When you think of toys, you probably think of fun childhood memories. Making sure that the children in your life have fun memories with their toys requires a little bit of homework, as toy injuries can unfortunately occur.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently released a report about toy-related deaths and injuries. It found that there were 11 deaths and approximately 145,5000 injuries treated at emergency departments associated with toys for children 12 years and younger in 2022. While this number has decreased since 2015, it continues to represent preventable injuries.
Preventing Scooter Injuries
The largest share of the injuries was related to non-motorized scooters. These toys accounted for one in every five toy-related injuries to children 14 years old and younger. Common scooter-related injuries include fractures or dislocations of the arm or hand, bruises, cuts, strains, and sprains.
Wearing protective equipment such as elbow and knee pads can help prevent injuries. Helmets can prevent a whopping 85% of head injuries. Young children should always be supervised closely while using scooters. Don’t ride at night and exercise extreme caution in residential and high traffic areas. One fatality occurred in 2022 because a neighbor backed out of their driveway and didn’t see a child on a scooter.
Common Toy Injuries
Over 40% of the toy injuries were lacerations or contusions/abrasions. The head and face were the most frequently affected areas of the body. Most of the 11 fatalities were caused by choking or asphyxiation associated with small parts, balloons, or balls.
Purchasing Toys Online
Thinking about safety when purchasing toys is crucial, but you also need to be vigilant about where you’re purchasing these items. If you’re shopping online, always read the listing and check for safety information. Read reviews from customers to see what they have experienced with the product.
Check for a certification mark from an independent testing organization on the manufacturer’s label. If you’re buying secondhand products, check CPSC.gov/recalls for any recall information before you buy. If the price seems too good to be true, it might be a sign that the product is not authentic, which means that it could be unsafe.
Always follow age guidance and other safety details provided by the manufacturer. Immediately discard plastic wrapping and other packaging before they become dangerous playthings.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
