Chicago, IL: (Jan-22-08) A class action lawsuit was brought against RC2 Corporation, the manufacturer of the popular Thomas & Friends toys, alleging that the toys were contaminated with lead paint. Sources stated that the class action suit involved claims of hundreds of thousands of people who bought Thomas & Friends toys. Lead paint has proven to have detrimental effects and as part of a settlement agreement reached, the company agreed to implement a battery of safeguards to ensure that its toys are suitable for children to play with in the future.
RC2 Corporation officials claimed that the deal cost the company over $30 million. Sources close to the case stated that the settlement was joined by lawyers who filed similar class actions in Florida, California, New Jersey and Tennessee. Officials said that under the settlement agreement, eligible class members can receive full cash refunds or replacement toys with an additional bonus toy. The settlement also provides for $100,000 to go to an appropriate not-for-profit organization. [
