When you purchased your child’s Christmas gifts this year, the last thing you’d have anticipated is for those gifts to cause harm. Unfortunately, some toys can be defective and they do cause harm to children.
If a defective toy injures your child, then you can hold the manufacturer to account through a product liability claim. Here are some common examples of defective toys to be aware of.
Choking hazards
Some toys comprise many small components. Part of the fun of some toys, such as Lego, is building a larger model from small pieces. Sadly, these small pieces can become choking hazards.
If the toy was defective, such as containing loose components, then you may be able to claim compensation. The same can be said if the manufacturer does not label the toys appropriately with safety warnings and age recommendations.
Toxic materials
Like all businesses, profit is a top priority for toy manufacturers. They will typically manufacture products as cheaply as possible. Nonetheless, all toys must be manufactured in line with health and safety laws. A non-compliant toy made from toxic substances could seriously injure your child.
Sharp edges
Toys designed for young children should not contain sharp edges. The design should also consider that children do break their toys sometimes. Therefore, toys should not shatter into dangerous and sharp fragments. Sharp edges can cause severe cuts and lacerations on your child.
Before allowing your child to play with their Christmas toys, it may be beneficial to examine:
- Safety labels
- The craftsmanship of the toy.
- Whether or not the toy smells of toxic materials.
- Whether or not there are small parts that detach too easily.
The law regarding product liability in Texas can be complex. You may find it helpful to seek legal guidance.