Dangerous Toys In The Hands Of Our Children
Toys are supposed to be safe and fun. Unfortunately, on too many occasions dangerous and defective toys find their way into children’s hands. In 2012, there were 265,000 reported injuries nationwide and 11 deaths attributed to dangerous toys. Recently, a toy manufacturer call Kids II issued a recall of their Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumpers because of an attachment that can forcefully rebound and pose a significant hazard to children. To date, 61 injuries have been reported because of the attachment including an infant who suffered a skull fracture. If you have a Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumper, check to make sure if the unit is subject to the recall. Recalled units were sold nationwide between May 2010 and May 2013, Their model number is 90564.
Other toys present choking hazards and contain excessive amounts of lead, though the latter is decreasing in frequency thanks to stringent federal standards. Toys with parts that detach easilyand could choke a child require adequate warning labels clearly disclosing the risk and the ageappropriateness for the toy. Some toys can damage a child’s hearing by exceeding federal safetylimits on decibels, including some Leap Frog phones for tots and the Fisher Price Laugh andLearn remote.
When a dangerous toy makes it to the market, it can result in serious injuries to our most innocent and vulnerable consumers. Many toys have design hazards that can produce serious injuries in small children including:
Small parts that can be swallowed or inhaled
Sharp edges that can puncture the skin
Toxic chemicals that may explode under heat
Poisonous chemicals that can be swallowed or inhaled
Choking hazards from cords or strings
Loud noises
Toys that are projectiles
Burn hazards
Manufacturers may misrepresent the dangers inherent in these toys or fail to label the hazards. Many of these toys are sold to children too young to appreciate the dangers. If your child suffered an injury from a toy, you may have a product liability lawsuit.
Tips for Avoiding Dangerous Toys
Before you buy a child’s toy, carefully read the label about hazards and risks associated with the product and if it is age appropriate for your child. Other tips include:
Keep these toys separate from younger children
Discard packaging
Do not buy magnet toys for any children
Avoid loud toys
Do not buy toys with small button batteries
Avoid toys with long cords or strings
Avoid any choking hazard by keeping balloons, small balls or tiny objects away from toddlers
Potential Liable Parties
The parties responsible for a defective or dangerous toy include:
Toy manufacturer
Toy retailer
Toy distributor
Placing their bottom line ahead of your child’s safety is egregious. These parties have a legal duty to manufacture and distribute toys that adhere to federal safety standards. By bringing a product liability lawsuit, you are alleging that the designer, manufacturer, retailer or distributor was negligent in producing and selling an unreasonably dangerous product and which breached applicable warranties of fitness for its intended purpose and merchantability and that it is safe for use by infants of a certain age.
Potential Damages
You are entitled to an award for damages if you prevail in a product liability lawsuit. The amount awarded is dependent on the nature and extent of your child’s injuries. Potential damages include:
Medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Pain and suffering
Punitive or exemplary damages if the responsible party’s conduct was egregious
Recalled Toy Information
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains on its web site a list of dangerous or defective toys that are subject to recall. The list is continually updated and posted at www.cpsc.gov. Check the list regularly to make sure recalled products are not hiding in your home.
Contact Us
If you or your children have been seriously injured by defective products, do not hesitate to contact our office. We will be able to represent you against manufacturers and distributors of such dangerous products and obtain the recovery for you.