Lawyers Pursue $6.1M in Class-Action Settlement
Attorneys are looking to wrap up a significant $19 million settlement in a noteworthy class-action lawsuit. This case concerns Fisher-Price Inc. and its parent company, Mattel Inc., allegedly selling a dangerous infant sleeper called the Rock ‘n Play, linked to tragic infant deaths and injuries. The legal team is requesting $5.3 million in lawyer fees, plus $825,000 in expenses, pending the judge’s approval. The proposed settlement would also allocate $3,500 for each of the 21 individuals representing the class.
The legal landscape has evolved over the past five years, bringing together 16 separate lawsuits under multi-district litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. The lawsuit affects a massive audience, as around 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers were sold and subsequently recalled in April 2019, followed by a reannouncement in January 2023.
This legal journey has been an arduous one, spanning over 25,000 hours of attorney work, multiple negotiations, and mediations. Lawyers involved underscored the complexity and riskiness of this class action, necessitating tremendous effort to secure compensation for affected individuals. The process, characterized by intense negotiations conducted through Zoom meetings and other means, reflects the tireless dedication of the legal team.
In the proposed settlement, individuals who purchased the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper can expect varying levels of compensation, from a full refund to $10 per item. Among the 19 law firms involved, Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., of Montgomery, Alabama, stands out for its significant contributions to the case – totaling over 12,000 hours and substantial expenses.
This legal resolution serves as a testament to the vital role of class actions in safeguarding consumers’ rights in the marketplace, underscoring the importance of holding companies accountable for product safety. As we await the judge’s final approval, it is evident that this settlement marks a significant milestone in seeking justice for those impacted by the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.
