Federal safety regulators today announced the recall of 29 million dressers made by Ikea because they are dangerously unstable and pose a serious tip-over risk to children.
The move was prompted by six deaths involving the dressers since 1989, including three in the past two years alone. The three latest deaths all involved young boys who were close in age – from 22 months to 2 years old – and who died when a dresser made by the Swedish furniture giant tipped over on them.
Previously, Ikea offered purchasers of dressers in its Malm line free, self-install anchor kit that would secure the furniture to the wall. Safety advocates criticized the move, saying it didn’t go far enough and didn’t include all the dangerous chests and dressers that have been sold by the company, estimated at 29 million units.
Under the latest recall, Ikea has agreed to refund to consumers their full purchase prices of the dressers or the company will send a crews to install wall anchors upon request.
At a news conference, Elliot Kaye, the chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), urged consumers to act quickly if they have one of these dressers.
"It is simply too dangerous,” he said. “I repeat, it is too dangerous to have the recalled furniture in your home unanchored. Especially if you have young children."
Consumers with questions about the recall can call 866-856-4532 or go to the CPSC website to learn more.
Ross Feller Casey is nationally recognized for winning record verdicts and settlements in all areas of personal injury law, including product liability lawsuits.
If a loved one suffered serious injuries as a result of falling furniture or appliances, you should contact one of our furniture tip-over attorneys immediately for a free case evaluation.
Disclaimer: Ross Feller Casey, LLP provides legal advice only after an attorney-client relationship is formed. Our website is an introduction to the firm and does not create a relationship between our attorneys and clients. An attorney-client relationship is formed only after a written agreement is signed by the client and the firm. Because every case is unique, the description of awards and summary of cases successfully handled are not intended to imply or guarantee that same success in other cases. Ross Feller Casey, LLP represents catastrophically injured persons and their families in injury and wrongful death cases, providing legal representation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.