Banzai pool slides sold at Wal-Mart and Toys R Us have been recalled after reports of serious personal injury and wrongful death. The reported cases happened when the victims fractured their necks going down a Banzai in-ground pool water slide that had been placed over the concrete edge of a pool. The victims, listed below, hit their heads at the bottom of the slide because it was partially deflated:
- A 24-year-old man from Springfield, MO became a quadriplegic
- A woman from Allentown, PA broke her neck
- A 29-year-old mother from Colorado died in Andover, MA
An investigation into the injuries and death found two design defects in the recalled Banzai pool slide: 1) it can deflate, allowing the user to hit the ground underneath the slide (what happened to the three victims above); and 2) it is unstable and can topple over in both still and windy conditions. In addition, the recalled Banzai pool slides carries inadequate warnings and instructions. These findings can be used in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Banzai Pool Slide Recall Information
The Banzai pool slide recall involves about 21,000 inflatable pool water slides. The recalled Banzai in-ground pool water slides are designed for use with in-ground pools. The vinyl slides have a blue base, yellow sliding mat and an arch going over the top of the slide. By connecting a hose to the top of the slide, water can be sprayed on its downward slope. The words ‘Banzai Splash’ are printed in a circular blue, orange and white logo, shaped like a wave on either side of the slide.
The recalled slides, which were manufactured in China by Manley Toys, Ltd, were sold at Walmart and Toys R Us nationwide from January 2005 through June 2009 for about $250. The recalled slides have the barcode number 2675315734 and model number 15734. Both the barcode and model number appear on the original packaging but are not on the actual slide.