Child Toy Recalls Claims and Lawsuits

Children’s products are recalled so frequently; they average more than two recalls a week. That means there are on average over 100 children’s products and toys recalled per year.

While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall products, most children’s toys are recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Once a toy has caused harm (or even death) it is hopefully recorded in the national CPSC database. When a product recall officially goes out, a series of events take place, which includes removing the dangerous product from store shelves and giving consumers the option of a refund, replacement, or repair.

The main goal of a toy recall is to get the dangerous product off the shelves and to remove products already sold. When a government agency receives complaints from consumers about children's toys, an investigation is launched to test out the potentially dangerous product. If the product is safe, the investigation is concluded. If the product is found to be dangerous, the agency in charge can inform the manufacturer responsible that they should recall it. In nearly all cases, the company will voluntarily recall the item, but a government agency has the power to sue a company to force a recall if it’s necessary for consumer safety. Sometimes, a manufacturer or corporation will initiate a recall on its own if it has reason to believe a product is dangerous. But this process takes time and a lot of resources to get the word out. This time delay equates to more unnecessary injuries.

In the 2013 CPSC’s toy safety report, over 256,700 children visited emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. When an injury occurs, you and your child need the support and expertise of a product liability attorney.