This is not the first time so-called "drop-side" baby cribs have been recalled, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a voluntary recall of Graco-branded cribs manufactured by LaJobi. The cribs have been cited as entrapment and suffocation hazards.
Roughly 217,000 of the units have been sold in the U.S. between Feb. 2007 and March 2010, priced from $140 to $200. The agency urges parents with the recalled cribs to stop using them and contact LaJobi for a free retrofit kit, either through the company's web site or by calling (888) 842-2215.
CPSC describes the safety hazard as follows:
The drop side hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop side and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing a risk of suffocation and strangulation.
CPSC and LaJobi say they have received 99 reports of incidents, including two entrapments and six reports of falling. One child had a mild concussion from an incident, according to a report.
If you believe your child has been injured from the drop-side functionality of one of the recalled cribs, it may be in your best interests to call a Chicago accident attorney immediately to explore your legal options.
The following models of cribs are affected by the recall (check the CPSC web site for model numbers):
- Ashleigh Drop Side
- Hampton Drop Side
- Jason Convertible Drop Side
- Kendal Drop Side
- Lauren Drop Side
- Rachel Convertible Drop Side
- Sarah Drop Side
- Shannon Drop Side
- Tifton Drop Side
Related Resources:
- Defects in Design (FindLaw)
- CPSC Announces Graco Recall Of Drop Side Cribs Made by LaJobi(FindLaw's Common Law Blog)
- Search Chicago Injury Lawyers (FindLaw)
