Inflatable Slide Recall May Lead to Lawsuits
The Banzai Splash inflatable slide is being recalled after reports of severe injuries and one death. Lawsuits are likely, as the federal agency that oversees recalls points to an alleged defect.
The inflatable slide recall affects 21,000 Banzai Splash slides, which were made by Manley Toys and sold nationwide at Walmart and Toys "R" Us between January 2005 and June 2009, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
When the inflatable slide is hooked up to a garden hose, it becomes a water slide that's meant to propel users into an in-ground swimming pool. But the slide can deflate, and has caused very serious injuries, the CPSC said in its recall alert.
Partially deflated Banzai Splash inflatable slides "[allow] the user to hit the ground underneath the slide and become injured," according to the CPSC.
A 29-year-old Colorado woman fractured her neck and died after using the slide. Another woman, from Pennsylvania, also fractured her neck but survived.
In another incident, a Missouri man was left a quadriplegic after a severe injury on the slide, the CPSC said.
The inflatable slide death and injuries may lead to product-liability lawsuits alleging a defective product. The CPSC's recall alert points to an alleged marketing defect, as the slides carry "inadequate warnings and instructions."
An investigation may reveal other types of defects. A manufacturing defect is possible if the recalled slides didn't conform to specifications. A design defect is also possible, if there was a flaw in the product's design that made it unreasonably dangerous. An experienced product liability lawyer can help determine the best course of action in a potential inflatable slide lawsuit.
Related Resources:
- U.S. recalls inflatable pool slides after woman's death (Reuters)
- Proving Fault in a Product Liability Case (FindLaw)
- Swimming Pool Liability: Pool Safety is Key (FindLaw's Injured)
- Can I Sue After a Recall? (FindLaw's Injured)