The holiday season; it’s the most joyous time of the year. For some, it means being with family and seeing those elusive faces you encounter once a year. For others, it has more religious meaning behind it and embracing sermons at church. However, one thing we cannot deny is that gift sales spike and children are exposed to a multitude of toys.

There are many types of toys on the market, with a various degrees of safety. Some pose more risk than others, while some are completely banned in Minnesota. Under Minnesota Statute 325F.13, it states, “no person shall sell, expose for sale, deliver, give away, possess, or introduce or deliver for introduction into commerce any hazardous toy or article intended to be used by a child or banned hazardous toy or article intended to be used by a child.” Toys that fall under this category may possess explosives, toxic chemicals, venom, dangerous projectiles, etc. Not only is it vital for you to monitor the safety of your children, but it’s equally important to know the sources of danger that jeopardizing their safety.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a list of toys that may pose a greater danger than most other toys. “For 2007, the Commission has reports of 18 toy-related deaths and CPSC staff estimates that there were about 170,100 hospital emergency-room treated toy-related injuries to children under 15.” The toys that made the “hit list” include: riding toys, toys with small parts/balls, balloons, magnets, chargers and adapters.

Look, let’s be honest. No toy or play item will be completely risk free, unless you consider air a toy for your four year old (yes, I am thinking of a particular four year old). However, if you keep your eyes peeled for the pesky dangers and recognize when a toy may be considered a banned hazardous toy, then you can minimize the peril that may be lurking around the corner.

If you or your children have been injured by a hazardous toy or a toy without adequate warnings, I recommend that you contact a competent attorney to understand your legal rights in the matter.

 For More Information See: Toy Safety Tips Before Shopping for Holiday Gifts

***DISCLAIMER: The content provided is not intended to be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions or concerns, based on your factual circumstances, please contact Richard Y. Cheng, Esq. with Pearson, Randall, Schumacher & LaBore, P.A. (612)767-7500 or rcheng@prslegal.com***

This entry was posted on Monday, December 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 am and is filed under Hazardous Toys. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.