Avoid Potentially Dangerous Toys This Holiday Season
As families head out to celebrate Thanksgiving, many will turn their thoughts to the next major holiday. Whether that is Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, gift-giving is likely to be involved. Unfortunately, when it comes to purchasing and giving items to younger children, there are many potential risks. This is especially true for toddlers and infants. If you are purchasing a gift for a young child this year, keep everyone safe this holiday season by knowing how to avoid potentially dangerous and defective toys.Understanding the Possible Risks
Based on statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the number of recalled toys have decreased drastically over the last several years, going from 172 toys in 2008 to 44 in 2010. However, the number of actual injuries are increasing – up from 152,000 injuries in 2005 to 186,00 in 2009. The most common injuries include abrasions, contusions, lacerations, strangulation, and airway obstruction.
Some injuries can lead to fatality. Obstructions are often the most concerning since, in just a matter of moments, a child can lose consciousness. However, there are other types of injuries that can also lead to fatality. Swallowing of button batteries, which are often found in toys, can lead to fatality in just a short time, but even when death does not occur, it can lead to serious injury. Magnets, when swallowed, can also cause severe injury or death by attracting one another in the digestive system and then perforating the intestinal tract.Preventing Possible Injury
When purchasing toys for children this holiday season, it is critical that you pay attention to age restrictions. These are put in place to protect children. However, parents and family members should also be diligent about registering products and watching for any major recalls for defective toys. These dangerous items are especially problematic since, despite age approval, they can lead to serious injury or death in young children. Airway obstruction and strangulation are common defective toy injuries.Pursuing Compensation for Defective Toys
Even when parents use care and diligence, children may still come into contact with defective toys. In such instances, it is critical that parents know and understand their legal rights, particularly their right to pursue compensation. Further, parents should seek skilled legal assistance from an experienced attorney for help with their case.