October 6, 2026 — A recent incident report details the sudden collapse of a Cove Place Easy Fold Step Stool, resulting in an adult falling backward while holding a toddler during bath time. The incident highlights significant safety concerns regarding the product’s stability and durability under normal use, posing a serious fall and injury hazard, particularly when young children are involved.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On September 11, 2026, an individual was sitting on a Cove Place Easy Fold Step Stool in a bathroom while holding a toddler. As the individual began to place the toddler into a baby bathtub, the step stool reportedly broke and collapsed without warning. This sudden failure caused the individual to fall backward onto the floor, landing on their buttocks. Fortunately, they were able to maintain their grip on the toddler, preventing the child from also falling and sustaining injury. The incident occurred during what was described as normal use, raising serious questions about the product’s structural integrity and its suitability for supporting an adult, especially in situations where stability is critical.
Safety Concerns
The collapse of the Cove Place Easy Fold Step Stool presents several critical safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of falls, which can lead to severe injuries such as fractures, sprains, bruises, concussions, or other blunt force trauma to the adult user. In this specific incident, the presence of a toddler amplified the danger, as a fall while holding a child could have resulted in serious injury to the child, including head trauma, falls into water, or being crushed by the falling adult.
- Long-Term Risks: Injuries sustained from falls can have long-term consequences, including chronic pain, mobility issues, and the need for extensive medical treatment or physical therapy. For children, even a seemingly minor fall can have lasting developmental impacts, especially if head injuries occur.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using the Cove Place Easy Fold Step Stool could be at risk, particularly those who rely on it for stability while performing tasks that require balance or while supporting additional weight, such as holding a child. Given its likely use in bathrooms, kitchens, or other areas where elevated reach is needed, a sudden collapse can lead to falls onto hard surfaces, exacerbating potential injuries.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary concern is personal injury, a collapsing stool in a bathroom or kitchen could also potentially damage surrounding fixtures, tiles, or other household items, though this incident focused on personal safety.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Cove Place Easy Fold Step Stool purchased from Ross, please take the following actions immediately:
- Stop Use Immediately: Cease using the product at once. Do not attempt to repair it or continue using it, even if it appears only partially damaged, as its structural integrity may be compromised.
- Inspect Your Product: Carefully check if you own the “Cove Place Easy Fold Step Stool” model. Look for any signs of cracking, instability, or damage to the hinges, legs, or platform. Even without visible damage, the incident suggests an inherent defect could be present.
- Prevent Future Incidents: Always ensure that any step stool used is rated for the user’s weight and intended use. Avoid using step stools in precarious situations, especially when holding children or heavy objects. Always place step stools on a stable, dry, and even surface.
- Report Incidents: If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about the safety of this product, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
- Contact the Retailer/Manufacturer: Reach out to Ross Stores, Inc. using the contact information provided below to report your concerns and inquire about potential remedies or recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of September 22, 2026, Ross Stores, Inc. has provided the following statement regarding this incident: “Ross takes product safety very seriously and investigates all reports. We encourage our customers to contact us with any questions, concerns, or additional information at customer.service@ros.com.”
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.