Black Friday is almost upon us and with it comes a season of shopping challenges for many American consumers. Toys and household items make fine presents, but it is important to consider the safety of an item before presenting it to a child. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 250,000 people treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2011. Toy recalls are commonplace as consumers discover that the products are poorly designed and cheaply made. Toys are often turned out quickly with safety testing being minimal or even absent. Parents who imagine that every toy is rigorously tested before it goes on shelves might be surprised by the reality of the industry.
Updated February 2016
10 Most Dangerous Toys of 2015
A group known as the World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. keeps a running database on toys that are considered unsafe. Every year they publish lists of the worst ten, along with the reasons for their unsafety.
The following lists some of the most dangerous toys of 2015:
1.“Bud”: Skipit’s Wheely Cute Pull Along: This infant toy was recalled after the wheel hubcaps were observed to easily fall off and present a choking hazard.
2.Foam Dart Gun: GD.Jiefeng Toys: This dart gun was listed by W.A.T.C.H. for being too realistic and not providing adequate safety warnings.
3.Stats 38 Quick Folding Trampoline: This trampoline poses serious head and neck injury issues, and the packaging doesn’t portray proper usage.
4.Poo-Dough: The toy does contain an allergy warning, but the dough contains wheat and can cause hives, headaches, and life-threatening anaphylaxis.
5.Splat X Smack Shot: The toy is capable of firing up to 100 ft. and may cause significant eye injury
6.Kick Flipper: This rigid plastic board is not marketed as needing safety gear.
7.Leonardo’s Electronic Stealth Sword: This rigid plastic sword may cause blunt force injuries.
8.Kid Connection Doctor Play Set: A small tongue depressor included may pose a choking hazard.
9.Pull Along Zebra: The string used to pull the toy is too long and may cause a strangulation accident.
10.Jurassic World Velociraptor Claws: These sharp claws can cause severe eye and facial injuries.
While not all defects are detectable by ordinary consumers, it still pays to use common sense when making a purchase. Imagine how a child would likely use the toy and see if that use is likely to lead to injury. However, if your child is injured by a defective product, it may be in your best interests to seek out the experienced guidance of a San Diego personal injury attorney from The McClellan Law Firm.