What were the most dangerous toys of 2015?
With Christmas approaching much faster than most of us would like, it is a good time to remind people of the possibility of the season’s hottest toys being unsafe. A toy’s recall can be for a number of reasons, including lead paint and choking hazards.
Here are some of the most dangerous toys from last year. Do you recognize any of these toys? Maybe you have one in your home. While most manufacturers recall products when it is determined that the product is a danger to children, toys that are made in other countries may not be.
— Foam dart gun: According to World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc., there is simply no excuse for realistic toy weapons. There are regulations that address the hazards of these types of toys, but they are not strict enough.
— Quick folding trampoline: This has a potential to cause head and neck injuries and the toy was sold in an aisle for kids as young as 6. According to a 2014 study from Indiana University School of Medicine, over 1 million visits to the emergency room by children were due to injuries suffered while on a trampoline between 2002 to 2011.
— Pull along zebra: This toy has a potential for entanglement and strangulation injuries. Despite the fact that crib and playpen toys are to have strings less than 12 inches long, pull-along toys can have strings up to 21 inches long. This toy was advertised to be for children under a year old.
This is just a sampling of some of the most dangerous toys last year. Without a doubt, there will be a similarly long list for this year as well. Always be mindful of the age recommendations when buying toys for a child, but also take a moment to think if the toy is truly appropriate for the child receiving the gift. That child may not be ready for a toy recommended for his or her age just yet.
If your child is injured due to defective toy, it is possible to hold the manufacturer and others liable. An experienced product liability attorney can provide more information on how to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death and more.
Source: CBS News, “10 most dangerous toys of 2015,” accessed Nov. 18, 2016
