February 11, 2010

Company to pay $200K after importing toys with lead

A company has agreed to pay a product liability settlement in the amount of $200,000. The settlement will settle allegations that it violated U.S. law when it imported the Thomas and Friends, Curious George, and Winnie the Pooh toys that had high levels of lead in them and posed dangers to children who used the toys. The Consumer Product Safety Commission had alleged that the company imported tens of thousands of toys that violated the federal lead paint ban and then distributed them to retail stores.

Click here to read more about the product liability settlement.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Products liability , Verdicts and Settlements

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February 10, 2010

2 stores pull necklaces on concern over toxic cadmium

Teen fashion clothing store Aeropostale and Saks outlet stores have pulled from its shelves necklaces that had high levels of toxic metal in them. Environmental groups tested the necklaces and the necklaces showed to have high levels of cadmium, which could be harmful to consumers. Aeropostale has gone one step further, saying that no cadmium will be acceptable in its jewelry and suppliers will have to prove that products are clean with independent lab testing. Lately, cheap metal jewelry warn by children and often imported from China have been the focus of federal regulators, lawmakers, and retailers because of potential product liability.

To read more about the cadmium in jewelry, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Product Recalls , Toxic Torts

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January 15, 2010

Chicago Tribune reports: Government to crack down on dangerous child products

The Chicago Tribune reported this week that the United States government is planning on cracking down on dangerous child products – aiming at toxic metals in child products. In addition to federal watchdogs, Illinois watchdogs have opened a new challenge trying to keep poisons out of Chinese imported products. Regulators stated that Asian manufacturers cannot substitute other toxins for lead in children’s jewelry. Regulators have started a search into cadmium found in products around the United States. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will form standards to cover toxic metals in children’s products after the report of cadmium in children’s bracelets and pendants imported from China.

To read more about the dangerous child products targeted by the government crack down.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children

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January 12, 2010

Military toy figures recalled for violating lead paint standard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a product recall for military toy figures. The toys contain lead paint and consumers are advised to stop using the toys immediately unless otherwise instructed. Almost 2100 military toy figures were sold at Dollar Stores and other discount retail stores from 2008 through 2009. Violating the federal lead paint standard, the surface paint on the toy contains excessive levels of lead. If you think you purchased a recalled toy, visit www.jidetrading.com.

For more information on the military toy figures product recall, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Products liability

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December 25, 2009

Some safety reminders for the holidays

As many people celebrate the holidays, it is important to remember to practice safety with new electronics or toys. The attorneys at Levin & Perconti have highlighted many product recalls recently, including Children's Plush Books and Children's Hoodie-style sweatshirts.

For the most recent and updated information on product recalls, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website. Please enjoy your holidays and be safe!

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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December 16, 2009

Children’s plush books recalled

The attorneys at Levin & Perconti just blogged about a product recall affecting children – the children’s hoodie recall – and unfortunately, now we have to blog about another product recall affecting children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC), in cooperation with a book company, has issued a voluntary product recall on “Monday the Bullfrog Plush Books.” The books have been recalled due to choking hazard for children. The Monday the Bullfrog Plush Book product – which is manufactured in China – sold about 142,000 at retail stores across the country to consumers. Anyone who has purchased the book is advised to stop using the book immediately.

Continue reading "Children’s plush books recalled" »

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Products liability

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December 7, 2009

Are the popular Zhu Zhu toys safe?

The Chicago Tribune released a story today about a consumer group is contending that this season’s “must have” toy is an unsafe product. Since the “Black Friday” shopping bonanza day, the Zhu Zhu hamster toys have been extremely popular; however, a recent study has highlighted potential concern. A study by a San Francisco group stated that higher-than-allowed levels of antimony (which can cause health problems) were found on the hair and nose of the toys hamsters. Antimony was measured at 93 parts per million in the hamster’s fur and 106 parts per million in its nose. Both of these readings exceed the allowable level of 60 parts per million. Despite this study, the toy’s maker insisted that its product is safe and has passed rigorous safety testing.

