According to World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) statistics, around 240,000 children each year are injured due to playing with an unsafe toy. Additionally, the organization states that, on average, a child is brought to the emergency room every three minutes due to an injury sustained while playing with a toy. Although intended for entertainment, some toys contain hidden hazards, unnecessarily putting children at risk of injury or death. There are toys currently on the market that supposedly comply with current industry and regulatory standards but are proven to be hazardous and demonstrate the inadequacy of existing standards.
Parents and caregivers must remain vigilant when it comes to toy safety while shopping this holiday season. What can parents do to prevent their child from suffering from injuries due to a dangerous toy? Included below are the featured toys on WATCH’s ten worst holiday toys of 2020 list.
1.Calico Critters Nursery Friends
HAZARD: POTENTIAL CHOKING INJURIES
Calico Critters are a line of mini animal figurines introduced in Japan in 1985 and are distributed worldwide. This set of cute “critters” is labeled for ages “3+” on the throw-away packaging. However, “flocked animals,” regardless of labels, appeal to oral-age children, as recognized by the industry small parts regulation. The Calico Critters collection includes small parts, such as a pacifier, with the potential for choking injuries.
2. Toysmith Get Outside, Go!™ Missile Launcher
HAZARD: POTENTIAL EYE AND FACE INJURIES
Created to inspire kids to play outdoors, but there are no warnings and cautions that mention potential injuries. Additionally, the act of initiating launch occurs near a child’s face, as depicted on the packaging, sets a bad example.
3.Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power F.X. Claw
HAZARD: POTENTIAL EYE AND FACE INJURIES
Inspired by the Black Panther, vibranium is essential in the suits and weapons of Wakanda’s greatest warriors. Nonetheless, these rigid, plastic claws are intended for children five or older and include a caution prohibiting hitting or swinging at people and animals.
4. Gloria Owl from Jellycat
HAZARD: POTENTIAL INGESTION AND ASPIRATION INJURIES
This luxurious, plush owl is sold for children as young as 12 months old. Nevertheless, the manufacturer acknowledges that the toy is prone to shredding, as its long, fiber-like hair may not be properly rooted.
5. WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists
HAZARD: POTENTIAL BLUNT FORCE AND IMPACT INJURIES
These jumbo size toy fists are sold to allow children three years or older to pretend to be their favorite pro wrestling superstar. Although there is a warning for choking hazards, there are no warnings or cautions regarding the potential for blunt force or impact injuries.
6. Scientific Explorer Sci-Fi Slime Science Kit
HAZARD: POTENTIAL CHEMICAL-RELATED INJURIES
Described as an “out of this world educational science kit for young children,” this slime lab is marketed as a fun activity for school science experiments, sleepovers, or parties. There are several warnings and cautions on the box, inserts, and also on the list of included chemicals and ingredients.
7. The Original Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO
HAZARD: POTENTIAL CUTTING OR PROPELLER-RELATED INJURIES
Children are inspired to perform stunts and tricks like the boomerang, catch, hover and balance or around the world. Despite warning about choking hazards, they fail to mention potential propeller injuries.
8. Boom City Racers Starter Pack
HAZARD: POTENTIAL EYE AND FACE INJURIES
Children as young as four are encouraged to play with these collectible cars that rip out of a firework rocket launcher and explode apart on impact. The manufacturer provides many warnings and cautions, including not to aim at the face or eyes.
9. My Sweet Love Lots to Love Mini Baby
HAZARD: POTENTIAL INGESTION AND CHOKING INJURIES
This doll is designed for children aged two and older. This mini baby doll comes with a feeding set and other accessories. The slender, rigid plastic spoon is approximately 2¾” long and can be swallowed, causing a blocked airway.
10. Star Wars Mandalorian Electronic Roleplay Darksaber
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT FORCE AND EYE INJURIES
Featuring sound effects inspired by the Star Wars: The Clone Wars, children ages five and up can imagine battling in epic Lightsaber duels with the Mandalorian Darksaber. However, with the toy being constructed of rigid plastic, there is a potential for facial and other impact injuries.
The Dangerous Toy Lawyers at Daggett Shuler are Here for You
Toy dangers like small parts, strings, projectiles, rigid materials, and inaccurate warnings or labels continue to reappear in new toys every year, putting your children at risk.
If your child was injured in a toy-related accident, you may be entitled to damages. When you trust the experienced attorneys at Daggett Shuler, you pay us nothing unless we recover for you. We’ll guide you through each step of your case, helping you pick up the pieces and move forward with life.
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