Many consumers put their blind faith in manufacturers when they purchase an item, assuming it has been tested, used by others with success, and stamped with a seal of approval for safety. And although play is often called ‘the work of children,’ we want to know that they can engage in recreation in a carefree manner and enjoy themselves without being put in harms way; unfortunately, children’s toys tend to be one of the areas where we see the most product defects, whether they cause choking, burns, cuts, injuries, and in some tragic cases even fatalities. Other times, toys aren’t technically defective, but they are just bad news and should be avoided.

Organizations such as W.A.T.C.H. keep families up to date on dangerous toys to watch out for, and their most recent list highlights some surprising problems, such as a wooden car that was recalled earlier in May due to detachable wheels that could pose a choking hazard. They also point out that the most innocent toys can turn into choking hazards if any of the small parts can be removed—with the headband from a doll being a good example.

Darts are high on the list too. And while these can be dangerous for anyone when a game is going, they could lead to serious injury for kids. Lawn darts are still on the market despite many different types of these being banned (pointed darts have been prohibited since 1988). They are often for sale online, and present obvious risk to children, including traumatic brain injury if they were to be hit with the ones bearing heavy, weighted bottoms.

Slingshots are another product to avoid, and although the press release points out they have been banned in several northern states, they are easy to obtain elsewhere and can cause serious injury—especially in the form of water balloon slingshots. And as children in Florida often spend so much time enjoying outdoor activities that include the beach, pools, water parks, and more, it is recommended that parents keep a close eye on all toys for the water, as well as other contraptions like inflatable water slides which have been known to cause injuries, including paralysis. Anything that contains water and would feasibly allow a child to get into it could pose a problem—from baby pools to buckets. Water guns are warned against as well.

For older kids (and adults), ATVs offer a lot of recreation, but also the great potential for injury or death if they crash or overturn. Children should not be driving them, and even as passengers they could be hurt or killed:

“Families should know the history of serious injuries associated with ATV use when weighing the risks of children riding as passengers; the safest choice may be for children to stay away from ATVs altogether! Recommended safety precautions, such as avoiding paved roads and wearing helmets, could minimize the risk of some injuries but not prevent all injuries,” states the release.

Has your child been injured due to a dangerous toy or a product defect? If so, please call Heintz Law. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz Law for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.