.
Consumer Reports explains that the failure of drop-side rail cribs “can also occur due to incorrect assembly or with age-related wear and tear.” The article explains that “the CPSC recommends that you do not use a crib that is older than 10 years.”
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a faulty rail in one of the affected Yu Wei crib models, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with recalled products. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
References:
Shader, Maggie. (October 6, 2011) “Recall: 8,000 drop-side cribs sold at JC Penney-entrapment, suffocation hazards.” Retrieved on November 2, 2011 from Consumer Reports.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (October 5, 2011) “Yu Wei Recalls Drop-Side Cribs Sold Exclusively at jcpenney Due to Entrapment and Suffocation Hazards.” Retrieved on November 2, 2011 from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.