Product Recall: CPSC, Big Lots Recalls Metal Futon Bunk Beds; Death Reported

June 18, 2011
2:27 am

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Product Recall: CPSC, Big Lots Recalls Metal Futon Bunk Beds; Death Reported

06/16/2011 // WPB, FL, USA // Personal Injury Lawyers News // Nicole Howley

Columbus, OH — Big Lots and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have voluntarily recalled about 30,000 metal futon bunk beds for entrapment hazards the product poses. The CPSC announced the product recall on June 16, 2011.

The product recall was issued after it was discovered that if a child was behind the futon or was in the ladder area of the bunk bed, they can become entrapped when the futon and its metal frame are lowered from the seated to the flat position.

One death has been reported as a result of the defective feature of the bunk beds. “A three-year old Burlington, Iowa boy who died when he became entrapped at the head and neck in the recalled bunk bed in March of 2010. The weight of the futon’s metal frame prevented the child from breathing and escaping. CPR was administered, but the child died at the hospital due to compression asphyxiation,” reported the CPSC.

In addition, the space between the last rung on the bunk bed’s ladder and futon mattress is too small, which can allow a child’s body, but not their head, to slip through. This poses a head and neck entrapment hazard.

The CPSC reported, “The recall involves metal futon bunk beds with model number BFB1008 located on a label on the upper bunk support rail. The recalled metal futon bunk beds were sold exclusively by Big Lots stores nationwide from January 2009 through April 2010 for about $200. They were sold unassembled, and were manufactured in China.”

Consumers are advised to contact Big Lots for a free repair kit.

For more information concerning the product recall, consumers can contact Big Lots toll-free at (866) 244-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, e-mail the firm at [email protected] or visit their website www.biglots.com.