Everyone is searching for the perfect toy this holiday season. If you are trying to decide what toy you want to purchase for the child in your life, we want you to consider some very important safety tips.
Safety Tips for Purchasing Toys
Some tips to keep in mind when buying toys for children include:
- Always purchase toys that are age-appropriate. Toys that have small pieces or parts can pose a choking hazard for young children. Read the label on the toy before purchasing it to ensure it is appropriate for the child to use.
- Avoid buying toys that have sharp edges or points.
- Consider any dangers that could be posed by toy guns or toys that propel objects through the eye. Some children may not follow the safety measures, and the toy could cause an eye injury.
- When purchasing a riding toy such as a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, hoverboard, or skates, remember to purchase safety equipment, including a helmet.
- Check for recalls of toys. You can sign up to receive recall information.
- If you purchase a toy that contains batteries (especially button batteries) or magnets, you need to make sure that the compartment containing these items is permanently sealed or tamper resistant. Children can be seriously injured and suffer life-altering conditions if they swallow batteries or magnets.
- When purchasing a stuffed toy, you should choose toys that are washable.
- Look for labels that state the toy is “non-toxic” before purchasing the toy.
Safety Tips for Using Toys
After you have the toy at home, you need to continue to be vigilant to reduce the risk of injury to your child.
- Supervise children playing with toys. Even a safe toy can break or malfunction causing an injury.
- Routinely inspect and clean toys to ensure they remain safe for your child to use.
- Make sure that you remove all packing materials, ribbons, strings, and tags before allowing the child to play with the toy.
- Be sure to read all instructions, including warnings and potential hazards, before you allow your child to play with a toy. Teach your child how to play with the toy safely.
- Store toys in a designated area. Separate toys that are for younger children and older children to prevent young children from accidentally getting a toy that could pose a danger to the child.
Who is Responsible for a Defective Toy?
Even though you take all the right precautions, your child could be injured by a toy that is defective. Defective toys injure and kill thousands of children. Depending on the type of defect, one or more parties might be held liable for damages.
For example, if the defect is in the actual design of the toy, the original designer could be held liable. However, if the manufacturer changed a key component of the toy during the manufacturing process that contributed to the defect, both the designer and the manufacturer could be held liable. In some cases, a distributor or retailer could also be held liable if they changed the packaging to remove warnings.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer to Handle Your Case
Defective product cases can be complex. If you suspect that a defective toy injured your child, you need an experienced team of lawyers handling your case to protect your child’s legal rights.
The team of lawyers at Diamond and Diamond will fight for justice for your child. To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact our office by calling 1-800-567-HURT or by visiting our website to speak to someone now. Your consultation is free, and you are under no obligation to hire our firm by contacting us to discuss your child’s injury.
