Playtex Recalls 1.4 Million Pacifier Holders
Playtex has recalled 1.4 million pacifier holders (or clips) because of a defect that could potentially pose a choking hazard to infants. The recall is in response to a January 22nd U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announcement that some of the holders had developed cracks. The Commission noted that the cracks could result in the loosening of small pieces which would be dangerous if ingested by small children.
There had been 99 reports of cracked holders at the time of the announcement, but no reported injuries. Playtex issued a recall of the pacifier holders “out of an abundance of caution,” according to statement by Catherine McCormack, a spokeswoman for the manufacturer.
The Playtex pacifier holder recall has affected 1.25 million products that were designed to connect pacifiers to strollers, bags or other baby gear. They were available at retailers such as Walmart and Amazon (though not, as previously reported, through Target) from mid-2010 to late 2013.
Lawsuits and liability in the case of recalled baby products
Hundreds of baby products are recalled every year. These products may be defective through an error in manufacturing or through a flaw in design. They also may come with inadequate instructions or safety warnings.
Recalls prevent further injury, but obviously provide no solace to the parents and family of a child who has already been injured through the use of the recalled product. In such cases, parents may decide to bring a product liability lawsuit against those responsible in order to receive compensation for any loss, injury, or related expenses.
For parents to have a viable suit there needs to have been an actual (not potential) injury caused by a defective product that proved to be unreasonably dangerous even when used in the manner in which it was intended. Liable parties might include not only the manufacturer (and any outside consultants), but also the retailer and the wholesaler of the product.
Depending on the nature and severity of injuries, compensation would provide recompense for such factors as medical fees, rehabilitation, or any long term care required by the injured child, as well as pain and suffering on the part of the parents.
Contact a Playtex pacifier recall lawyer
Court cases involving injuries received through recalled products can be more complex than they first appear and plaintiffs need an attorney to represent them successfully. Lawyers have access to experts knowledgeable about product design and safety who will help to make a case. They also have experience in tracking down all liable parties to name in a suit, which would provide the best chance of obtaining reasonable compensation for the plaintiff.
If your child has been injured by a recalled Playtex pacifier holder or other baby product, contact a NY attorney who specializes in this area of the law. The Sanders Firm understands the complexity of such cases and has the resources to fight for the rights of parents and their children in court. A free consultation with one of our product liability attorneys can provide answers to any questions you may have at this difficult time. Contact our New York offices at 1.800 FAIR PLAY (800.324.7752) to set up an evaluation at no cost to you. Resources
- ABC News, Correction: Playtex-Pacifier Holder Recall https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/correction-playtex-pacifier-holder-recall-22255329
- Chicago Tribune, Playtex recalls over 1 million pacifier clips, cites choking hazard https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-23/news/sns-rt-us-usa-playtex-recall-20140123_1_playtex-clips-pacifier
- NYPost, Playtex recalling pacifier holders that pose choke risk to tots https://nypost.com/2014/01/23/playtex-recalling-pacifiers-that-pose-choke-risk-to-tots/
