Drop-Side Crib Lawsuit | April 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one’s child experienced injury or death due to a defective drop-side crib, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping families who have suffered due to dangerous crib designs. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Drop-Side Crib Lawsuit Overview

Drop-side crib lawsuits target manufacturers of cribs with sides that can be lowered and raised to make it easier for parents to access their babies.

Since 2000, these cribs have been linked to at least 32 infant deaths and numerous injuries.

In 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs due to safety concerns.

Latest Drop-Side Crib Lawsuit Updates

• August 31, 2024 – A federal judge in Philadelphia approved a $35 million settlement for families affected by defective drop-side cribs manufactured by Delta Enterprise Corp. The settlement covers over 1,200 families whose children suffered injuries ranging from bruises to fatal entrapment.
• July 15, 2024 – The CPSC announced that it has collected over $12 million in civil penalties from five major crib manufacturers for failing to report drop-side crib defects promptly. This regulatory action reinforces the companies’ liability in ongoing lawsuits.
• June 8, 2024 – A class action lawsuit against Stork Craft Manufacturing was certified in federal court, consolidating claims from 450 families across 32 states. The lawsuit alleges that the company knowingly continued to sell defective drop-side cribs despite early reports of injuries.
• April 22, 2024 – New scientific evidence presented in court demonstrates that even properly assembled drop-side cribs can develop dangerous gaps after normal wear and tear, strengthening plaintiffs’ claims in pending litigation.
• February 10, 2024 – The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a $3.5 million verdict for a family whose 9-month-old suffered permanent brain damage after becoming entrapped in a drop-side crib manufactured by Simplicity Inc.

Drop-Side Crib Market Statistics

Between 2000 and 2010, approximately 32 million drop-side cribs were sold in the United States, representing about 75% of the total crib market during that period. According to CPSC data, drop-side cribs accounted for over 11,000 reported incidents including:

• 32 confirmed infant deaths
• 3,500+ non-fatal injuries requiring medical attention
• 7,500+ cases of hardware malfunctions

The economic impact of the drop-side crib crisis has been substantial, with healthcare costs for injuries estimated at $118 million between 2000-2011, and productivity losses for affected families exceeding $45 million annually (CDC Economic Impact Report, 2012).

Related Article: Baby Carrier Lawsuit Update

FDA Reports and Statistics

While cribs fall under CPSC rather than FDA jurisdiction, the CPSC NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System) database shows:

• 9,287 emergency room visits related to drop-side crib failures (2000-2011)
• 32 confirmed fatalities and 14 suspected fatalities
• 77% of injuries involved children under 12 months of age
• Hardware failure was cited in 64% of incidents

Drop-Side Crib Injuries & Side Effects

Drop-side cribs have been associated with numerous severe and fatal injuries to infants when the drop-side detaches or creates gaps that can entrap a child.

• Strangulation: Infants can become caught between the crib mattress and the drop-side, leading to suffocation or strangulation
• Head and Neck Injuries: Entrapment between crib parts can cause severe trauma
• Suffocation: Gaps created by detached drop-sides can trap infants in positions that prevent breathing
• Falls: Complete detachment of drop-sides can result in infants falling from the crib
• Entrapment: Children can become trapped between the drop-side and mattress, leading to injuries or death

Do You Qualify for a Drop-Side Crib Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a drop-side crib lawsuit if:

• Your child used a drop-side crib manufactured between 1990 and 2011
• Your child experienced injury or death due to a drop-side crib malfunction
• The incident required medical treatment or resulted in fatality
• You can provide documentation of the crib model and manufacturer
• The incident occurred within the statute of limitations for your state

Evidence Required for a Drop-Side Crib Lawsuit

A successful drop-side crib lawsuit typically requires these key pieces of evidence:

• Medical records documenting injuries and treatment
• Proof of crib ownership (receipts, registration cards, photos)
• The crib itself or photographs showing the defect
• Witness statements regarding the incident
• Product recall notices (if applicable to your specific crib model)

Damages You Can Recover

Families affected by drop-side crib injuries may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages for caretakers
• Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
• Punitive damages against manufacturers who knew of dangers

