Evaluating Dangerous Toys - What Parents Need to Know About Children’s Toys

Recently there were several children's toys recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to choking hazard. The recall involved Fisher-Price, Discovery Toys, and other toy manufacturers.

Fisher-Price recalled Little People Wheelies Stand ‘n' Play Rampway because there were reports that the wheels of the green and purple cars were falling off the toy vehicles and could potentially cause a choking hazard. In addition, Discovery Toys recalled toy mobile phones due to choking hazard as well. Reports indicated that the plastic antenna on the toy cell phone could break off and cause a child to choke.

Although no injuries were reported at this time on either recall, there are many toys that are either not made well or not made properly for the age group of the kids that are playing with them and could cause potential choking hazards for kids under five years of age. Although toy manufacturers follow specific guidelines set forth by the CPSC when they determine what age group a toy is appropriate for, sometimes the packaging is wrong, and parents should always use their best judgment.

What Parents Should Do When Evaluating Toys for Their Children to Play With

• Make sure to read the labels on the toys your child is playing with
• Verify that the toy is age appropriate
• Assess your child's physical and mental abilities to play with the toy
• Don't allow your child to play with a toy where the parts could pull off
• Don't allow your child to play with a toy that could fit into their ear, nose or mouth

Because not every toy-related accident can be prevented by parents, manufacturers of defective toys should be held accountable for their actions and the poorly designed toy they produced. If your child was injured due to a defective toy, you may be able to collect damages.

Call a Cedar Rapids child injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. A qualified product liability lawyer in Iowa can help you determine if you have a legal case against the toy manufacturer. Contact Brady & O'Shea, skilled Iowa product liability lawyers, at (319) 866-9277 for a free legal evaluation today.