Fisher-Price and its parent company, Mattel, have proposed 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: Full price listed on the proof of purchase.
  • Previous owners: $25 to $35.
• Without Proof of Purchase:
  • Current owners: $60, $50, or $40, depending on the purchase date.
  • Previous owners: $10.

Rock ‘n Plays 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.

The lawsuit was initiated by parents, including Samathan Drover-Mundy and Zachary Mundy, whose infant daughter died in one of the sleepers in 2018. They claimed Mattel was aware of the risks but continued to sell the product.

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.

Amazon, initially named in the lawsuit, was released from claims after agreeing to assist with discovery. The settlement aims to compensate consumers and encourage them to stop using the sleepers.

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.

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