Thousands of backyard playground sets sold online at Costco and Lowe’s are being recalled because of a trap hazard. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) safety alert, more than 5,000 playground sets marketed under Yardline Play Systems and Gorilla Playsets are being recalled. The models are the Turbo Racer, Cloud Racer, Captain’s Fort, and Fort Highlander Outdoor Playsets.
Details of the Recall
The recalled playsets have a solid wood roof with a lookout window, slides, swings, a rock-climbing wall, and other play features. The recall notice from CPSC stated that the wooden parts used to reinforce and create a decorative gable design on the wooden roof posed an entrapment hazard.
Children using the playsets could get stuck between the lower part of the roof structure and the bottom of the gable decoration. No injuries have been reported in connection with these recalled products. The Turbo Racer and Cloud Racer models were available at Costco.com from March 2019 through May 2021, while the Captain’s Fort and Fort Highlander models were sold online at Lowes.com from December 2020 through May 2021.
Children and Entrapment Hazards
Playground equipment, swingsets, and pools have inherent entrapment risks for children. When it comes to kids, supervision is critical in preventing injuries, especially those that involve defective products and equipment. Playground equipment can be particularly treacherous because of all the small spaces in which children can become stuck such as decks, rails, slides, slats, and platforms.
It is surprisingly easy for children to get caught in tiny spaces and panic. When that happens, they could potentially get wedged in further and suffer serious injuries. Entrapment accidents and strangulation are among the leading causes of death among children in the United States.
Product Liability Issues
When a dangerous or defective product causes serious injury or death, victims or families of deceased victims have rights. Injured victims can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injury, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can also file a wrongful death claim seeking damages. An experienced product liability lawyer can advise victims or families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/playground-sold-costco-lowes-recalled-over-entrapment-hazard
