Microsoft, Wal-Mart Sued Over Child's Death
Computing giant Microsoft and retail overlord Wal-Mart have been named in a lawsuit stemming from the death of an infant boy. The suit claims that a faulty Xbox 360 power adapter caused an electrical fire, killing the boy. Since Wal-Mart sold the unit, it too is named along with the adapter's manufacturer.
The lawsuit was actually filed back in December 2006, two years after the December 2004 fire. But the Xbox 360 didn't launch until 2005, so the lawsuit must actually be referring to the original Xbox, which was launched in 2001. That earlier Xbox did see a plug recall in early 2005, just a few months after this fire.
The family is asking for damages "in excess of $50,000."
From Engadget
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Um... @ May 26th 2007 7:50AM
yea if an xbox started a fire in my house and killed my child, I'd go right to friggin' town on that company, I'd take them for everything they had, that's ridiculous, a child's life and they have to state excess of 50,000 ? that's a child, who will never live... wth?
FYI: @ Jul 7th 2007 8:12PM
Note to Time Stevens and "Um" in regards to the statement: The family is asking for damages "in excess of $50,000."
This is a legality which must be mentioned in the lawsuit. A certain thresholds, the litigants may move the legal matter to another jurisdiction (such as federal court). A precise monetary amount is not always given; a jury can determine whatever amount it sees fit for punitive damages.
h.j Chheung @ Jul 23rd 2007 9:46AM
The case should be published after legal determination for all to see what truely had happended.
hottie1122445 @ Aug 2nd 2007 10:15PM
this is horrable and an outrage this frigen child died and there has to be a lawsaut if i where walmart i would give the freaken family the money.thanks to them this innnicont child will not be able to see the rest of its life.that is such a horrable thing.my love goes out to that family.may he or she rest in peace.
fernando @ Aug 5th 2007 12:24PM
We should be aware that nothing in this world is safe. The procducts of which we speake are sold for a purpose and that purpose to make money, not save lives. Therefore, any cornor that can be cut to make that extra money; will be cut and the end result could be someones life.
I have always kelpt a strong eye on products like these and kelpt even a closer eye on my children while they used them.
I ask that you do the same.
Fernando Perez Sr
mdr @ Aug 6th 2007 9:31AM
I agree it's very tragic, but how is it WalMart's fault? If you want to sue the manufacturer for their faulty product, fine. Don't people realize that every time they broaden their lawsuit to include companies that sell the products they are only hurting themselves and other consumers. Prices are continually raised due to lawsuits that are inappropriately filed against innocent parties and frivolous lawsuits (this one is NOT frivolous, but it shouldn't include them). This is a very tragic accident. I am sorry for the family but again, how is it WalMarts fault?
uhmazing @ Aug 8th 2007 6:19PM
hahaha that kid deserved it. whoever was wasting their time playing the dumb xbox shoulda unplugged it when they were done. its no one's fault. its just one kid. their's plenty more. where were the parents?
Reca @ Aug 8th 2007 8:13PM
$50,000 is nothing compared to losing a child! Talk about a low-ball amount that is a slap in the face that shows just how much both companies care! This family lost their child and their home and they these companies actually think that $50,000 will make their problem go away! Tells you what they think of their customers.
Reca @ Aug 8th 2007 8:14PM
$50,000 is nothing compared to losing a child! Talk about a low-ball amount that is a slap in the face that shows just how much both companies care! This family lost their child and their home and they these companies actually think that $50,000 will make their problem go away! Tells you what they think of their customers.
happyaddict10 @ Aug 9th 2007 2:00AM
If this were my child i'd be asking "in excess" of 50 million at least.
Reca @ Aug 9th 2007 4:08PM
Reply to Uhmazing! You are so un amazing need to learn to read. When was it the last time you saw and infant playing Xbox? How often do you unplug all the gagets you play with when you are done?
You need to learn to understand what you are reading.
Sea @ Sep 7th 2007 11:49PM
that is so sad to hear about the childs death ("R.I.P little one") no matter how much money the family may get over this "it will NEVER be enough"
browncyb @ Oct 19th 2007 11:54AM
Uh-mazing. NOT!!!! I can imagine u somewhere attempting to milk a pig or something. Stop yourself. A child, is a child. How dare u say such a thing. Despite all that you "ain't" -- bless you anyway and my prayers to the family
Mik Brady @ Nov 29th 2007 4:02PM
Uhmazing - your uncool. shut the hell up
Deviant @ Nov 29th 2007 4:32PM
Where were the parents? They should have been taking care of the kid, but now they're conveniently there to sue? If my kid died because of this I wouldn't go around blaming Wal-Mart because of someone I should have been looking after.....Oh, and most of you people should learn to use proper grammar.
solar @ Jan 18th 2008 12:51AM
Money wont bring the kid back...... hate to sound heartless, but what would you have walmart do not sell anything due to fear of it having potential to kill some one.......money wont do ya no good if no one will sell ya anything and you have to build ur own x-box ... good luck with that see if you can make one that wont kill ya.
William Bischoff @ Jan 28th 2008 8:12PM
The amount of money listed is just a legal formality. The "in excess of $50,000" will be a A LOT IN EXCESS OF $50,000. How in the world is Walmart in any way responsible for this? If there had ALREADY BEEN A RECALL and Walmart continued to sell the item, maybe, but NOT IN THIS CASE. Toys are sold with AGE GROUP designations too. That is especially important in the case of Electrical units. WHAT IS AN "INFANT" DOING ANYWHERE NEAR A TOY LIKE THIS? I think the parents are looking to assuage their own guilt because of their own NEGLIGENCE.
CR84 @ Jan 30th 2008 8:47AM
Wal mart is "the" major player in US economy. They have forced out smaller busineses to become the impire that they are. It is absolutely their responsibility to "make sure" safe products are passed on to the consummer. If I am the judge, Wal Mart not only pays, but sets aside funds to be appropriated for future tragedies.
CR84