The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently released a report underscoring the critical need for safety in selecting and using children’s toys. The report, titled ‘Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries,’ reveals that in 2022, there were 11 fatalities and an estimated 145,500 emergency department (ED) visits for injuries related to toys among children […]
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently released a report underscoring the critical need for safety in selecting and using children’s toys. The report, titled ‘Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries,’ reveals that in 2022, there were 11 fatalities and an estimated 145,500 emergency department (ED) visits for injuries related to toys among children aged 12 and under.
Predominantly, these deaths were linked to choking or asphyxiation hazards posed by small toy parts, balls, or balloons. Among the injuries treated in EDs, non-motorized scooters were the leading cause, accounting for about 35,400 incidents. This figure represents approximately one-fifth of all toy-related injuries for children aged 14 and younger. Despite these alarming figures, the CPSC report indicates a significant decline in toy-related injuries from 2015 to 2022, with a nearly 12% decrease in injuries among children 14 years and younger and a 16% decrease in children under 13.
The CPSC stresses the importance of cautious purchasing, especially online, as e-commerce continues to rise in holiday sales. Chair Hoehn-Saric of CPSC emphasizes the need for consumer vigilance not only regarding the products they buy but also where and from whom they are purchasing. She warns against compromising safety, particularly when buying from online marketplaces that feature multiple sellers.
For safer online shopping, the CPSC suggests several tips: understanding the difference between buying directly from a manufacturer, a retailer, or a third-party seller; thoroughly reading product descriptions and customer reviews; looking for independent testing organization certification marks on toys; checking for recalls on second-hand products; and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
In addition to toy safety, the CPSC also offers advice for other holiday activities like cooking and decorating. For instance, cooking is identified as a leading cause of residential fires, with Thanksgiving Day being particularly high-risk. The CPSC recommends never leaving cooking food unattended and only using turkey fryers outside and away from the home.
Regarding holiday decorations, the CPSC notes that an average of 160 decorating-related injuries occur each day during the holiday season. Tips for safe decorating include ensuring live Christmas trees are well-watered, choosing “Fire Resistant” labeled artificial trees, never leaving candles unattended, and avoiding overloading electrical outlets.
The CPSC, a vital entity in consumer product safety, has been instrumental in reducing injury rates associated with consumer products over the past five decades. Their ongoing efforts in safety education and product regulation continue to protect the public from potential risks. For more information on safety practices and to stay informed about consumer product safety, the public is encouraged to visit CPSC’s website, sign up for email alerts, follow their social media channels, report dangerous products at SaferProducts.gov, and contact their hotline for assistance.
In light of the recent CPSC report highlighting the dangers associated with certain toys, victims who have suffered injuries may consider pursuing legal action through a product liability lawsuit. Such a lawsuit is pertinent when a consumer is injured by a defective or unsafe product. This legal route allows individuals to seek compensation for their injuries from the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the product.
The process of filing a product liability lawsuit involves several intricate steps, making the role of an attorney crucial. Initially, the victim, with the help of their attorney, must establish that the injury was directly caused by a defect in the product. This could be a design flaw, manufacturing error, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions. An attorney’s expertise is vital in gathering and presenting evidence, which may include medical records, expert testimonies, and documentation of the product’s defect.
Attorneys play a key role in guiding victims through the complex legal landscape, ensuring compliance with procedural norms, and effectively arguing the case. They help identify appropriate defendants and are instrumental in accurately quantifying the damages. In product liability cases, victims may recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and in severe cases, punitive damages to punish egregious negligence.
In the context of the CPSC report on toy-related injuries, victims could potentially claim significant damages, especially considering the severe impact such injuries can have, particularly on children. These damages not only cover immediate medical costs but also potentially long-term care, rehabilitation, and emotional distress.
For those affected by injuries from defective toys, it is crucial to seek professional legal assistance. Parker Waichman LLP, a national product injury law firm, specializes in such cases. Understanding the complexities and the emotional toll of product-related injuries, Parker Waichman LLP offers a free initial consultation. This is a critical opportunity for victims to discuss their case, understand their legal options, and start the process of claiming the compensation they deserve. Those impacted by unsafe products can reach out to Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for expert legal advice and representation. Engaging with a firm like Parker Waichman LLP not only aids in the pursuit of justice but also contributes to upholding consumer safety standards and holding manufacturers accountable.
Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide personal injury law firm is ready to assist you.