Fisher - Price Lawsuit
Trinity Anderson
Co-Presenters: Kayla Blakney, Victoria Cancino, Jacob Candelario, David Bromirski, Joel Bechtel
College: College of Business and Public Management
Major: Management
Faculty Research Mentor: Dawn Adams-Harmon
Abstract:
The Fisher-Price baby swing lawsuit is a landmark case that brings attention to product safety concerns within the baby gear industry. This research examines the legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects of the case, focusing on product liability, corporate accountability, and consumer protection. Fisher-Price, a well-known and trusted brand, faced legal action after its Rock 'n Play Sleeper was linked to multiple infant fatalities, primarily due to suffocation risks associated with its inclined design. The controversy led to a 2019 recall of 4.7 million units and a $19 million class action settlement, raising concerns about corporate responsibility, regulatory oversight, and misleading marketing practices.The lawsuit alleged that Fisher-Price failed to properly test the product and misled consumers about its safety for overnight infant sleep. The case underscores the crucial role of regulatory agencies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in enforcing safety standards and recalls. It highlights the impact of consumer advocacy, litigation, and government intervention in shaping product safety regulations.Ultimately, this case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of inadequate product testing and deceptive marketing. It reinforces the need for stricter safety regulations, corporate transparency, and stronger consumer protection laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.