CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Guo Yumei/Ssping Magnetic Games Due to Ingestion Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent warning to consumers to immediately cease the use of Guo Yumei/Ssping Magnetic Games due to the serious risk of injury or death if ingested by children. These magnets, found to be loose and hazardous, do not meet mandatory federal regulations for magnet toys. This poses a significant ingestion hazard, which can lead to severe internal injuries.
According to CPSC testing, these magnets fail to comply with federal safety standards because they fit within the CPSC’s small parts cylinder and are stronger than permitted. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other or other metal objects, becoming lodged in the digestive system. This can cause perforations, twisting, or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and even death.
The CPSC estimates that from 2017 through 2021, 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospital emergency departments. Since 2005, there have been eight reported deaths involving the ingestion of hazardous magnets, including two outside the United States.
Despite the serious risks, the seller Guo Yumei/Ssping has not agreed to recall the magnetic games or offer a remedy to consumers. The games, which were sold in a blue box labeled “Magnetic,” include about 20 loose black magnets, a yellow string, and a plastic drawstring storage bag with a cartoon bear and the words “Popular Broun” and “Especially for You.” These products were available for purchase on Amazon for prices ranging from $8 to $14.
Consumers are urged to stop using these magnetic games immediately, keep them away from children, and dispose of them safely. Any incidents involving injury or product defects should be reported to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.
Impact and Injuries from Hazardous Magnets
The ingestion of high-powered magnets poses severe health risks. When multiple magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, causing significant internal damage. This can lead to perforations, which are holes in the intestines, and can result in serious infections and complications such as sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection.
Additionally, the blockage of intestines can prevent the normal passage of food and fluids, causing severe pain, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or stool. In some cases, the twisting of the intestines (volvulus) can cut off the blood supply, leading to tissue death and requiring emergency surgery to remove the affected portion of the intestine. The ingestion of magnets can also cause blood poisoning and other life-threatening conditions.
Filing a Lawsuit for Injuries Caused by Hazardous Products
Victims harmed by hazardous products like the Guo Yumei/Ssping Magnetic Games may be able to file a lawsuit seeking damages. Filing a product liability lawsuit involves several steps and it is crucial to have an attorney to navigate each stage. Initially, the attorney will gather evidence to prove that the product is defective and that the defect caused the injury. This evidence can include medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies.
The next step involves filing a complaint in court, which outlines the claims against the manufacturer or seller. The defendant will respond to the complaint, and both parties will engage in the discovery process, exchanging relevant information and evidence. If the case does not settle out of court, it will proceed to trial where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
Importance of Legal Representation
Having an attorney is essential in a product liability lawsuit to ensure that all legal procedures are followed correctly and to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. An attorney will help in proving negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty, depending on the circumstances of the case. They will also negotiate with the defendant’s legal team, seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
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