Defective Toys

Akron Lawyer for Defective and Dangerous Toys

Representing the Interests of the Most Vulnerable Consumers

Playing with toys is one of the many ways in which children explore the world, refine their fine motor skills and simply have fun. As a parent, you shouldn’t feel anxious about getting your child new toys due to fears that a defective part or toxic chemical will harm them.

Unfortunately, those fears are frequently justified, as hundreds of toy recalls continue to occur every year. As long as toy manufacturers prioritize their bottom line over the safety of the youngest consumers, accidents and injuries involving defective toys are bound to happen.

What can you do if your child suffered an injury caused by a dangerous toy? While you cannot control the manufacturing of children’s toys, you can hold the at-fault entity liable for their actions by filing a defective product lawsuit. This way, you can be awarded compensation for your child’s injuries and have a sense of justice and closure.

Common Toy Injuries

Children’s toys are widely available for purchase, and there thousands of different products to choose from depending on your child’s age, gender and unique preferences.

While most of these toys are designed and assembled correctly, some are not. Products that are made cheaply and without adequate quality control are the ones that are likely to fail and, in worst case scenarios, cause injuries to kids.

Some examples of injuries a child can suffer from playing with a defective and dangerous toy include:

• Choking and suffocation from small pieces
• Cuts and lacerations from sharp pieces
• Strangulation from strings and ropes
• Lead poisoning from paint
• Heat and acid burns from leaking batteries
• Fire or explosion hazards from flammable toys

Recalled Toys

Toy recalls occur when a manufacturer, distributor or regulatory authority identifies potential safety hazards or defects in a particular toy that could pose risks to children’s health and well-being. These hazards might include small parts that could be choking hazards, sharp edges that could cause injuries, toxic materials or other design flaws.

The goal of a recall is to prevent accidents, injuries and even fatalities by removing the hazardous toy from the market.

Some examples of toys recalled in recent years include:

• The alien wiggly toy: A sample of the inner gel from one of the aliens contained high traces of dangerous bacteria, including E coli. This posed a risk of serious poisoning if the outer shell was pierced.
• Inflatable baby float: The seams and material of the inflatable baby float were not sufficiently durable to withstand the stresses of use, which could lead to air leakage and deflation while the float was in the water. This posed a serious risk of drowning for infants and young children using the float.
• Fidget spinners: There were reports of fidget spinners being made with materials that contained lead or other harmful substances, which could be hazardous if ingested or handled extensively.
• Clackers: These typically consisted of two hard plastic balls attached to strings, which users would swing up and down to create a clacking noise. The primary reason for the recall was the potential for serious injuries. The hard plastic balls could shatter upon impact or if they collided with force, leading to sharp fragments that could cause cuts, eye injuries or other harm to children or users.
• Barbie and Tanner: The Barbie doll set that featured a toy dog named Tanner. The set was recalled due to magnet contained in Barbie’s pooper scooper accessory that could easily be swallowed by children.

If your child has been injured by a toy that was later recalled, you could be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer or wholesaler for your child’s injuries and other damages. Discussing your case with a skilled lawyer can make all the difference in your pursuit of answers.

What to Do If You Suspect a Dangerous Toy Injured Your Child

• First and foremost, prioritize your child’s safety and seek medical attention if the injury is serious.
• Preserve the toy in a safe place, as it may serve as evidence if needed.
• Report the incident to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Providing details about the toy, the circumstances of the injury and any medical records can aid in investigations. If others have experienced similar issues, a recall might be initiated.
• Reach out to the toy’s manufacturer, informing them of the incident and expressing your concerns.
• Consult a product liability attorney who has experience in dangerous and defective toy cases. They can help you understand your rights and potential courses of action. Your swift and thorough response can contribute to ensuring your child’s well-being and preventing harm to others.