The New York Times-20080124-Settlement Over Toys

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Settlement Over Toys

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The maker of Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway toys has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a nationwide class-action lawsuit by thousands of families who bought lead-tainted products, a plaintiffs' lawyer said Wednesday.

Under the deal, the company, RC2 Brands, will offer cash refunds or replacements toys, plus what the company calls a bonus toy; it also promises to put in place new quality controls, a plaintiff's lawyer in the case, Jay Edelson, said.

The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County last year, and the court gave the settlement preliminary approval on Tuesday. The judge is expected to give final approval at a hearing set for May 6, Edelson said.

The chief executive of RC2, Curt Stoelting, said the agreement builds upon the many steps that we've taken to replace recalled products and improve product safety and would help continue to build parents' trust.