On behalf of Smiley & Smiley, LLP posted in Defective Products on Thursday, December 4, 2014.
Chances are that you will purchase at least one toy this season. You may have children of your own or nieces and nephews. You may have grandchildren or may adore some of your friends’ children. Or perhaps you are simply generous and will be donating toys to children in need. No matter who you are buying toys for this season, it is important for you to understand which toys are dangerous and why.
According to The Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, more than 3.25 million American children required emergency medical care after sustaining toy-related injuries during the period of 1990 to 2011. Roughly translated, this means that a child in the U.S. requires a high level of medical care for such injuries every three minutes. Frustratingly, many of these injuries are easily preventable.
Not all dangerous products appear to be dangerous at first glance. Many toys contain small parts and can be choking hazards. Others may be dangerous only when used improperly. And others may be dangerous in ways that are surprising. For example, foot-powered scooters have proven to be very dangerous in recent years. Many parents understandably want to purchase toys for their children that will inspire them to go outside. But if children are not also required to wear safety helmets and pads while riding these scooters, they risk real injury.
In addition, it is generally a good idea to avoid any toys which feature high-powered magnets, as swallowing these pieces is not simply an inconvenient event. Swallowing these magnets in particular can be fatal.
When shopping for a child this season, think like a child. How could you possibly be harmed by this toy? After asking yourself this question, you may rethink your purchases.
Source: MainStreet.com, “The Most Dangerous Toys Revealed -- And They're Not Toy Weapons or Choking Hazards,” Hal Bundrick, Dec. 1, 2014
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