What do magnets, pogo sticks, and plastic swords have in common? Besides being toys, each can pose serious risks to a child. Dangerous toys don’t have one look or purpose. They can range from water guns to dolls to jungle gyms- they can be any shape or size and have a variety of uses- and they can injure any child, from a baby to a teenager.
If a product was defective and caused your child harm- you could be eligible to receive compensation (the grounds for this lawsuit is called a “breach of liability”). Other ways you can collect damages include, showing that a manufacturer was negligent or that the toy company breached warranties. Since 2000, approximately 20 children have died from toy-related accidents. Every year, toys can cause children to choke, drown, suffocate, or can result in strangulation, electrical shock or serious impact or burn injuries. Another risk that toys can pose includes lead poisoning.
Even the most unassuming toys can be dangerous and result in serious injuries, or in some cases death (see wrongful death). Recalls are made by companies and the government to inform consumers about what toys and products have been rendered “unsafe.” It is important that parents stay up-to-date on recall information. While toy manufacturers are monitored by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, accidents and injuries can still happen.