Mattel Inc. and its Fisher-Price unit have settled several lawsuits alleging their recalled Rock ‘n Play Sleeper caused infant deaths due to a flawed design. The settlement, disclosed in a Delaware court, resolves six wrongful death cases and four injury claims related to the product. Financial terms were not disclosed.
One of the resolved cases was brought by Ameena Brown, whose infant son died in the sleeper in 2018. Her trial was set to begin this week.
Mattel recalled the Rock ‘n Play in 2019 following reports of around 100 infant deaths linked to the product. A 2023 congressional investigation revealed Fisher-Price ignored internal safety warnings before releasing the sleeper in 2009.
Earlier this year, Mattel paid $17 million to settle investor claims and $19 million in a class-action suit for customers. The company also agreed to improve safety oversight.
In court, Mattel argued the sleeper was misused and noted that medical examiners cited Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Brown’s case. Plaintiffs’ lawyers contend the product’s inclined design created serious risks, including asphyxiation.
Law professor Carl Tobias called the settlement a “positive step” but criticized the company’s initial lack of safety precautions.
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