Shawshank LEDz Squeeze Plush Ball Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

Toy Recall for Glitter and Liquid-Filled Toys Poses Risk to Children, Leading to Nationwide Refunds

Shawshank LEDz Inc. has announced a recall of approximately 9,600 Squeeze Plush Ball Monsters and Easter Squeezable Toys due to an injury hazard. These popular toys, sold exclusively at Ace Hardware stores nationwide from March through July 2024, have been found to pose a significant risk of injury to children. The recalled toys contain a combination of liquid and glitter encased inside a thick membrane. Unfortunately, if the membrane is compromised, the glittery liquid can potentially splash onto a child’s face and body, creating a serious injury hazard.

Two incidents have already been reported, one of which involved a child needing medical assistance to flush out their eyes after being exposed to the glittery liquid. This prompted the recall and has raised alarms about the safety of these toys, which were retailing for about $5. Shawshank LEDz has urged all consumers to immediately stop using the toys and return them for a full refund. If a physical return to a store is not feasible, the company has arranged for postage-paid labels to facilitate returns by mail.

The affected toys include two designs: the Monster Squeezable toys, which bear the model number 702053 and UPC code 810447020536, and the Easter Squeezable toys, with model number 768152 and UPC code 810067681520. Consumers can find the lot numbers on the top right corner of the permanent sewn-on tags: PC: 0224 for the Monster Squeezable toys and PC: 1223 for the Easter Squeezable toys. Shawshank LEDz has apologized for the inconvenience but emphasizes the importance of returning the toys to prevent potential harm.

The Hazards Associated with Defective Toys

Children’s toys are intended to bring joy, but defective products can lead to painful injuries. The recalled Squeeze Plush Ball toys may seem harmless, but when their outer membrane ruptures, they release a glittery liquid that can splash onto a child’s face, causing immediate discomfort and potential injury. This glittery fluid could get into children’s eyes, nose, or mouth, causing irritation or, in some cases, more severe harm, such as eye damage or even respiratory complications if inhaled.

Injuries from such defective toys may require medical attention, as seen in one reported incident where a child had to have their eyes flushed by a medical professional. The long-term effects of exposure to these chemicals remain uncertain, but the immediate impact of the injury is painful and disruptive.

Parents who trusted these products to be safe for their children are now left dealing with the consequences. Unfortunately, defective toys like the Squeeze Plush Ball Monsters and Easter Squeezables are far too common, and when injuries occur, families must navigate the complicated process of holding manufacturers accountable. That’s where legal recourse comes into play.

Filing a Lawsuit for Toy-Related Injuries

When a defective product like the recalled Squeeze Plush Ball toys causes injury, victims may be entitled to compensation through a product liability lawsuit. These cases hold manufacturers accountable for producing and distributing unsafe products to consumers. In cases involving defective toys, parents and guardians can pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages related to their child’s injury.

A lawsuit typically begins with filing a claim against the manufacturer or the company responsible for selling the defective toy. The first step is gathering evidence to prove that the product was unsafe and directly caused harm. This could include medical records, photographs of injuries, and documentation related to the defective toy.

Victims must then establish that the toy was defective due to a design flaw, a manufacturing error, or a failure to warn about potential hazards. In the case of the Squeeze Plush Ball toys, the toy’s design—incorporating a liquid and glitter combination within a membrane that could easily rupture—poses a clear injury hazard, potentially constituting a design flaw. Manufacturers are expected to conduct rigorous testing and ensure their products are safe for use, particularly when they are intended for children.

Why You Need an Attorney for a Product Liability Lawsuit

The process of filing a product liability lawsuit can be complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. A skilled lawyer will guide you through each step, from investigating the product defect to building a strong case against the manufacturer. They will gather evidence, work with medical experts to establish the full extent of the injuries, and handle all negotiations with the responsible parties.

One of the key challenges in a product liability lawsuit is proving that the defective toy caused the injury. In this case, the lawyer would need to show that the Squeeze Plush Ball toys, with their defectively designed membrane, caused the injury, and that Shawshank LEDz failed to adequately warn consumers of the risks.

With legal representation, families can focus on healing while the attorney works to secure financial compensation to cover medical bills, any necessary treatments, pain and suffering, and potential future costs related to the injury. Many cases settle before going to trial, but if a settlement cannot be reached, the attorney will be prepared to present the case in court.

Potential Damages in a Product Liability Case

Victims who file a product liability lawsuit may be able to recover several types of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency medical treatment, doctor visits, medications, and any long-term care resulting from the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain endured by the child as a result of the injury.
• Emotional Distress: Injuries can be traumatic for children, leading to emotional difficulties that require counseling or therapy.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury causes the child to lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed, compensation may be awarded for this loss.
• Future Medical Costs: If the injury requires ongoing treatment, victims may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses.

Product liability cases involving children can be particularly distressing, and having a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney ensures families are not left struggling through the legal process alone.