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Baltimore Choking Hazard Attorneys

Frighteningly, choking is a very real hazard given a child’s tendency to “taste test” items that are left within reach. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 59% of fatal child choking episodes in the year 2000 involved nonfood items. Although some choking episodes are caused by food products, a number of them are also the result of unsafe children’s toys.

Toy manufacturers are responsible for evaluating toys for choking hazards and then labeling the item to warn consumers of any dangers. However, if they fail to recognize any choking hazards and take appropriate action, it can result in serious brain damage or even death for young victims. If your child has choked on an unsafe toy, you should fight back against this terrible act of negligence. Contact a Baltimore choking hazard lawyer from Belsky, Weinberg & Horowitz, LLC, today at 800-890-2388 to discuss the facts of your case.

Evaluating Toys for Small Parts

Toy manufacturers must check their products for small parts that can fit inside a child’s windpipe. Devices such as choke test cylinders are small plastic tubes that mimic the size of a child’s throat. If a device can fit inside the pipe, it is a choking hazard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also uses these cylinders to test some toys, but not all.

The Child Safety Protection Act

Under the Child Safety Protection Act, there are several toys that are banned or restricted for children, including:

Balls equal to or less than 1.75 inches in diameter are banned for children under the age of 3
Balls equal to or less than 1.75 inches in diameter must carry a warning label for children’s toys for ages 3 and up
Toys containing a ball equal to or less than 1.75 inches in diameter must carry a warning label for children between ages 3 and 8
Toys containing small parts must carry a warning label for ages 3-6
Toys containing marbles for ages 3 and older must have a warning label
Marbles must have a warning label for ages 3 and older
Any toys or games with a latex balloon must carry a warning label

While it seems simple to test for choking hazards, some toys and games may not carry this essential warning. Toys that can be broken down into smaller parts pose a deadly risk to unsuspecting, innocent children.

Contact Us

Toy manufacturers should always err on the side of caution if there is any question about the safety of a toy or game. Sadly, however, not all companies work to protect your children from these dangers. If your precious child has been hurt by a harmful toy with a choking hazard, you should not let this deadly negligence go unpunished. To fight back, contact a tenacious Baltimore choking hazard attorney from Belsky, Weinberg & Horowitz, LLC, at 800-890-2388 today.

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