IKEA Dresser Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

IKEA Dresser Lawsuit Overview

Since 2011, IKEA Malm dressers, chests, and other similar cabinets have been linked to hundreds of injury reports, including the deaths of at least 8 children, when the dressers tipped over and fell. IKEA has faced multiple lawsuits alleging it issued a “feeble” recall of Malm dressers that are prone to tipping over [1]. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has documented numerous incidents involving these unstable furniture pieces.

Latest IKEA Dresser Lawsuit Updates

August 14, 2024 – A class action lawsuit is ongoing against IKEA, alleging that the company’s recall efforts for the dangerous Malm dressers were insufficient. The case (Dukich et al. v. IKEA US Retail LLC et al., case number 2:20-cv-02182) continues in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

January 9, 2023 – A new class-action lawsuit has been filed against IKEA over its dressers, which allegedly fail to meet U.S. stability standards. Despite previous recalls, plaintiffs argue that IKEA continues to sell furniture with tipping hazards, posing risks to consumers [2].

November 2017 – IKEA recalled the MALM and other models of chests and drawers due to serious tip-over hazards after receiving numerous reports of injuries and deaths.

Reports and Statistics

The CPSC and IKEA have documented numerous incidents involving the recalled dressers:

• 186 reports of tip-over incidents involving the MALM chests and dressers
• 91 injuries to children from MALM furniture
• 113 reports of tip-overs with other recalled IKEA chests and dressers
• 53 injuries to children from other recalled models
• 8 deaths of children related to tip-overs with the recalled chests and dressers

IKEA Dresser Tip-Over Deaths

MALM Dresser-Related Deaths:

• May 2017 – A 2-year-old boy in Buena Park, California
• February 2016 – A 22-month-old boy in Apple Valley, Minnesota
• June 2014 – A 23-month-old boy in Snohomish, Washington
• February 2014 – A 2-year-old boy in West Chester, Pennsylvania
• September 2011 – A 2-year-old boy in Woodbridge, Virginia

Other IKEA Dresser-Related Deaths:

• July 1989 – A 20-month-old girl in Mt. Vernon, Virginia (GUTE 4-drawer chest)
• March 2002 – A 2½-year-old boy in Cranford, New Jersey (RAKKE 5-drawer chest)
• October 2007 – A 3-year-old girl in Chula Vista, California (KURS 3-drawer chest)

IKEA Dresser Injuries & Side Effects

The recalled IKEA dressers present serious safety hazards that have resulted in tragic consequences for many families:

• Tip-Over Incidents: Front-heavy design makes dressers prone to tipping forward, especially when drawers are opened or when children climb on them
• Structural Weakness: Unstable design fails to meet basic stability requirements for furniture safety
• Inadequate Safety Measures: Dressers sold without proper anchoring devices or with insufficient warnings
• Fatal Accidents: Multiple documented fatalities, primarily involving young children crushed beneath falling dressers

Do You Qualify for an IKEA Dresser Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a lawsuit if:

• You or a family member (particularly a child) was injured by a tipping IKEA dresser, especially from the MALM series
• You owned a recalled IKEA dresser that caused property damage when it tipped over
• You purchased a recalled IKEA dresser and were never properly notified about the recall
• You suffered financial losses related to a recalled IKEA dresser
• You lost a loved one due to an IKEA dresser tip-over incident

Evidence Required for an IKEA Dresser Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you should gather:

• Medical records documenting injuries sustained from dresser tip-overs
• Proof of purchase or ownership of the recalled dresser (receipts, credit card statements, photos)
• Documentation of any communications with IKEA regarding the recall
• Photographs of the dresser, injuries, or property damage
• Witness statements if anyone observed the incident

Damages You Can Recover

Plaintiffs in IKEA dresser recall lawsuits may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time away from work due to injuries
• Funeral Costs: In cases of fatalities, compensation for funeral expenses
• Property Damage: Payment for damage caused by the tipping dresser
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded

Other IKEA lawsuits:

• IKEA KULLEN Dresser Recall Lawsuit
• Ikea Dinnerware Recall Lawsuit

IKEA Dresser Recall Information

The IKEA dresser recall primarily affected the popular MALM series and other models that failed stability tests:

MALM Dresser Models:

• MALM 3-drawer chest
• MALM 4-drawer chest
• MALM 5-drawer chest
• MALM 6-drawer chest

Other Recalled IKEA Models:

• GUTE 4-drawer chest
• RAKKE 5-drawer chest
• KURS 3-drawer chest
• And numerous other models that failed to meet stability requirements

The recall was initially announced in 2016 and expanded in 2017.

Statute of Limitations for IKEA Dresser Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing an IKEA dresser recall lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-6 years from the date of injury or incident.

Some key considerations:

• Personal Injury Claims: Usually 2-3 years from the date of injury
• Wrongful Death Claims: Typically 2-3 years from the date of death
• Product Liability Claims: Generally 2-4 years from when the injury occurred
• “Discovery Rule”: In some states, the clock starts when you discovered that your injury was caused by a defective product

FAQs

1. What legal actions can I take against IKEA? 

Legal actions include individual lawsuits for compensation. In some cases, consumers may join class action lawsuits related to the recall.

2. Do I need proof that I purchased the recalled dresser?

While having proof of purchase strengthens your case, other evidence like photographs of the dresser in your home, witness statements, or product packaging can help establish ownership.

3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit? 

The statute of limitations varies by state but typically ranges from 1-6 years. Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to ensure you do not miss critical filing deadlines.

4. What kind of compensation can I receive? 

Plaintiffs may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, funeral costs (in the case of fatalities), emotional distress, and property damage.

5. What should I do if I own a recalled IKEA dresser? 

Stop using it immediately if it is not properly anchored to the wall. Contact IKEA to receive a wall-anchoring kit or a refund, depending on the terms of the recall.

6. Will my case go to trial? 

Many IKEA dresser cases have settled out of court, but some proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Your attorney will advise on the best approach.

7. Are there ongoing investigations into IKEA’s recall? 

The CPSC continues to monitor tip-over incidents and recall compliance. Class action litigation regarding the adequacy of IKEA’s recall efforts is ongoing.

8. Can I join a class action lawsuit? 

If you owned a recalled IKEA dresser but were not injured, you might qualify for a class action related to inadequate recall notification or economic losses.

9. What evidence strengthens my IKEA dresser claim?

Medical records, photographs of the dresser and incident scene, proof of purchase, witness statements, and documentation of all related expenses strengthen your claim.

10. How do I start my legal claim? 

Contact an experienced product liability attorney who specializes in furniture defect cases. Schmidt & Clark offers free consultations to evaluate your case.

See all product liability claims S&C Law Firm is currently accepting.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries or deaths caused by defective IKEA dressers. Statutes of limitations vary by state, making it crucial to consult with an attorney promptly if you or a loved one has been affected.

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt&Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in IKEA Dresser Recall Lawsuits.

We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

[START YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW]

References:

[1] https://www.law360.com/classaction/articles/1271399/ikea-sued-over-feeble-dresser-recall 

[2] https://www.lawyertime.com/class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-ikea-over-dangerous-furniture/