The holidays are here once again, and California product liability lawyers have thoughts of unsafe and defective toys on their minds. World Against Toys Causing Harm, a toy safety watchdog, has released its list of dangerous toys, which include the top ten worst toys for 2009. This list comes just in time to alert parents as they prepare to start shopping for toys for their children.
This list includes numerous toys that may pose a choking hazard because of small parts, as well as toys that could present dangers of penetration or blunt force injuries. Parents, relatives, and anyone who intends to shop for small children should be aware of this list so that they do not buy any of these items which may have been on their list. According to WATCH, the toys included on the annual list are those that may have to potential to cause serious injuries or even be fatal to children.
1. The Disney-Pixar Wall-E Rocket Launcher tops the list, and is manufactured/distributed by Disney/Hoop retail stores. This toy is recommended for children over the age of 3, but the mention of it not being advised for children under this age is in very fine print. The rocket can travel as far as 20 feet, and can potentially cause eye injuries.
2. The Moon Board Pogo Board is manufactured by Big Time Toys and sold at Toys R Us stores. This toy does come with warnings about using the proper safety equipment, but is still considered a risk for head or impact injuries.
3. Serious choking injuries may arise in using the Curious Baby Curious George Counting – My First Book of Numbers book. This book is manufactured and distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing and is sold at Toys R Us. The book comes with parts including a rod that holds 5 beads which could come off, and is considered a serious choking hazard.
4. Also found at Toys R Us is the Dark Knight Batman figure which is made and distributed by Mattel. This action toy has two ears that are pointed and made of sharp plastic, capable of causing penetration injuries.
5. A toy manufactured by Hasbro, the X-MEN Origins Slashin’ Action Wolverine, puts children at risk of serious eye injuries and other penetration injuries because of the pointed plastic claws n both fists. This toy is sold at BJ’s and has no warnings about possible injuries on the packaging.
6. The Lots to Love Babies mini nursery manufactured by JC’s Toys Group poses a hazardous choking risk, and is sold by Kmart. This toy contains a small plastic attachment that uses only a thin plastic cord to attach it, easily removable by a child.
7. Just Kidz JR musical instrument is made by Kmart and sold at Sears. This toy comes with a 4 1/4 inch drumstick that can easily come off of a xylophone to which it is attached, causing serious risks of injury to small children.
8. Toy State International Limited manufactures the CAT “rugged mini”, which has axles and wheels that are prone to separate from the body, under which a three-inch long metal spoke lies with the potential to cause serious puncture injuries.
9. Wal-Mart sells the Pucci Pups Maltese which is made by Battat Incorporated. This toy has the potential to cause suffocation or strangulation injuries.
10. Spy Gear Viper Blaster is manufactured and distributed by Wild Planet Entertainment Inc., and sold at Kmart stores. This toy contains darts that shoot with a good deal of force – enough to inflict the risk of serious eye injuries not only to children, but anyone.
If you have been injured by any of these products, or another defective product; make sure to contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to review your situation and determine whether you have a valid case.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of product liability. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.