Despite warnings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that drop-side cribs pose a risk of death to infants, drop-side cribs continue to be manufactured and sometimes recalled. The latest incident involves 14 models of PT Domusindo Perdana drop-side cribs sold at JC Penney between January 1998 and December 2008.
The PT Domusindo Perdana drop-side cribs are now being recalled due to the side that drops potentially malfunctioning or detaching. If the side were to fall out of place, it may create a space where an infant could become trapped, which poses a serious risk of suffocation or strangulation
There is also a risk of the infant falling out of the crib. Even if the product doesn’t malfunction, incorrect installation of the crib could lead to failure. Additionally, with time, parts can become worn and fail.
There have been three reported incidents of the drop-side rails detaching or malfunctioning. The good news is that there have been no injuries or deaths.
Potential Dangers of Drop-Side Cribs
This isn’t the first time drop-side cribs have been an issue. In fact, since 2007, there have been more than 11 million of these products recalled, with more than 30 deaths linked to drop-side cribs.
CPSC has strongly urged parents and caregivers to reconsider using drop-side cribs. But there are other issues parents should consider no matter what type of crib is being used.
It’s important to make sure parts haven’t become loose, broken or missing. This is more likely to happen when a crib has been assembled and disassembled several times.
If a crib has been recalled, it’s best to stop using it. Although repair kits might be available to fix the defect, it may be safer to purchase a new one.
To discuss whether a defective product was the cause of a child’s injury or death, contact an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates. We may be able to help file a claim if a product caused the injury.
