When the use of a product results in an injury of any magnitude to an individual, it is upsetting. When that use leads to a death it is even worse. When the injured or deceased person is a baby or child, all would likely agree it is devastating. Despite this feeling, children sadly do die as a result of defective products.

Recently, the federal government was prompted to take action against a business based in Pennsylvania called Baby Matters, LLC, after the use of one of its products, an infant recliner, led to the death of several babies. In addition, there have been approximately 70 reports of near falls from the device. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is seeking to stop the sale of the baby sleep product via an administrative complaint.

The action taken by the CPSC is due specifically to issues with two models sold as the Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill. Since the business will not recall the products voluntarily, the government is seeking a court order under which Baby Matters would have to inform consumers of the issues and provide a refund to those who had purchased the product.

This is not the first time that issues have arisen for the business and its products. In July 2010, another model of the recliner was recalled due to a death and multiple reports of children falling out of the product. The CPSC claims that despite changes in the design and additional instructions regarding the proper use of the recliner, the recent deaths and falls nonetheless occurred.

Regardless of the outcome of the CPSC's quest, individuals whose children have been injured or died as a result of using the product should be aware that they can take legal action in a civil court.

Source: CNN, "Government moves to stop sales of infant recliner models after 5 deaths," Todd Sperry, Dec. 5, 2012