It’s that time of year again when many parents search furiously in stores and online for the year’s “hottest” toy that their child fully expects Santa to deliver. Unfortunately, too many of these toys have the real potential to cause injuries – sometimes with tragic consequences. This is why, each year, the organization WATCH. (World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.) releases its 10 Worst Toys of the holiday season list. If your child has been injured because of a dangerous or defective toy, a Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer can explain what legal recourse your family may have.
Top 10 Dangerous Toys
According to WATCH, the 10 most dangerous toys of 2023 are:
- Disney the Little Mermaid King Triton’s All-Powerful Trident: Potential for blunt force eye injuries.
- Original Squishmallows-Raisy: Potential for suffocation.
- Soccer Boppers: Potential for blunt force and impact injuries.
- Diecast Fast-Food Truck: Potential for choking injuries.
- Our Generation Hop in Dog Carrier: Potential for choking injuries.
- Orbeez Seeds- Rainbow: Potential for choking and ingestion injuries.
- Splat-R-Ball Dude Perfect Blaster: Potential for eye injuries.
- B Toys Make a Melody Musical Instrument Set: Potential ingestion and choking injuries.
- Zoom-O Turbo Disc Launcher: Potential for face and eye injuries.
- Carve Pro Stunt Scooter: Potential for head and other impact injuries.
How to Ensure Toy Safety
As you are looking to choose the perfect toys to delight and entertain the children on your holiday gift list, it’s essential to prioritize toy safety when making these selections. While the toy industry has made significant strides in ensuring product safety, there are still instances where potentially hazardous toys make their way onto the market, as the annual WATCH list affirms.
Here are some tips to help parents and caregivers choose safe toys:
- Read labels and warnings: Carefully read toy labels, warnings, and age recommendations provided by the manufacturer. Choose toys that are appropriate for your child’s age and development level.
- Check for recalls: Before purchasing a toy, check online resources for toy recalls and safety alerts. Government agencies and consumer organizations often provide up-to-date information on unsafe products.
- Inspect toys regularly: Routinely inspect toys for signs of wear and tear, damage, or loose parts. If a toy is broken or shows signs of deterioration, remove it from use or repair it promptly.
- Supervise play: Always supervise young children during playtime, especially when they are using toys with small parts or those that require responsible use, such as projectile toys.
Holding Manufacturers Accountable
Product liability laws in Virginia are designed to protect consumers from defective or dangerous products and hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable when their products cause harm. These laws give consumers legal recourse if they are injured or suffer damages due to a defective or unsafe product.
Product liability cases can be complex, requiring thorough investigation, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of Virginia’s laws. Therefore, if you believe you have a product liability claim, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in these types of cases.
An attorney can:
- Assess the merits of your case.
- Identify liable parties, such as manufacturers, distributors, or sellers.
- Gather evidence to support your claim.
- Navigate the legal process, including negotiations with the responsible parties or litigation if necessary.
- Advocate for your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries or damages.
Speak to a Virginia Beach product liability lawyer today to discuss your case.
Contact a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Law Firm for Help
If your child has suffered an injury due to a defective toy, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer. Our legal team has more than 35 years of legal experience advocating for injured victims and their families and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve, like the $375,000 insurance settlement we obtained for one client who suffered multiple breaks to his tibia because of a defective stepladder.
It is important to be aware that personal injury claims involving children can be complex, and if not addressed properly, parents could risk the opportunity to obtain the compensation their child is entitled to.
Our personal injury firm also has satellite offices in Hampton, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.