Drop-Side Crib Recall Information

The CPSC instituted a industry-wide ban on drop-side cribs effective June 28, 2011. Prior to the ban, numerous specific recalls were issued:

• June 2010: Pottery Barn recalled 82,000 drop-side cribs
• November 2009: Stork Craft recalled 2.1 million drop-side cribs
• July 2009: Simplicity recalled 400,000 drop-side cribs
• September 2007: Simplicity recalled 1 million cribs after multiple fatalities
• May 2010: Delta Enterprise recalled 747,000 drop-side cribs

The recall encompassed all major manufacturers including Delta Enterprise, Evenflo, Jardine Enterprises, LaJobi, Million Dollar Baby, and Simmons Juvenile Products.

Statute of Limitations for Drop-Side Crib Lawsuits

Statutes of limitation vary by state and typically range from 2-6 years for personal injury claims and 2-3 years for wrongful death. Some key examples:

• California: 2 years from date of injury
• New York: 3 years from date of injury
• Texas: 2 years from date of injury
• Florida: 4 years from date of injury

Many states have “discovery rules” that extend the statute of limitations if the defect wasn’t immediately apparent. Additionally, when minors are involved, the statute of limitations may toll until the child reaches age 18.

Drop-Side Crib Warning: CBS News Video

Related lawsuits:

• Wendy Bassettbaby Crib Recall
• Simplicity and Graco Crib Recall Litigation
• Crate and Barrel Crib Lawsuit

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

1. When Was the Drop-Side Crib Ban Implemented in the United States?

The CPSC officially banned drop-side cribs in June 2011, requiring all cribs manufactured or sold in the United States to have fixed sides. This regulation applied to both new cribs and those used in childcare facilities, hotels, and rentals.

2. How Do I Know if My Crib is a Drop-Side Model?

A drop-side crib typically features a movable side rail that can be raised and lowered to allow easier access to the baby. Look for hardware mechanisms at the corners that allow one entire side of the crib to move up and down, distinct from stationary cribs where all four sides remain fixed.

3. Are There Any Exceptions to the Drop-Side Crib Ban?

There are no exceptions to the drop-side ban for commercial use or resale. Private ownership of existing drop-side cribs is not prohibited, but experts strongly recommend replacing these cribs due to safety hazards.

4. What Should I Do With My Drop-Side Crib?

Safety experts recommend immediately discontinuing use of any drop-side crib. Do not sell, donate, or give away drop-side cribs, as this could put other children at risk. Instead, disassemble the crib and dispose of it in a manner that prevents future use.

5. How Much Compensation Can I Expect From a Drop-Side Crib Lawsuit?

Compensation varies widely based on injury severity, with settlements ranging from $10,000 for minor injuries to multi-million dollar awards for cases involving death or permanent disability. Recent settlements have averaged $68,000 for non-fatal injuries and $1.2-3.5 million for wrongful death claims.

6. Do I Need the Original Crib to File a Lawsuit?

While having the original crib strengthens your case, it is not always required. Photographs, purchase records, product registration cards, and medical documentation linking injuries to crib defects can often provide sufficient evidence for legal action.

7. Which Manufacturers Are Named in Drop-Side Crib Lawsuits?

Major defendants include Stork Craft, Simplicity, Delta Enterprise, Pottery Barn Kids, Evenflo, Jardine Enterprises, Million Dollar Baby, Child Craft, Graco, and LaJobi. Some retailers like Walmart, Babies R Us, and Target have also been named in lawsuits for selling these products.

8. Can I Join an Existing Class Action Lawsuit?

Several class action lawsuits against drop-side crib manufacturers remain active. Our legal team can determine if you qualify to join an existing class action or if an individual lawsuit better serves your specific situation based on the nature and timing of your child’s injuries.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for drop-side crib injuries. Most states have a statute of limitations ranging from 2-6 years, though special provisions may apply for injuries to minors.

At Schmidt & Clark, our experienced product liability attorneys offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Dedicated legal representation from attorneys specialized in defective children’s products

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