Gimars Playpens Recalled Over Suffocation Hazard
Product Recalls - October 22, 2024
Gimars Playpens Recalled Because They May Pose Entrapment and Suffocation Hazard For Children
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (October 20, 2024) – Gimars Playpens have been recalled because they violate federal regulations and pose an entrapment and suffocation hazard.
The recall was issued on October 10, 2024. Around 6,200 units were sold.
According to the recall notice by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recalled playpens violate federal safety regulations for play yards. In particular, the basketball accessory may entrap the heads of children.
There is also the possibility that children can become trapped underneath the mattress that comes with the playpen. This could pose a suffocation hazard.
No injuries have been reported thus far. The Gimars Playpens could be purchased exclusively online at Amazon.
Liability For Injuries Caused By Playpens
Playpens are supposed to protect children from wandering and being harmed. But these devices can become hazardous under certain conditions. According to one study in the American Academy of Pediatrics, “An estimated 181,654 (95% confidence interval: 148,548-214,761) children younger than 2 years of age were treated in emergency departments in the United States for injuries related to cribs, playpens, and bassinets during the 19-year study period.” There are a number of regulations related to the construction of playpens.
- Mesh/Fabric Integrity: The mesh on the sides of the playpen must be small enough to prevent a child from being able to stick their fingers or limbs through. It must also be durable enough to prevent tearing.
- Locking Mechanisms: Playpens must have secure locking mechanisms to prevent them from accidentally collapsing.
- Mattress/Pad Fit: If a playpen comes with a mattress or pad, it must fit snugly against the walls so that it doesn’t become an entrapment hazard for children.
Companies that make playpens have a legal obligation to ensure that their products are reasonably safe. They must ensure that their products comply with all federal safety regulations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If a company is aware that their product has a design defect that could hurt consumers, they must take action. There are several reasons that a product may not comply with safety standards.
- A company may not comply with safety standards in order to save money. This may include situations where they use cheaper materials or unsafe components.
- A company may have a lack of understanding of regulations. This is particularly true if the company making the product in question is based overseas.
- A company may prioritize speed to market and overlook important safety regulations.
If a company sells a product with design defects, this could form the basis of a product liability claim. Sadly, though, companies will often do everything in their power to deny liability if someone is injured by their product. They may blame other manufacturers. It is important that anyone injured by an unsafe product understands that they do have rights. They are able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Getting Legal Help For Injuries Caused By Playpens
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates were deeply concerned to hear about the safety issues with the Gimars Playpens. It is our sincere hope that Amazon and other online retailers will consider additional measures to prevent other unsafe products from being sold. Parents should not have to worry that the playpens they are buying could potentially be lethal hazards.
Has your child been harmed by Gimars Playpens? You may have legal recourse? Our team of product liability attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping victims of dangerous products get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
