We were all struck by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020; state-wide mandates prevented us from celebrating the holidays how we usually do. The struggle still is ongoing; however, during the pandemic, there were reports of nine deaths and over 145,000 toy-related injuries during the holidays. Most of these injuries are minor; however, almost ten percent of toy-related injuries require severe treatment and, in some cases, surgery. To ensure the safety of your children through this holiday season, our Utah product liability attorneys have compiled a list of toys parents and family members should avoid obtaining as presents.
Off-Brand Toys
Many studies show that knock-off or off-brand toys should be avoided this holiday season. These studies report that counterfeit toy-making companies are more likely to use faulty materials that are unsafe for children. Many online purchased games and toys are fake, as over 800 consumers reported purchasing fake games and toys in 2020.
Toys with Small/Removable Parts
If you’re shopping for presents this holiday season, try to avoid buying toys with small, extra, or removable parts. Young children are prone to choking on these small plastic parts. Maybe you should wait an extra year or two before buying your baby nephew some Legos. If you’re looking for a toy with smaller pieces that are safe, try a genuine GoPoP!
Hand-Me-Down Toys
Our Utah personal injury attorneys do not recommend buying second-hand toys from online marketplaces such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Keep in mind, that it is illegal for any resellers to sell any product that they know or should know if it has been recalled, unless the issue has been fixed.
Ingestion Risks
Much like small, removable parts, toys with magnets and easy-to-remove disc batteries have serious risks if a child were to swallow them. In 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled over 10 million Zen Magnets and Neoball Magnets units. This was after they were informed that two children ingested the magnets and required extensive surgery for their removal.
If you’re out looking for toys, make sure the child you’re buying these toys for is within the intended age for the toy purchased. If you’re child has been injured by a toy, call our personal injury attorneys to get a free consultation today.
