For those who suffered a serious injury as a result of using a consumer product, there may be many questions as to whether the product was in fact manufactured safely. If such a question arises, looking at the product and its history in the market may reveal evidence that supports a defective product claim. In one such case, it was recently disclosed that Kolcraft, the maker of child play areas that were sold in New Jersey and throughout the country, was issued a significant fine as a result of its failure to timely report potential defects in the play area’s design.
The product was sold between 2000 and 2009. It was reported to the company that the play-pen had collapsed on at least 350 occasions. Some of these collapses caused small children to suffer injuries, including one who was reported to have suffered a concussion. However, it was found that Kolkraft did not report these defects until about three months after receiving all 350 of the reports.
As a result of their failure to timely report, they were assessed a $400,000 fine. The company also agreed to change its practices to ensure better compliance in the future. It was not revealed whether any suits are currently pending against the company.
If a New Jersey citizen is injured as a result of their use of a product, they may have several options to seek compensation. However, before a claim can be made, it may be important to look into the history of injuries reported to the company and how the company responded to these reports. This investigation may reveal information that could assist the plaintiff in pursuing a claim for monetary damages for the injury they suffered as a result of their purchase of an allegedly defective product.
