When you buy a toy for child, you just hope they like it. The last thing most consumers even consider is that a toy could present serious health risks for a child. But if you assume that toy manufacturers don’t release dangerous toys, think again.
Toys can cause children harm in often surprising ways. For example, though U.S. law forbids manufacturers from using lead in toys, there were at least two high profile instances of toys containing lead (Super Soaker water guns and Aflac toy ducks).
In short, though consumers can be somewhat confident about the safety of toys available on the market, they shouldn’t be 100% confident. Consumer safety has come a long way in recent years, but shopping for toys in 2020 is still a buyer beware situation.
So, which toys should you think twice before buying in 2020?
Based on recent recalls and warnings from consumer safety advocates, toy buyers should be cautious if considering any of the following toys:
Toys included on the 2020 W.A.T.C.H. list:
Calico Critters Nursery Friends
GO! Launch Missile Launcher
Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw
Gloria Owl
WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists
Scientific Explorer Sci-Fi Slime
The Original Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO
Boom City Racers Starter Pack
My Sweet Love Lots to Love Babies Minis
Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber
Toys from previous lists and recent recalls:
NERF Ultra One
Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog
Bunchems Bunch N’ Build
Yeti
Nickelodeon Frozen Treats Slime
Anstoy Electronic Toy Gun
Diecast School Bus
Pogo Trick Board
Power Rangers Electronic Cheetah Claw
Viga Pull Along Caterpillar
Musical Lili Llama
Manhattan Ball
Super Soaker XP 20 and XP 30 Water Guns
Even though some of these toys have already been recalled, it’s possible early shoppers already purchased them or that stores continue to stock remaining inventory.
General Types of Potentially Dangerous Toys
The following types of toys regularly present dangers to children, even though they continue to be popular among consumers in the U.S. If you’re considering purchasing any of these types of products, at least make sure you’re purchasing them for children old enough to use them safely.
Trampolines
Bounce houses
Water balloon slingshots
Micromobility products, including e-scooters, hoverboards, and e-bikes
BB guns
What Makes a Toy Dangerous for Children?
Several factors can make toys particularly hazardous for young children. These include:
Choking hazards – This hazard is present in toys that have small breakable or detachable components, especially when those toys are marketed to very young children.
Dangerous chemicals – Some chemicals, like lead, are less prevalent in toys than they used to be, but they’re still inadvertently included in some toys. Once detected, these products are typically recalled. Toys manufactured overseas (where laws aren’t as restrictive) might also contain dangerous chemicals.
Burns – Products that quickly overheat could cause burn or explosion risks to children, as was the case when hoverboards (powered by lithium ion batteries) were popular products.
Sharp objects – Toys that have pointy ends or sharp corners can cause serious injuries like lacerations.
Improper labeling – If toys aren’t safe for young children or contain dangerous components, consumers should be made aware through easily seen labels on the product or the product’s packaging.
Legal Options for Injuries from Dangerous Products
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous product, you have legal rights to compensation. Product liability laws give you the right to hold manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by dangerous products.
To speak to an experienced product liability attorney in Northern California, contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
During this time of uncertainty, please know that we are here and ready to help.
If you’ve been injured, we can arrange a virtual meeting in order to start work on your case right away.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we want you to know we continue to be available and hard at work on your behalf. Although all of our offices are closed, we will remain open remotely to handle all ongoing and new cases and can be reached by phone, e-mail, teleconference and the contact form located on our website. We pledge to continue providing the same high level of service regardless of what happens in the coming weeks.