Nobody should ever have to worry about whether or not the toys they buy will cause their children harm. Unfortunately, defective toys are not uncommon. A quick look at the recall website maintained by the government will show that dozens of toys are recalled each year. Data available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)shows that there were an estimated 240,000 toy-related injuries during a recent reporting year. Here, the nationally recognized product liability team at Colson Hicks Eidson wants to discuss some guidelines that parents can follow to avoid purchasing defective toys for their children.
Tips for keeping your children safe from faulty toys
- Be mindful of toys marketed on the Internet that do not have any warnings, age recommendations, or instructions. It is all too easy for counterfeit toys manufactured overseas to mimic quality toys and end up for sale on the Internet.
- Parents should altogether avoid allowing children under the age of eight to use battery-operated toys. These toys are more prone to overheating, leaking, or exploding, particularly when not used properly.
- Try to avoid toys with any “hair” or “fur.” This can include stuffed animals or dolls. Children can ingest or aspirate the fur or hair, leading to suffocation or internal injuries.
- Do not allow children to use any toys with strings that are longer than 6 inches or any toys with a removable attachment at the end of strings or laces (like knobs or bells). The strings can become strangulation hazards, and the attachments can become choking hazards.
- Parents should strongly consider not allowing their children to use toy weapons or toys that shoot projectiles that could cause serious eye injuries. This can include slingshots, dart guns, crossbows, swords, knives, etc.
- For parents with younger children, do not use toys that are meant to be strung across the playpen or crib area. This is a severe strangulation hazard.
- Be careful not to use any toys that are made of flammable materials or have toxic components. This can include toy makeup kits that often contain poisonous chemicals or materials in the ingredients.
- Be mindful of any toys that require electricity to function, particularly if they do not have “step-down” transformers that reduce the risk of shock or electrocution.
- Avoid using any toys that have small parts that could be swallowed or aspirated by the child.
- Keep an eye on the World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) This is a non-profit designed to educate the public and parents about dangerous children’s products.
Let our team get to work on your case today
If your child has sustained an injury caused by a defective toy, contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our skilled and experienced team will conduct a complete investigation into your case. Our goal will be to secure the compensation you and your child need, which can include:
- Coverage of all medical bills related to the defective toy
- Lost wages if you cannot work while caring for your child
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Possible punitive damages against the company or manufacturer responsible
If you need a product liability attorney because a defective toy has caused harm to your child, we are ready to help. Whether you are in Florida or anywhere throughout the US, the product liability attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson are ready to get to work. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.
