CPSC Report Shows Dangerous Toys Still a Serious Threat to Children
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently released a report detailing the relation between the amount of dangerous and recalled toys to the amount of yearly child injuries. Over the past several years, toys have needed fewer and fewer recalls due to hazards, with 34 toys recalled in 2011 as compared to the 172 recalled in 2008, according to USA Today.
Although toy recalls are down, child fatalities increased in 2011, with 17 child fatalities related to toys, while there were only 12 reported in 2010. The CPSC reported that nearly 252,000 children under the age of 15 were sent to the emergency room with injuries caused by toy-related accidents. While the amount of toy-related injuries is large, the CPSC reports it has been the average amount for the last several years.
Many of the fatal toy accidents came from children choking on balloons and balls which, due to their common nature, are hard for agencies to regulate. In addition, a large amount of child injuries came from accidents while riding on non-motorized scooters, which have been subject to several recalls in the past year.
Starting January 1, the CPSC Improvement Act will go into effect, making toymakers subject to mandatory standards that were once only voluntary. Under the act, companies must have their products certified by independent labs to assure that they meet the regulations, which cover categories such as small components and lead content.
While some toys can be easily spotted as hazardous for children of certain ages, others have concealed dangers that were overlooked by the company that made them. When a child has been injured by a defective toy, those responsible for its design and manufacture can be held liable for damages. A dangerous toy injury attorney in New York at Wingate, Russoti & Shapiro can help if you or your child has been injured and fight for your rightful compensation. Contact our offices today for a free consultation at (212) 222-4336.
