Choking deaths from toys are some of the most heartbreaking accidents parents have to contend with. We buy toys for our children for fun and entertainment, and others are even for educational purposes. Curiosity can get the best of some kids and a seemingly harmless toy can turn into a deadly trap.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, approximately 982 kids under the age of 14 die every year from unintentional choking and suffocation. The numbers spiked in 2009, a year in which the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that choking was a cause for one-third of all deaths in toy accidents. Infants and preschool-aged children are the most prone to these types of accidents, although they can occur at any age.
Looking through the aisles at a toy store, you will likely notice labels on toys that recommend the products for certain ages. Still, this doesn’t mean that the toy is completely safe once your child becomes a certain age. Balloons, magnets and rubber balls are among some of the most dangerous toys that cause numerous choking deaths every year.
Given the dangers, who is responsible for the innocent lives lost? Unfortunately, many toy companies are let off the hook because of those little warning labels they stick on their packages. This leaves it up to parents to be mindful of the products they buy and to ensure adequate supervision. While such precautions don’t prevent accidents entirely (especially in households with multiple children of all ages), this is a good first step. If you feel your family has fallen victim to inadequate toy safety protection, call a NY personal injury attorney immediately.
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