Texas Injury Lawyers Blog
SIDS has been associated with defective infant sleep products.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Caused by Defective Products
Among the many important observances in October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.
SIDS occurs when an infant dies suddenly for seemingly no reason, usually during sleep, and most commonly happens between the ages of 1 and 4 months. Researchers are not sure exactly what causes SIDS, though there are many factors that contribute to the likelihood of SIDS.
Nothing is more horrible and heartbreaking than a hopeful parent losing their precious child. This is especially egregious when the loss was caused by an unsafe or defective sleep product — losses like this should never occur. There are legal options available for Texas parents who have lost their child to SIDS due to a defective baby product.
Did You Know?
About 2,300 babies in the United States die of SIDS each year, according to the Boston Children’s Hospital.
Can Defective Baby Products Cause SIDS?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report just last month detailing the connection between sleep products and infant injury and death. In the report covering injury data between 2019 and 2023, they found that:
- 523 infant deaths were directly associated with nursery products (but not necessarily caused by them),
- 76% of these fatalities were associated with inclined infant sleep products, cribs/mattresses, bassinets/cradles, infant carriers, and playpens/play yards,
- Causes of death included hazardous environments in or around the sleep products.
The causes of SIDS are still unknown, so it would not be accurate to say that defective products cause SIDS. However, research has shown that sleep environment and sleep products directly contribute to the likelihood of your baby suffering from SIDS. Additionally, exposure to toxic chemicals like lead and cadmium can increase your baby’s likelihood of SIDS, and such chemicals are often found in recalled baby products and formulas.
Product Liability Claims for SIDS in Texas
If you believe a defective product caused your baby to suffer from SIDS, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
Unsafe and/or defective products that cause injury should never be sold to Texas parents. However, some are sold and cause harm — even worse, these products are often marketed to parents as being safe.
You can never truly be compensated for the loss of your baby — regardless, a Texas product liability attorney can help you file a product liability claim to recover things like:
- Medical bills,
- Funeral/burial expenses,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- And possibly punitive damages.
Compensation in a product liability claim can come from multiple parties, including:
- Manufacturers,
- Distributors,
- Retailers,
- And Wholesalers.
To recover damages, you need to prove that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care (was negligent, in legal speak) or that the product was inherently dangerous. Examples of negligent behavior include things like:
- Failing to prevent defects from occurring in the manufacturing process,
- Failing to warn customers of the danger associated with proper use of a product.
In cases of strict liability, negligence does not need to be proven.
Cases like these are complicated. It can be difficult to prove that a product caused your baby’s death or that it was dangerous (especially if the product has not been recalled). That is why it is never recommended that you pursue a case like this without the help of a product liability attorney.
Have You Lost Your Baby to SIDS in Texas? Call Shaw.
We are truly sorry for your loss and stand ready to assist you.
Carabin Shaw has represented child injury cases across Texas for over 31 years. We have the resources and experience necessary to represent your claim.
If you’re not sure if you have grounds for a lawsuit, that’s okay — call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to talk to one of our attorneys and find out if you have a claim. Initial consultations are always free of charge, and you’re never obligated to work with the firm afterward if you don’t want to. There’s no risk — just expert legal advice. We look forward to serving you.