December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. Since it coincides with the holiday season, it's the ideal time to remember to be a smart shopper and only buy safe toys and gifts for those you love. Personal injury attorneys often see an increase in injuries from dangerous or defective products at this time of year, so shop wisely and protect your loved ones. Below is an introduction to the topic of defective toys, how to be a conscious consumer, and how a personal injury attorney can help if you or someone you care about is the victim of a dangerous product.

The Risks of Unsafe Toys

There are several potential safety hazards with defective or dangerous toys. Small parts can present choking hazards, sharp edges or broken pieces can cause deep cuts and wounds, packaging can suffocate, and toxic chemicals used during manufacturing can cause illness if ingested. Any child can fall victim to a dangerous toy, but in general, the younger a child is, the more vulnerable they are to accidents or injuries.

How to Shop

Before even hitting the stores, compile a list of toys your loved ones have requested or you are considering purchasing. Look up each one with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make certain there are no open recalls or safety issues. When you shop, check the manufacturer's recommended age, and if the recipient doesn't meet the age guidelines, choose another gift. For added peace of mind, open the box once you get home and look for any parts that could be a possible hazard; if there are any pieces that you feel could be dangerous, don't hesitate to return the toy and buy something else.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

If a gift recipient is injured by a defective or dangerous toy, consult a personal injury attorney. They will explain all available legal options and help you find the most appropriate path to compensation. Attorneys handle all aspects of filing a legal claim on behalf of their clients, from paperwork and correspondence to negotiating and settling with manufacturers, insurance companies, and opposing counsel.

Following the above advice will ensure a happy and safe holiday season. If a gift-related incident occurs, trust Schaller Campbell & Untied Attorneys to look out for you. Since 1914, they have been representing Licking County, Ohio, clients in injury, divorce and child custody, and business law cases, to name just a few of their practice areas. Call (740) 349-8505 or visit their website to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney.