Child Entrapment Death Prompts CPSC Recall of Big Lots Metal Futon Bunk Beds

By Grant Law Office on June 20, 2011

The Ohio-based company, Big Lots, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have announced the recall of around 30,000 metal futon bunk beds as a result of entrapment hazards. The death of one child has already been reported.

Potential entrapment may occur if a child is behind the futon or in the ladder area when the futon and its metal frame lowered into the flat position. This, in fact, happened to a 3-year-old boy in Burlington, Iowa, in March of 2010. The heavy metal frame prevented the boy, who was entrapped at the head and neck, from escaping or breathing. Although CPR was performed, the boy died in the hospital of compression asphyxiation.

As an additional entrapment hazard, the space between the last rung of the ladder and the futon mattress is very narrow. While it would allow a child’s body to pass through, the head would become stuck, posing a potential neck and head entrapment hazard.

The recalled metal futon bunk beds have a twin-sized upper bunk and a convertible futon bed bottom bunk. The affected model is BFB1008, and this number may be found on the label attached to the upper bunk support rail. They were sold from January 2009 through April 2010 in Big Lots stores nationwide for approximately $200.

To prevent a defective product injury in Georgia, owners of the metal futon bunk beds should immediately stop using the product and contact Big Lots for a free at-home repair kit. Consumers may call Big Lots at 866-244-5687 or email Big Lots at talk2us@biglots.com for more information.

It is the responsibility of any consumer product manufacturer to produce a product that is safe and of high quality. This is often not the case, however, and children and adults alike sustain injuries, or are killed, by negligent or defective manufacturing. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product in Georgia, our experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., can help you and your family pursue compensation for your financial and emotional losses and damages. Contact us today for a consultation and to learn more about your legal rights at 404-995-3955.