Defective Jacuzzi|Called a Deadly Trap

LAS VEGAS (CN) - Like many elderly people, Sherry Lynn Cunnison used a walk-in Jacuzzi to help soothe her aching body, but a defective plug made hers a death trap, her family claims in court.

Cunnison, 67, was in her walk-in Jacuzzi tub on Feb. 19, 2014 when she tried to pull the drain plug to let out the water so she could leave, but the defective plug and drain system didn't work, family says in their Feb. 3 lawsuit in Clark County Court.

With a Jacuzzi full of water, she couldn't open the door to leave. Two days later, after she'd failed to return several phone calls from friends, they went to check up on her and found her body.

Robert Ansara, administrator of Cunnison's estate, sued Jacuzzi Brands and six suppliers and installers, including lead defendant First Street for Boomers & Beyond, for negligence, strict liability and failure to warn.

The family claims First Street, Jacuzzi et al. knew or should have known the Jacuzzi "had a design and/or manufacturing defect" that made it "unreasonably dangerous and potentially deadly."

They claim the plug and drain system posed an unreasonable safety risk; did not warn her about potential safety hazards; negligently designed, tested, manufactured and installed the walk-in Jacuzzi tub; and did not give Cunnison effective instructions or warnings on its use.

They seek punitive damages.

Their attorney Benjamin Cloward and was not immediately available by telephone Monday.

Officials for First Street did not immediately return an email message seeking comment.

Defendants include distributors First Street for Boomers & Beyond, Jacuzzi Brands, and HomeClick; and contractors Bestway Building & Remodeling, AITHR Dealer, Budd's Plumbing, Hale Benton and William Budd.

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