On June 16 2011 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of 30000 metal futon bunk beds sold by Big Lots as a result of a fatal accident that occurred in March 2010 which claimed the life of a 3-year-old boy from Iowa. The childs head and neck became trapped in the metal frame when the bed was lowered from a seated position to a flat position. The child subsequently died of compression asphyxiation. Other design defects were also found to exist in these specific bunk beds prompting the bunk bed recall. The affected beds all have a model number of BFB1008. This number can be found on a label located on a support rail of the upper bunk. The recalled bunk beds were only sold at Big Lots in a time frame from January 2009 to April 2010. They cost $200 and were made in China. The CPSC warns that consumers should immediately stop using the bunk beds and contact Big Lots at 1-866-244-5687 for a free repair kit. Further information about the recall including a picture can be found at the CPSC Big Lots Bunk Bed Recall website.
Commentary
Its tragic that a fatal accident happened to a child before such a likely glaring product design defect was discovered. Like some cribs bunk beds have a history of causing injury or death by way of their faulty design. When such products are released to market before full safety testing has been conducted they can present hazards to children and adults alike. When such accidents occur (which arent exactly accidents as a defective design can often be a ticking time-bomb) a product manufacturer can be held accountable for their product causing injury or loss to a person.
Texas Product Liability Attorney Michael Grossman