Continue reading "Are the popular Zhu Zhu toys safe? " »

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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November 27, 2009

What toys to avoid when you go shopping today

Today is expected to be one of the biggest shopping days of the year. In the hectic atmosphere of finding the best deals, Levin & Perconti wanted to highlight what toys to avoid. Many toys have been recalled because of product liability concerns. Some of the toys are choking hazards, others pose burn hazards, and other contain excessive amounts of lead. More information on all of the following toys and additional recalled products are available on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Continue reading "What toys to avoid when you go shopping today" »

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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October 6, 2009

Target fined over lead paint in toys

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has fined Target for selling toys that post personal injury risks to children due to lead paint. The fine is $600,000 for violating the government lead paint ban on toys.

To read more about the lead toy ban.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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August 18, 2009

1.6 million Little Tikes toys recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a product recall for 1.6 million Little Tikes Company toys. An eleven-month old baby was hospitalized for one of the plastic nails wedged in his throat from part of the trucks and workshop sets toys.

To read more about the product recall.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls

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July 13, 2009

How to report a dangerous product

With all of the recently blogged recalled products, Levin & Perconti wanted to make you aware of how you can report an unsafe product to the government if you receive personal injuries.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission has an online form to report dangerous products here.

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Posted In: Current Issues , Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Machinery , Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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July 9, 2009

Statistics on trampoline injuries

With the recent Illinois trampoline injury, the Daily Herald ran the statistics of the 104,752 trampoline injuries from last year. 88% of the injured victims were under the age of 18. Almost 11% of the injuries sustained were head injuries.

To read more of the trampoline injury statistics.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children

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July 9, 2009

Illinois Attorney General issues product recall for 4 million baby floats

In the midst of summer pool days, the Illinois Attorney General has issued a good reminder that we must be vigilant in supervising minors in pools. There has been an Illinois product recall for 4 million Aqua-Leisure inflatable baby floats after Illinois consumers reported at least 31 incidents of the float seat tearing, causing infants to fall into the water.

To read more about the Illinois product recall.

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Posted In: Accidental Drownings , Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Toys

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July 8, 2009

The product dangers of trampolines

Personal injuries from trampolines can be extremely severe, as one Illinois family learned this year. An Illinois family experienced a nightmare over Memorial Day when their 8 year-old accidentally fell through the unzipped netting on the backyard trampoline. When they arrived at the ER, they learned it was the second Illinois trampoline injury of the night.

To read more about the Illinois trampoline injury.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability

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January 16, 2009

Federal agency recalls dangerous children’s play yards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 200,000 potentially deadly Fisher-Price Rainforest-themed play yards yesterday. The product’s rails have been found to be prone to collapsing, creating hazardous consequences to the babies inside, such as trapping them, allowing them to fall out, giving them access to unsafe areas, or causing serious injuries or death. The agency stated that it had received complaints from over a thousand consumers after one or both sides of the Rainforest play yard had collapsed, causing injuries that included a broken nose, a mild concussion and a broken wrist. While the injuries thus far reported have been relatively minor, the threat that the collapsing rails poses is serious. According to Kids in Danger, a consumer safety group from Chicago, at least 18 children have died in other brands of play yards when the railings collapsed into a V-shape that strangled or trapped the children inside.

For the full story, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Products liability

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November 27, 2008

Consumers Warned of Toxic Toys and Toy Dangers

The Illinois Public Interest Research Group (IPIRG) has issued its annual Survey of Toy Safety. This year’s report focuses on toxic toys and it particularly warns against toys that contain phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastics. Phthalates are often used to make the plastic in teething toys, bath books and rubber duckies soft and flexible, but the chemicals are suspected of causing reproductive and developmental problems, especially in boys. Congress has passed legislation this year, to take effect on February 1, 2009, that bans 6 types of phthalates.

