Parents eagerly hunt for the perfect toys to delight their children as the holiday season looms. However, amidst the excitement, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) cautions parents to prioritize safety in their toy selections. Recent findings from the CPSC underscore the importance of this caution.
On November 14, 2023, the CPSC unveiled its latest report on Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries. The data, while showing a 16% decrease in injuries compared to the previous year, paints a concerning picture: 11 fatalities and approximately 145,500 emergency department (ED) visits in 2022 were linked to toy use among children under 12 years old.
Choking hazards, predominantly from small objects like balls or balloons, were the leading cause of the reported fatalities. In the realm of ED visits, non-motorized scooters were the primary culprit, representing a staggering 35,400 cases – about 20% of all toy-related injuries for children up to 14 years old.
To combat these risks, the CPSC offers crucial advice for parents:
- Adherence to age-specific guidelines and safety information on toy packaging is key. Choosing toys that align with a child’s capabilities and interests is essential.
- For scooters and similar ride-on toys, appropriate safety gear, particularly helmets, is non-negotiable. Consistent use of this equipment is crucial.
- Vigilance is needed to keep small objects, like tiny balls or toys with small parts, away from children under three. Similarly, deflated balloons should not be accessible to children under eight.
- Prompt disposal of any plastic wrappings or toy packaging is necessary to prevent them from turning into hazardous play items.
The CPSC also stresses the importance of cautious purchasing, particularly in online marketplaces. Chair Hoehn-Saric emphasized that consumers often expect online-bought products to match the safety standards of physical store purchases. However, this might not always be the case, especially when buying from third-party sellers. Educating oneself about the product and the seller is crucial, as safety should never be compromised.
For more tips on safe toy purchases and maintaining a secure household during the holidays, parents are encouraged to visit CPSC.gov.
Pursuing Compensation for Toy-Related Injuries
When toy-related injuries occur, affected families may have grounds to file a lawsuit for damages. These cases often fall under the category of product liability, where the argument is made that the toy was unsafe or defective, leading to injury.
Filing such a lawsuit involves a multi-step legal process, beginning with the initial claim and potentially culminating in a court trial. The complexity of these cases necessitates the expertise of an attorney. Legal representation is crucial for effectively handling evidence collection, case presentation, settlement negotiation, and court proceedings.
Victims can seek a range of damages in a product liability case. These may include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and, in extreme cases, punitive damages for manufacturer negligence. The aim of these lawsuits extends beyond financial reparation; they also seek to hold manufacturers accountable and drive improvements in product safety standards.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
For families grappling with the aftermath of toy-related injuries, legal recourse can be a pathway to justice and change. Parker Waichman LLP, a nationally recognized product liability law firm, offers expert guidance in these matters. Providing a free consultation allows victims to explore their legal options without initial financial commitment.
If your child has suffered a toy-related injury, reaching out to Parker Waichman LLP could be crucial. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that your rights are upheld, and those responsible for unsafe products are held accountable. Contact them at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a confidential, no-cost consultation to discuss your case and take the first step towards safeguarding children’s safety and well-being.
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