Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Children just love playing with games and toys. Unfortunate, the very games and toys that bring hours of enjoyment to a child can also cause serious personal injuries and, in some cases, the untimely death of a child. When a child suffers an injury due to an unsafe product and / or improper supervision of the child, it is often helpful to contact a Child Injury Attorney for consultation and representation regarding the matter. A Child Injury Attorney can advise a parent as to the legal rights of the injured child and the rights to compensation for the injuries sustained by the child.
For younger children, there is a serious risks of choking on parts of a toy or game. Children are curious and lack good judgment. Often times, a child will put a piece of a toy or game in his or her mouth without giving much thought to the risks involved. Some games or toys are manufactured with small parts or pieces. Other games and toys can be damages or broken that result in small parts or pieces being available to the child. Toy safety and supervision are important in the home, the homes of relatives, friends, and neighbors, schools, day care centers, and other locations. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind to prevent or reduce the incidents of choking on toys:
1. Age Recommendations. Most toys are labeled with age recommendations. It is important to read the instructions and packages for toys. The age recommendations are there for a reason. While these age recommendations are far from perfect, they can serve as a guide to make a decision as to the use of a toy or game for a certain child and age group. If the packaging has been lost or discarded, search for the toy or game on the Internet. You can also contact the manufacturer or visit a store for more information regarding the toy or game.
2. Toy Maintenance and Inspection. Toys and games should be frequently inspected and cleaned. While a toy may be safe when purchased, it can become broken or worn over time and present dangers to a child.
3. Supervision. No matter the labeling or inspection of a toy, nothing can replace the importance of supervision of children when playing with toys and games. Children should use the toys and games as instructed. Often times, a child will misuse a toy or game without recognizing the dangers associated with the same.
4. Storage of Games and Toys. Since it is impossible or impractical to provide 24 / 7 of children in most instances, it is important to safely and securely store toys when supervision is not provided or available. Keep all toys with small pieces out of the reach of toddlers and infants who have a habit or risks for putting these pieces in their mouths.
5. Set Rules and Limitations for Play. Children should be instructed as to proper use and timing of play. By setting Rules and Limitations in place, many personal injuries can be reduced. There should be a time and place for toy and game play. Furthermore, toys should be removed from the floor and areas should be organized and cleaned to prevent injuries to the children and others.
6. Remove Unsafe Toys and Games. The Consumer Product Safety Commission periodically recalls toys and games that are determined to be unsafe for children. Parents and child care providers should visit the website for The Consumer Product Safety Commission to find out about these toy and game recalls.
See also Choking Risks to Children from Toys and Games.
The book titled – The ABCs of Child Injury – Legal Rights of the Injured Child – What Every Parent Should Know – has chapters on Damages / Compensation, School Injuries, Homeowner’s Insurance, Day Care Center Injuries, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.