Resolution for Consumers in Asbestos-Contaminated Toy Lawsuit

Almost two years after an asbestos-contaminated toy fingerprinting kit was recalled, consumers who bought the toy will now obtain refunds after a proposed settlement in a lawsuit was reached. The CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Fingerprint Examination Kit, distributed by Planet Toys, Inc. and licensed by CBS Broadcasting, was offered for sale at the beginning of the 2007 holiday shopping season. 

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) had undertaken a study of a number of consumer products, including the toy fingerprint kits.  The study showed that powers in the kit contained tremolite asbestos.  The subsequent media attention once the study was released to news agencies prompted retailers to remove the toy from their shelves. Planet Toys recalled the kits in December 2007.

In March 2008, Planet Toys sought bankruptcy protection and filed a Chapter 7 application. While the company blamed the economy for their decision to liquidate, the bankruptcy filing served to protect them from liability in a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of consumers by Public Justice, a public interest law firm.

Until a proposed settlement was reached in May 2009, affected consumers were left with no recourse. Under the settlement, CBS Broadcasting and the national retailers who sold the toys in their retail stores and on their Web sites will compensate those who purchased or received the toy. CBS and the retailers will also pay for administration of settlement claims, and an additional $30,000 settlement will be paid to the ADAO.

Even limited exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.