Retail outlets are urging us all to get our holiday shopping done early this year. The pandemic has slowed production and strained supply lines to the point that a lot of items may be hard to get.
The Levin & Malkin team is concerned that demand for scarce goods could result in unsafe products being rushed to market, or dangerous knock-offs being passed off as the real thing. New Jersey parents should pay close attention to all the goodies their children get this holiday season, and reach out to an experienced product liability attorney if any of their loved ones are injured by a defective or unreasonably dangerous product.
This is not an overreaction given the fact that many, many dangerous toys have made it to the U.S. toy market. The following list is a rundown of some of the worst offenders.
Lawn Darts
The classic example of a children’s toy that was unreasonably dangerous is lawn darts. Before they were pulled from the market these giant, metal-tipped projectiles killed three children and injured thousands.
“Jarts” have been redesigned with safer rounded plastic tips and re-released. Anyone who has an older set with the classic metal tips is urged to destroy them.
Even with their safer design, parents should supervise kids playing with any type of toy that is meant to be used as a projectile. The instructions usually say not to throw or shoot them at anyone, but kids often ignore this warning.
Laboratory Kits
Many science experiment sets produced in the early 20th century contained dangerous substances. A few sets even contained uranium!
Failure to follow the directions included with modern sets that are supposed to be safer can also lead to injury. So, be sure you are safely supervising your little mad scientist.
Buckyballs
There’s nothing inherently unsafe about this fun magnetic building set, unless you swallow the magnets. Buckyballs were recalled from the market after more than 1,700 children visited the ER after ingesting the powerful magnets.
Virtually any toy that contains magnets may end up on a list of dangerous toys because it can cause so much harm when a little one swallows a couple of them.
The Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven is a classic today that has been modified several times over the years to make it safer. It’s still safer to let your little chef help you in the real kitchen instead of cooking with a lightbulb or other electric heating element.
Hoverboards
This popular today is a broken arm waiting to happen, but that is not what makes them dangerous. Early models often burst into flame if improperly charged.
Levin & Malkin: Millions Won For Our North Jersey Clients
If you or a family member has been seriously harmed by an inherently dangerous or defective toy, tool, car, or any other product, you may be entitled to compensation. Levin & Malkin’s team of experienced product liability attorneys can help you get the money you need to recover from your injury and hold the company that injured you accountable. Please contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Posted in: Product Liability