Firm News & Events

Case Commenced To Stop Formaldehyde Poisoning of Children

Milford, CT - March 15, 2004. The law firm of Hurwitz & Sagarin recently commenced a class action in the Connecticut Superior Court against children’s furniture manufacturer, P.J. Kids, LLC, and local distributor, Kids Bedtime Furniture, LLC (“KBF”), to prohibit formaldehyde poisoning of children caused by children’s bedroom furniture manufactured, marketed and sold by defendants. In the action, entitled Stefan v. P.J. Kids, LLC et al., plaintiffs Gena and Robert Stefan, as parents and natural guardians of their daughter, Nicole, seek relief for themselves and those similarly situated for violation of The Connecticut Products Liability Act (Count I), defendant’s consistent pattern of unfair and deceptive acts and practices in commerce within the State of Connecticut (Counts II and III), and unjust enrichment (Count IV).

The complaint alleges that in June 2002 the plaintiffs purchased from the defendant KBF of Milford a bedroom set manufactured and/or distributed by the defendant, P.J. Kids, and sold by KBF. Beginning in September 2002, Nicole experienced respiratory difficulties, inflammation of the eyes, skin rash, joint pain, fluid in her joints, and autoimmune disorders which required her to seek medical attention and led her to be hospitalized. She also suffered from sensitization, placing her at risk for future harm from various ailments, including asthma and contact dermatitis. On or about June 2003, plaintiffs discovered that the bedroom set was emitting substantial quantities of formaldehyde fumes, which permeated the air in Nicole’s room and penetrated the clothing stored in the dresser, the carpets and other parts of plaintiffs’ home. The furniture created an unreasonable risk of injury to children, was not properly constructed or tested, and does not contain warnings of the risks of formaldehyde to the health of children.

David Slossberg, attorney for plaintiffs, said of the case, “This furniture, which is manufactured in the Far East, is making children sick. Of all places, we expect our children to be safe in their own beds. We are going to make sure that P.J. Kids furniture can no longer place our children at risk.”

The case is likely to proceed on the State’s complex litigation docket.

Links below of this lawsuit featured in the news

From the New Haven Register:

New Haven Register Article 1
New Haven Register Article 2

From the Connecticut Post:

Connecticut Post Article

Information on formaldehyde poisoning

Formaldehyde Poisoning

CONTACT INFORMATION:

David A. Slossberg, Esq.
Hurwitz, Sagarin, Slossberg, & Knuff LLC
147 N. Broad Street
Milford, Connecticut 06460

Phone: (203) 877-8000
Fax (203) 878-9800