Family of former BYU and NFL player wins lawsuit against blinds manufacturer
Sep 22, 2021, 9:01 PM | Updated: 10:07 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — The parents of a three-year-old girl who was strangled by the cords on the window blinds in her home has won a $25 million jury verdict against the manufacturer of the blinds. Reno and Sunny Mahe brought the suit in 2018, hoping to bring awareness to the danger posed by corded blinds manufactured by Century Blinds.
Reno Mahe played and coached football for Brigham Young University and also played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles.
A news release from the Mahes’ attorney says the window blinds came with a warning label that was not visible, and the family was not aware of the hazard when the blinds were installed.
It says the verdict sends a “very clear message” to blind manufacturers that corded blinds are dangerous in homes with small children.
The verdict awarded Elsie Mahe’s estate $1 million for her suffering and $24 million in punitive damages.
This story will be updated.