$19 Million Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Settlement

Fisher-Price and its parent company, Mattel, have entered in to a $19 million settlement to resolve class action claims related to the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. This baby sleeper was recalled in April 2019 after it was linked to the deaths of infants.

 

Settlement Details

The settlement, if approved by a Buffalo federal judge, will create a fund to compensate affected consumers. Here’s how the compensation works:

• With Proof of Purchase:
  • Current owners who purchased between October 18, 2018-April 12, 2019: Full price listed on the proof of purchase.
  • Previous owners: $25 to $35, depending on the purchase date.
• Without Proof of Purchase:
  • Current owners: $60, $50, or $40, depending on the purchase date or date of manufacture of the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.
  • Previous owners: $10.

 

Rock ‘n Play Sleepers’ Role in Infant Deaths

In April 2019, Fisher-Price recalled all 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers it had sold since October 2009 and admitted it was aware of 32 infant deaths.

Firm client Emily Barton, who used the sleeper with her infant, was among the first to initiate a class action against defendants.  She claimed Mattel was aware of the risks but continued to advertise and sell the product.

A total of 16 consumer class actions involving Rock ‘n Play Sleepers were filed in various federal courts. All were transferred to federal court in Buffalo, New York, to be litigated together as part of a multi-district litigation. Firm lawyer Demet Basar was appointed lead counsel to represent the consumers.

In addition to this multi-district litigation, Fisher-Price and Mattel are also defendants in more than 35 wrongful death suits brought by parents of infants who tragically died in the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.

 

Safer Sleep For Babies

This settlement marks a significant step in addressing the safety concerns and compensating affected families.

“After five years of litigation, we’re happy to be able to present to the court a settlement that not only compensates past purchasers for their economic losses, but is designed to incentivize current owners of Rock ‘n Play Sleepers to disable them and participate in the settlement,” said Demet Basar. “Getting these products out of consumers’ hands has been one of the primary goals of this litigation.”

If you own or previously owned a Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, keep an eye out for further updates on how to claim your compensation. The class is represented by Demet Basar, Dee Miles, James Eubank, Paul Evans, and Dylan Martin from Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC and Connors LLP.