Oregon Injury Lawyer Blog
An 11-month-boy had to be taken to the hospital after a plastic nail from a Little Tikes toy got stuck in his throat. Fortunately, he has reportedly made a full recovery.
To prevent more choking accidents from happening, however, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Little Tikes Co. are recalling about 1.6 million Little Tikes Trucks and Workshop Sets. The toys include plastic, oversized toy nails that are about 3 ¼ inches long and 1 ¼ inches in diameter. The CPSC and the toy maker are concerned that other children might choke on one of them. They are asking consumers to remove the nails from the toy and contact the company about getting free replacement parts.
Kids and Choking Hazards
Unfortunately, there are toys out there that pose a choking hazard to children. These toys usually come with small pieces that are tempting for young children to insert in their mouths. Last year, the CPSC reported 292 toy-related child deaths. Choking or asphyxia was involved in 57% of these injuries to a minor fatalities. Many of the victims were children younger than age 5.
Products Liability
It is important that the makers of toys, nursery products, children’s clothing, and infant items make sure that the products don’t contain any parts that could pose a choking hazard to kids and babies.
Babies, toddlers, and infants are more susceptible to choking accidents than adults. Children have smaller airways, which makes it easier for objects that they might put in their mouths to get stuck in their throats, esophagus, or trachea.
Toy makers that design products that pose choking hazards should recall these products immediately. If your son or daughter is seriously injured or died in a choking accident because of a defectively designed toy, you may be able to obtain financial recovery by filing a Portland, Oregon injuries to minor lawsuit.
Little Tikes recalls 1.6 million toys, CNN Money, August 13, 2009
Choosing Safe Toys, Kids Health
Related Web Resources:
Little Tikes
Choking and Choking Hazards, About.com
Oregon Injuries to Minor Attorney Matt Kaplan can help you explore your legal options.
