Relentlessly Pursuing the Best Possible Outcome
We've Recovered Hundreds of Millions for Our Clients
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$30m Product Liability Verdict -
$24m Wrongful Death Settlement -
$14m Medical Device Settlement -
$13.5m Personal Injury -
$12m Child Wrongful Death
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$11m Personal Injury
Drop-Side Crib Ban and New Safety Standards
Drop-side cribs have proven to be extremely dangerous. A comprehensive review conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) made the agency aware of 32 infants and toddlers who died from suffocation and strangulation between the years 2000 and 2010 as a result of these retractable crib sides becoming detached.
In some cases, incorrect or confusing directions led to the improper installation of drop-side cribs, which ended up causing a baby harm. There have been recalls of millions of cribs as a result of these problems.
In July 2011, CPSC approved a new crib rule, which says that all cribs made and sold in the United States must follow new federal safety standards. This even applies to the resale of cribs. Under the new rule, it is no longer legal to make or sell traditional cribs with traditional drop-side rails, according to CPSC's website.
There are also new requirements, which include strengthening crib slats and mattress supports, enhancing the quality of hardware, and conducting better testing of the cribs. Cribs in child care centers and in places that serve the public were required to comply with the changes by Dec. 28, 2012. According to CPSC, any person or company that does not comply with the new standard will be subject to potential civil penalties and injunctions.
While the new standard is a step toward greater safety for consumers, it does not guarantee safety for all consumers. Some retailers might disregard the law in order to make a profit—they might continue selling the outlawed cribs and therefore place innocent babies and their families in danger.
In other instances, manufacturers might be at fault for continuing to make cribs using substandard designs. There might also be other design defects that have not yet received national attention but are still harmful to consumers and their children.
In addition to the drop-side ban, the strengthened regulations address hazards that may not be obvious at first glance. For example, allowable spacing between slats, the durability of the mattress support, and the ability of the frame to withstand repeated use are all tested to minimize entrapment and collapse risks. Understanding that these standards exist can help parents ask better questions when purchasing a crib and can inform conversations with a crib recall lawyer if an injury occurs despite supposed compliance with federal rules.
In the last 14 years, Shoop & team's impressive track record includes hundreds of Product Liability cases resulting in verdicts or settlements exceeding $1 million. For a Product Liability team with an exemplary track record, clients choose Shoop.
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Helping You Take Legal Action
Parents whose children have been harmed by side-drop cribs receive aggressive representation at Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, which is a firm that handles product liability cases. Attorney David Shoop has a record of proven experience and success in prosecuting products liability claims. He thoroughly investigates the incident and documents damages suffered.
The skilled lawyer seeks full compensation for injuries, including ambulance bills, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. He seeks further compensation when brain damage or other permanent injury occurs.
When we evaluate a potential crib case, we look beyond the immediate injury to understand how the defect occurred and whether other children could be at risk. That process often includes securing the crib and related components before they are discarded, reviewing purchase and assembly records, and consulting with engineering and safety professionals who can analyze whether the design, manufacturing, or warnings failed to meet applicable standards. By approaching each matter in this way, we build the foundation necessary to bring a defective crib lawsuit that fully reflects the impact on the child and family.
What To Do If Your Crib Is Recalled
Learning that a crib used for your baby has been recalled can be unsettling, especially if the product has been in regular use. The first priority is always to remove the child from the crib and stop using it until you understand the scope of the recall and the remedy being offered. Parents should then carefully review the official CPSC notice, which usually identifies the specific models affected, describes the hazard, and explains whether the manufacturer is offering a repair kit, replacement, or refund. Following these directions helps protect your child and preserves your ability to show how the company chose to respond if a legal claim is later pursued.
There are several practical steps families can take in the days following a recall notice to protect both safety and potential legal rights:
- Save all documentation including receipts, assembly instructions, registration cards, and any emails or letters from the manufacturer or retailer.
- Photograph the crib from multiple angles, paying close attention to the areas identified in the recall notice or any parts that appear loose, worn, or broken.
- Record any incidents such as near-misses, minor injuries, or repairs you have already made so there is a clear timeline of what occurred and when.
- Consult a medical professional if your child shows any sign of injury, and ask that those observations be noted in the medical record.
Call the firm at (866) 884-1717 today to learn how you can take legal action against the person or company that harmed your family
