Fisher-Price Snuga Swings Wrongful Death Lawsuit Attorneys

Understanding the Risks of Inclined Sleepers and How to Seek Compensation

On October 10, 2024, Fisher-Price recalled over two million Snuga infant swings following concerns about the safety of these inclined products. This recall is a significant move in the ongoing effort to improve infant sleep safety. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) emphasized that inclined products like the Snuga swing can pose serious risks to infants, including suffocation and death. Despite bans on inclined infant sleepers and stricter regulations, these dangerous products continue to find their way into homes through online and in-store sales, leaving parents and caregivers to navigate a hazardous landscape.

The recall of the Snuga swing underscores the broader risks posed by infant sleep products that do not comply with federal safety standards. Research has shown that babies who sleep in inclined positions are at a higher risk of suffocation. This latest recall serves as a reminder to parents to remain vigilant about the products they use for their infants, even those from trusted brands like Fisher-Price.

The Dangers of Inclined Infant Sleepers

Inclined sleepers, like the recalled Snuga swing, have been associated with numerous infant injuries and deaths. These products position babies at an angle greater than the flat surface recommended by pediatricians for safe sleep. When placed in an inclined sleeper, an infant’s head can tilt forward, restricting the airway and making it difficult to breathe. The suffocation risk is further exacerbated if additional bedding, such as pillows or blankets, is added to the swing. These hazards make inclined sleepers unsuitable for unsupervised use, especially when babies fall asleep.

In response to increasing concerns, both Congress and the CPSC have taken action to ban the sale of inclined infant sleepers. The ban is rooted in the evidence that these products are inherently dangerous and have been linked to infant deaths. Fisher-Price’s Snuga swing recall is part of this broader regulatory shift, signaling that the era of inclined sleepers is ending.

Unfortunately, despite bans and recalls, unsafe infant products like the Snuga swing still find their way into secondary markets. Parents who unknowingly purchase or use these recalled products face serious risks. With so many products in circulation, it is difficult for caregivers to ensure the items they are using comply with safety standards. Even with manufacturers taking steps to recall hazardous items, the burden often falls on parents to identify and stop using these unsafe products.

Legal Recourse for Families Harmed by Defective Infant Products

Families whose children have been harmed by defective infant products, such as the Snuga swing, may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Product liability lawsuits allow victims to seek compensation for injuries caused by dangerous or defective products. In the case of recalled infant swings like the Snuga swing, a product liability claim could be based on a design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn consumers of the potential dangers.

If a defective product has caused harm, families have the right to hold the manufacturer accountable for their losses. Filing a lawsuit may help cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the dangerous product. However, product liability cases can be complex and require careful preparation and legal knowledge.

The Lawsuit Process for Defective Infant Products

Filing a lawsuit against a manufacturer for a defective product begins with a consultation with an experienced product liability attorney. The attorney will review the facts of the case, including the nature of the injury, the product involved, and any relevant recalls or safety warnings. This initial consultation helps determine whether there is a viable claim against the manufacturer.

Once the decision to move forward with a lawsuit is made, the attorney will gather evidence to support the claim. This can include medical records, documentation of the injury, expert testimony, and evidence showing that the product was recalled or that the manufacturer failed to warn consumers of potential risks. The lawsuit will then be filed in court, and the manufacturer will be given an opportunity to respond.

The next phase of the lawsuit is called discovery, where both sides exchange information and evidence related to the case. During this process, depositions may be taken, and documents such as internal communications from the manufacturer may be obtained. Discovery is crucial for building a strong case and often leads to settlement negotiations.

Most product liability cases are settled out of court, but if a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. At trial, a judge or jury will hear the evidence and determine whether the manufacturer is liable for the injuries caused by the product. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, the family may be awarded damages, which could include compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages meant to punish the manufacturer for its negligence.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Product liability lawsuits, especially those involving injuries to infants, require a deep understanding of both legal principles and the product involved. Attempting to handle such a case without an attorney can leave families vulnerable to the legal strategies of large corporations like Fisher-Price, which often have vast resources to defend against claims.

A product liability attorney will guide the family through each step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the manufacturer’s legal team. In cases involving infant injuries or deaths, the emotional toll can be overwhelming, making it even more important to have a knowledgeable attorney handling the complexities of the case. Legal representation ensures that the family’s rights are protected, and that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Damages Recoverable in a Product Liability Lawsuit

Families harmed by defective infant products may be entitled to several forms of compensation. Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation, are the most common types of damages recovered in these cases. Additionally, families may be compensated for the emotional distress caused by the injury or death of their child.

If the injury resulted in a loss of income, either due to the parents missing work or a long-term disability, the family may also recover lost wages. In cases where the defective product caused a fatal injury, wrongful death claims may allow the family to recover funeral expenses and other related costs.

Punitive damages, which are awarded in cases where the manufacturer acted with extreme negligence or recklessness, may also be available. These damages are designed to punish the manufacturer for putting consumers at risk and to deter similar behavior in the future.