Every year, numerous toys are recalled because they pose safety risks to young children who may receive them as holiday presents. Sometimes recalls occur because the manufacturer or another entity determined the toys are unsafe. Other times, recalls are triggered by serious child injuries. Anyone shopping for gifts for a child should be aware of current recalls and common safety issues.
2012 Toy Recalls Are a Concern for Parents
The recent recall of a marble-size toy called Water Balz was prompted by an incident in which an 8-month-old girl from Texas swallowed one and subsequently required surgery to recover, according to CNN. The toy reportedly expands up to 400 times its original size, which poses a risk to children who swallow it. Other versions of the toy were sold under the names Growing Skulls, H2O Orbs “Despicable Me” and Fabulous Flowers. The product was available from 2010 to 2012 in both the United States and Canada.
A children’s toy manufactured by the company Step 2 was recalled because of reports of minor injuries to children using it, according to ABC News. The toy, which is a small, four-wheeled ride-on toy, was sold at Target this past year. Step 2 says that children can be injured if they lean too far forward on the seat, causing them to fall.
According to Phoenixville Patch, a magnetic toy manufactured by the company DynoCube has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission because the powerful magnets pose a unique danger if swallowed. The magnetic attraction between the pieces can cause them to link together inside the body if the toy is accidentally swallowed. This can lead to internal injury, infection and even death. Though this particular brand of toy has not been implicated in any injuries, similar toys have caused users to need medical attention after swallowing them. DynoCube magnets were sold in 2011 and 2012 on Amazon.
The United States Public Interest Research Group released its annual report on toy safety on Nov. 20, 2012. Illinois parents should be aware of many issues raised in this report, including the dangers of magnetic toys, toys containing toxic substances and toys that pose choking hazards.
Seeking Legal Help After a Toy-Related Child Injury
When a child has been injured by an unsafe toy, it may be necessary to pursue a legal claim for money to pay for medical treatment and other costs associated with the incident. Parents with questions about a personal injury claim related to a dangerous toy should seek the advice of Chicago child injury lawyers.