White and Williams LLP

Dangerous Toys: Choking Hazards

The most common cause of death related to toys is choking. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that at least 33 children fatally choked or aspirated after ingesting toys, balloons or toy parts from 2005 to 2007.

Parents and caregivers can take the following precautions to prevent a choking accident from a child's toy: 

• Read the label - federal law requires that if a toy is intended for children ages 3- to 6-years-old and contains small parts, it must carry an explicit warning about choking hazards.
• Shop smartly - when shopping for children under the age of 3, don't buy small toys or toys with detachable small parts. If your child is older than 3 but still puts things in their mouth, don't buy them small toys.
• No small balls or latex balloons for young children - these kinds of toys can cause airway obstruction if swallowed. If your child is younger than age 6, they should not be given a ball that has a diameter smaller than 1.75 inches. If your child is younger than age 8, keep them away from latex balloons. Mylar balloons would be suitable. 

Despite taking precautions to protect your child, accidents can still happen when your child plays with a dangerous toy which contains a manufacturing, marketing or design defect. When this occurs, you may benefit from the guidance of a Philadelphia product liability lawyer.

Contact a Philadelphia Product Liability Lawyer

If your child has been severely injured by a dangerous or defective toy in the Philadelphia area, you shouldn't have to watch them suffer while you pay for expensive medical bills that were caused by another person's negligence. Contact a Philadelphia product liability lawyer at White & Williams LLP today. We will provide a free, no obligation consultation on your case - 1-877-944-8396.