The group also warned of toys that pose choking hazards and those that contain lead and magnets. The Illinois Attorney General warns that if more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract to each other, causing severe personal injuries such as intestinal perforations or blockages which can result in permanent intestinal damage and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

To check the safety of your children’s toys, check the Illinois Attorney General’s 2008 Children’s Product Recall Guide, by clicking here. View the IPIRG report, by clicking here. To read the full story, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Lead Products , Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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November 27, 2008

Are Toys Safer this Christmas?

Increased testing has made toys safer this Christmas than last year, says both government regulators and toy experts. Only 74 toys have been recalled this year, all related to elevated lead levels. Lead is especially harmful to a child’s developing brain. Effects include reduced IQ, shorter attention span and learning disabilities. In response to last year’s toy tragedy federal rules mandate that surface lead, must drop below 90 parts per million by August 2009. It should be noted that this standard takes effect after this year’s holiday season. Since major toy companies and stores are not waiting for the deadline, the Consumer Product Safety Commission urges particular caution for toys bought secondhand or from independent online sellers. Buyers should ensure that they are not buying recalled products or toys that do not meet current or pending standards. Some recalled toys this year include 57,000 Rage Wireless Guitars for Nintendo’s Wii game system and 330,000 Nerf Blasters. The guitars were recalled after leaky batteries caused chemical burns and the blasters after 46 reports of kids getting pinched in the face, neck or chest. To read the full story, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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November 18, 2008

Agency Lists Top 5 Dangerous Toys to Keep in Mind this Holiday Season

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission has issued a press release to warn holiday shoppers of dangerous toys and provide recommendations to prevent serious injuries to children. According to the agency, the top five toy hazards, and its recommendations for preventing potential toy-related injuries, are: (1) Scooters and other Riding Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit; (2) Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking; (3) Balloons - Children under eight yrs. can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once; (4) Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur; (5) Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

According to the release, in 2007, the Commission reported 18 toy-related deaths and estimated that there were over 170,000 toy-related injuries to children under the age 15 that required emergency-room treatment.

To view the press release, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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November 13, 2008

Toy Recalls Drop 46 Percent

Toy recalls are down 46 percent from last year, when manufacturers and retailers were forced to clear shelves of toys containing lead paint and dangerous magnets. There was even a case were a chemical left children temporarily comatose. Federal safety regulators said that parents should still be on the lookout for toys with small parts that could pose a choking hazard for children such as uninflated or broken balloons. The advice parents to supervise children around scooters, ride-on toys, and battery chargers and adapters that come with electronic toys. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the number of toy recalls had dropped from 138 in 2007 to 74 in 2008. The Chairwoman of the CPSC attributed the drop in recalls to increased surveillance by the agency, including stepped up inspections at nine ports, stronger voluntary safety standards and efforts by toy manufactures to keep dangerous toys from reaching the market. This is the first holiday shopping season before tough new safety standards for toys. The new requirements include mandatory testing and certification by independent labs. Because of the economy, consumers may turn to thrift stores, online auctions and certain websites. CPSC advisors state that one should check the web site to determine whether or not the product they bought has been recalled. To read the full story, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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July 14, 2008

Children's Toys, Children's Cribs and Children's Car Seats: The Unknown Risks of Consumer Products

Anyone worried about child safety consumer products here is a link for you. An investigative report has found that many children toy recalls have followed after children have suffered serious injuries and even death following playing with toys with magnets. The serious personal injuries suffered by children nationwide caused Chicago, Illinois reporters to look into the situation. Investigations have pushed congressional legislation to address safety in children’s toys. Additionally many children’s car seats and children’s cribs have been recall due to safety hazards. Product liability suits can result from the use of defective cribs and defective car seats which may put a child’s life in danger. To read several articles about these current news issues and to see videos discussing safety tips for consumers click here.

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Posted In: Current Issues , Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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The purpose of this blog is to deliver news and information that is relevant to our areas of practice. The news and information reported on this blog represent the legal actions of attorneys throughout the United States. Our firm does not claim to represent plaintiffs in all of the lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts reported, only those noted as Levin & Perconti cases.

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