COMMON INJURIES DUE TO UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS TOYS
US toymakers follow a set of mandatory safety rules and regulations as outlined by ASTM International. The Toy Association™, Inc., a not-for-profit trade association, is equally committed to product safety. However, despite rigorous regulations, unsafe or dangerous toys make it to market every year. Typically, toys are deemed unsafe due to their design, manufacturing defects, or problems associated with their warning or labeling literature.
Examples of this include toys that include easily breakable glass parts or toys that are prone to tipping over. In other situations, toys are rated for inappropriate ages, resulting in parents unknowingly giving a dangerous toy to a much too young child. Additionally, if a toy has known hazards or risks, and no warning label is supplied, or there is a defect in that labeling, injury can occur in the blink of an eye.
Injuries associated with dangerous and unsafe toys include:
- Blunt force injuries
- Burn injuries
- Chemical-related injuries
- Choking and suffocating
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries
- Falling and impact injuries
- Head injuries
- Ingestion
WHO IS AT RISK?
While even adults can be susceptible to toy-related injuries from unsafe and dangerous toys, the younger the child is, the more hazards they face. For example, children under three years of age are at greater risk of swallowing small parts, and because their airways are smaller, they are more likely to choke. Paying extra attention to safety can help prevent an injury.
Safety tips to keep in mind when giving a toy to a child:
- Make sure the toy is age-appropriate and follow age guidelines
- Look over the toy for damage or defects before giving it to a child, and regularly check old toys for wear or broken parts
- If the toy requires assembly, carefully follow the assembly instructions
- Read and familiarize yourself with all warning labels for the toy
- Keep choking hazards away from small children
- Supervise your children while playing, especially young children
- Have children wear appropriate safety gear, especially when playing with toys like scooters and building toys
As a parent, you can also keep up to date with recent toy recalls and pay attention to when child safety organizations release their yearly “dangerous toy” lists. Click here to see the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) 2020 “10 Worst Toys” list.
Despite our best efforts, injuries do still happen. There is not much we can do if a toy is defective or has an unsafe design. However, if your child is injured due to a dangerous toy, you can hold the manufacturer responsible.
HOW A LAWYER CAN HELP YOU & YOUR FAMILY
At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC, we know how devastating it can be when your child suffers a serious injury due to a dangerous or unsafe toy. Even more heartbreaking is when the negligence of a toy manufacturer results in a fatal injury. Our Tulsa dangerous toy injury lawyers are committed to helping parents hold negligent parties responsible. With over 35 years of experience, we are prepared to fight for you and your family.
While taking legal action may feel like a daunting task, especially when going up against a major brand, you do not have to go it alone. If a loved one has been injured by a defective toy, our Tulsa dangerous toy injury attorneys are here to help. We are experienced litigators, and our partners have received record-breaking verdicts and settlements. We believe everyone deserves fierce, dedicated advocacy. When you need someone on your side, fighting for your family, turn to Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC.
