One mother is taking a stand to raise awareness about the potential hazards of amber teething necklaces, following the tragic loss of her son. After her child died due to strangulation, she has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the popular online marketplace, Etsy. Her goal is to hold the company accountable for the multitude of sellers on its platform offering these necklaces for infants and toddlers.
Jessica Lane’s 18-month-old son, Oliver, tragically suffocated while napping at his daycare in 2017. At the time, he was wearing a teething necklace that had been gifted to her during her baby shower. Unfortunately, the necklace became entangled somehow, tightening around Oliver’s neck and causing him to lose consciousness. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries five days later. “He was my whole world,” Lane shared with ABC News, reflecting on their close bond as a single mother.
Lane’s lawsuit, filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court, targets Etsy directly. “This dangerous product, imported from Lithuania, wouldn’t be available in California or the U.S. without Etsy,” stated her attorney, Michael Roberts, referring to the amber teething necklaces.
The FDA has issued warnings highlighting the dangers associated with such teething accessories. They have documented instances of severe injuries and fatalities among children due to choking and strangulation caused by teething jewelry. “The FDA has received reports of tragic incidents involving teething necklaces, including strangulation,” their statement indicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends safer alternatives for managing teething discomfort, like massaging gums with a clean finger or using a solid rubber teething ring.
Etsy’s legal team sought to have Lane’s case dismissed, citing that the platform does not guarantee the quality or safety of products sold by its vendors. “Any claims regarding the items purchased must be directed at the individual sellers,” the user agreement states. However, Lane’s lawsuit has been permitted to continue due to the necklace being a gift.
Since the heartbreaking loss of her son, Lane has taken proactive steps to promote safety by purchasing teething necklaces from reputable baby supply stores that feature breakaway safety clasps. She often shares these safer options with other parents she encounters who are still using amber teething necklaces. “I’ve replaced quite a few necklaces now,” she mentioned, noting that many parents often mention Etsy when discussing where they bought their products. Lane expresses frustration at the blame she faces from others regarding her son’s death, saying, “I believed it was safe because it was marketed as a baby product. I never would have put my child in harm’s way knowingly.”
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In summary, Jessica Lane’s tragic experience has led her to take action against Etsy to highlight the risks associated with amber teething necklaces. Her lawsuit aims to prompt a broader discussion about consumer safety and product accountability in the marketplace.