Personal injury attorneys routinely handle cases of defective or unsafe products. There is heightened awareness around this subject every December with Safe Toys & Gifts Month, a time when consumer advocate groups and product manufacturers discuss the importance of safe gift-giving. Below is a brief overview of some of the issues surrounding potentially unsafe toys and gifts, as well as how a personal injury attorney can help if you are involved in a defective product claim.

Children at Risk

Obviously, defective toys are a major safety concern for young children. The younger a child is, the less they can understand what is safe and unsafe. The same also applies to children who are mentally compromised in some way, such as those with developmental disorders. An unsafe toy can cause any number of possible mishaps, including choking, strangulation, falls, burns, or poisoning.

Before Purchasing

Before you purchase a toy, check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure there are no open recalls. Also, read the box carefully to make certain the child's age falls within the recommended guidelines. If you're even the least bit uncertain about whether a toy has small removable parts that could be dangerous, open the box at home before wrapping it and inspect the pieces carefully. Should you have any doubts at all, return the toy. You can never be too safe.

Recent Recalls

In recent years, there have been several toys that have been recalled for being unsafe. Target® recalled Hatch & Grow Easter Eggs, Easter Grow Toys, and Hatch Your Own Dino Toys because if a child ingested the small toy, it could expand inside the child's body and result in intestinal obstructions. Hobby Lobby® recalled July 4th and Easter spinner light toys because the detachable battery cover could have exposed three small batteries, presenting both choking and battery-ingestion hazards to children. Several Hoverboard® models have been recalled because of overheating, smoking, catching fire, or exploding.

A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

A personal injury attorney understands the complexities of defective product laws and how to best protect you and your injured loved one. They will investigate the accident itself, as well as any other documented cases of similar things happening with the product in question. They will handle all of the paperwork that comes with filing a legal claim, and they will communicate with manufacturers and opposing counsel on your behalf. Your attorney will negotiate settlements or, if necessary, represent you in court. You have every right to seek compensation because of the effects of a defective product, and an attorney will be your biggest ally in that process.

Before doing any holiday gift-giving this year, consult the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see if any of the toys you're considering purchasing have open recalls. If you ever find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a defective product accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Associates LLC. For more than 12 years, they have been representing La Crosse County, Wisconsin, in all types of injury claims, including defective products, slips and falls, and workers' compensation. Call (877) 784-1230 or visit their website to set up a free consultation today.