When it comes to toys, safety is non-negotiable. Choosing the right toy for a child involves more than just opting for fun and enjoyment; it also requires understanding and vigilance of the potential hazards that toys can pose, especially to toddlers and young children.
The elation that a toy brings to a child’s face can quickly turn to distress if the item is not safe. Unfortunately, approximately 217,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. As a guardian of your little ones, it's important to exercise vigilance even with children's toys.
Defective Toy Injuries: A Real Threat
Even toys designed for young children can sometimes be flawed. Defective toy injuries are a serious concern. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were an estimated 226,100 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2018 alone.
Injuries children can suffer from toys include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Falls
- Burns
- Toxic exposure
- Suffocation
- Punctures
- Strangulation
Children can also be at risk of choking on small toys, which is why it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers that defective toys can pose to their safety. Taking extra care to check that toys are safe and free from any hazards is of utmost importance.
What Makes a Toy Defective?
Product liability encompasses various aspects, including the presence of defective toys. It is the responsibility of manufacturers, sellers, and distributors to ensure the safety of their products. When these products are flawed and result in injuries, those responsible can be held accountable for their actions.
Types of product defects include:
- Design defects: This occurs when a product’s design is dangerous or flawed. For example, a child's toy chair could have a design defect if it was made with materials that cannot support their weight.
- Manufacturing defects: This happens when a product fails to meet its design during the manufacturing process. For example, a child's toy with screws loose can be a choking hazard.
- Labeling defects: When product packaging does not provide the required instructions, safety warnings, or other proper handling instructions, this could cause injury. For example, a children's toy that fails to include a choking hazard label could fall into this category.
Safe Toy Buying Tips
When purchasing toys for young children, consider the American Academy of Pediatrics safe toy buying tips.
Here are a few tips to adhere to:
- Read labels to ensure a toy is appropriate for a child's age.
- Make sure electric toys are "UL Approved."
- Avoid toys with cords or long strings that can pose strangulation hazards to infants and very young children.
- Inspect toys for solid construction, avoiding those with sharp edges or points.
- Skip loud toys that could cause harm to a child’s hearing.
- Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for children who are under 12 years old.
- Make sure toys and their parts are larger than your child's mouth. According to KidsHealth, toys should be at least 1/25 inches in diameter and 2.25 inches in length so they cannot be swallowed.
By following these guidelines, you can greatly reduce the risk of an unsafe toy ending up in the hands of a child.
What to Do if Your Child Is Injured by a Defective Toy
If, despite all precautions, your child is injured by a toy believed to be defective, take immediate action.
Steps to take include:
- Seek medical attention after your child is injured.
- Preserve the toy in its post-accident condition; it may be key evidence for any claim.
- Document the circumstances of the accident, medical reports, and any subsequent developments.
- Contact an experienced defective child product lawyer to guidance.
Contact Our Team
If you need legal support and want to explore your options for seeking justice, reach out to us. Our dedicated team at Belushin Law Firm is here to assist you in navigating the aftermath of a defective toy injury. Our defective child product attorneys can attentively listen to understand your situation, assess the viability of your case, and provide strong representation and advocacy on your behalf.
Give our team a call today to learn more about how we can help. Dial (888) 918-9890 or send us a message online.