When you purchase a product for a child, you expect that product to be
safe for use. That's a very basic assumption, and yet the scary thing
is that sometimes manufacturers of products for children fail to keep
safety and age-appropriateness their primary concerns.
For those in Northern California whose children have been injured, they have advocates in the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley. Our attorneys will assist in product liability lawsuits to hold negligent companies accountable, even leading the charge in class action lawsuits so that meaningful reforms can be made in the industry that can save other parents and children in the future from the hardships that have been experienced today.
Below are a few of the dangers that defective products for children may pose.
The Danger of Potential Choking Hazards
Any toys or other products for young children that have small parts can pose a potential choking hazard. This is a key concern for babies and toddlers especially, who often do put objects in their mouths.
Because of this, any product for young children (or removable parts on said products) should be larger than the cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels. This size is a good representation of the mouth and windpipe of a child.
The Danger of Sharp Edges or Pointed Edges
You'd be surprised by just how many products for children there are that have pointy or sharp edges. While these may be better for much older children, this is unacceptable for children who are young, and not just babies and toddlers.
Accidental cuts and pokes should be avoided as much as possible, which means companies should design plush toys for children or at least ones where regular handling won't lead to a potential wound.
The Danger of Exposure to Harmful Substances
Sometimes it's not the design of a children's product that's harmful, but the makeup of the product itself. By this we mean that the product may be toxic or may contain harmful substances. One of the biggest concerns is the potential of lead contamination and lead poisoning of children.
Companies should be very careful when making their products, ensuring that all components and materials are non-toxic. Testing and quality control needs to be in place at all stages of creation.
The Danger of Projectiles
The recurring joke in the beloved holiday film A Christmas Story is that the main character will shoot his eye out if he gets the BB gun he wants for Christmas. While it's funny in the film, projectiles of various kinds are no laughing matter when they are part of products made for children.
Obviously these sorts of products are safer for older children (or are at least more age-appropriate), but even then, manufacturers and designers need to exercise good judgment when they make products with parts that can shoot out.
The Danger Potential Electric Shocks of Burns
As we are moving further and further into the age of smart phones and tablets, there have been more electronic products for children. One of the major concerns is the potential for electric shocks or burns. These electronics can generate a fair amount of heat from basic use, which can harm children if they are not careful, and the same is true for accidental electric shocks. Sometimes with a catastrophic product defect, these electronics may cause small fires to occur.
Learn More About Product Liability Lawsuits
For more information about product liability lawsuits and how our legal team can help you in your time of legal need, be sure to contact our personal injury law firm today. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we always fight diligently for the rights of the injured to help ensure that they receive just compensation.