Rock ’n Play Sleepers Recall: More Than 30 Infant Deaths Reported

About 4.7 million Rock ’n Play Sleepers have been recalled by Fisher-Price after a Consumer Reports investigation warned that at least 32 infants had died in the sleepers over the past 10 years. The company issued the recall on April 12, saying that babies who were placed unrestrained in the sleepers on their backs had rolled over onto their stomachs, which can result in suffocation.

Dr. Ben Hoffman of the American Academy of Pediatrics applauded the recall but warned parents of the continued dangers of using any inclined, padded sleeping products for babies.

“I am glad to see this product off the market and urge all parents to talk to their pediatricians about how to keep their babies safe during sleep time and any time,” he told Consumer Reports.

The American Academy of Pediatrics stressed that products like the Rock ’n Play are dangerous and that infants should only be laid down on their backs on a flat, firm mattress.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our Chicago product liability attorneys fight for families who have suffered unimaginable tragedies due to the negligence of large corporations. We understand the sense of justice that can come from holding these companies accountable for the unbearable harm they have caused, and we are here to help families through the wrongful death claims process. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.

What to Do If You Have This Sleeper

If you currently own a Rock ’n Play Sleeper, you should immediately stop using it and contact Fisher-Price to request a refund or voucher. The sleepers, sold at major retailers, typically cost $40 to $149.

To start the process, go to the Mattel & Fisher-Price Customer Service website. You will see instructions for packaging the two hub assemblies from the product, which you can return with a prepaid mailing label provided by the company. If you have your original receipt for the sleeper, include it with the return. If you don’t have the receipt, just write the month and year you purchased the sleeper on one of the hubs you are returning.

You will qualify for a full refund if you have owned the sleeper for less than six months. You will receive a voucher if you have owned the product for longer than that.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hurt in a Rock ’n Play Sleeper

If your infant was hurt in a Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper, you should talk to a compassionate advocate about your legal rights. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we understand that monetary compensation is not a driving factor in these types of wrongful death claims. Rather, it is the family’s desire for a sense of justice, a chance to hold the at-fault company accountable for the loss of life.

Please contact us now to speak with a Chicago wrongful death attorney about how we can help your family. There is no charge for a consultation.

Sources:

Patrick A. Salvi concentrates his legal practice in cases concerning serious personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and mass torts. Mr. Salvi has achieved record-breaking jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients throughout the state, including serving as lead counsel on a trial team that won an Illinois record-high $148 million jury verdict and a Lake County record $33 million jury verdict.