With the holiday season upon us, parents and other consumers are rushing to the stores to buy toys for the children in their lives. But parents, grandparents, and other consumers should shop with caution – not all toys on the market are safe. The following are some things to consider when shopping for toys this holiday season:
- Choking is the leading cause of toy-related deaths. Many of the toys cited by Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) in its “Trouble in Toyland” report were those toys that could fit through a special “choke tube” that simulates the size of a 3-year-old’s throat. When shopping for toys, especially for children under the age of 3, consumers seek larger toys that could not pass through a toilet paper tube. Consumers should also read and follow the warning labels on toys regarding the age appropriateness of a particular toy.
- Beware of magnet toys, which can look like candy. If a child swallows more than one magnet, the magnets can attach inside the child’s body and cause serious medical complications.
- Be aware of toys that may contain lead and other toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, many toys still contain dangerous levels of lead and other toxic chemicals, especially older toys and toys that are made outside of the United States. Consumers should also avoid toys made of PVC.
- Supervision can prevent accidents. Parents should follow warning label information regarding age appropriateness and safety recommendations, and always supervise younger children.
- Avoid toys identified as dangerous by consumer groups. Parents, caregivers, and consumers have come to rely on consumer advocacy groups to identify dangerous products. The following are some of the toys identified as among the most dangerous of all time by consumer safety groups:
- CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit
- Magnetix
- Aqua-Leisure Inflatable Baby Boats
- Hannah Montana Pop Star Card Game
- Aqua Dots
- Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll
As dedicated Chicago accident and injury attorneys, Cogan & Power, P.C. is committed to obtaining favorable verdicts or settlements on behalf of our clients, and making the marketplace safer for consumers. We have a proven track record of success in this area, having obtained several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients who were the victim of dangerous or defective products. It is our goal not only to ensure that our clients are compensated fully, but to protect others from becoming victims of defective products as well.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective product, or you would like information on toy safety, please contact our office at (312) 477-2500 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago product liability lawyers.