The holiday season has ended. No doubt, you started 2019 with lots of new gadgets. If you didn’t, maybe your children did. Did your Illinois Christmas gift cause injury? What 2018 gifts cause 2019 injuries? We compiled a list of potential hazards you should watch out for.
Most Popular 2018 Gifts
There were many popular gifts this year. Reviews poured in on best gifts for him, her, and the kids. It’s probable that some of these gifts are in your home now. In 2018, some of the most popular Christmas gifts in Illinois were:
- Instant cameras
- Smart speakers
- Pop-sockets
- Pressure cookers
- Whiskey rocks
And, popular toys:
- Hatchimals Hatchibabies
- Fingerlings toys
- Confetti pop toys
- Toddler pull sleds
- And, of course- Legos
Certainly, gifts like these brought lots of holiday cheer into your home. Hopefully, they didn’t also bring injury. As you continue into the new year, learn how to properly use your new toys to avoid problems.
Possible Incidents
Accidents can happen almost anywhere, with anything. Watch out for these possible incidents as you use your new favorite things this January.
Choking Hazards
Many popular Illinois Christmas gifts in 2018 included very small parts. These always pose a choking hazard, especially for your little ones. Read all the packaging on a toy before allowing your child to use it. They may not reach the recommended appropriate age for a toy.
Always supervise your children while they play with these toys. Younger siblings may get a hold of older age-appropriate toys and put them in their mouths. Remove any unnecessary packaging for them.
It may also help to get up to date on child and infant CPR, which can save your child’s life in case something does happen.
Eating Hazards
Some gifts included things like exploding confetti, glitter, and slime. While regulations for these exist, only let your child play with non-toxic materials. Keep the Illinois Poison Center’s number visible in your household, just in case.
Sharp Objects & Opening Packages
Always watch out for sharp objects included in toys and packaging. Something too pokey for your 6-year-old? Remove it before letting them use it.
Use caution when opening packaging, especially packaging made of thick plastic. If you use a knife or boxcutter to open them, send the blade away from you. Clear the area in its path of any bodies.
Improper Use
Children do not always use the toys in the way the manufacturer intended. Again, supervise the use of new items as much as possible. With toys like sleds, make sure that only older children ride downhill alone.
Injury Prevention
We don’t want your 2019 to start with injury. In summary, prevent injuries from new gifts by:
- Researching gifts
- Reading product descriptions
- Following instructions
- Properly assembling toys
- Read product reviews
- Search for product recalls
Always try to do what you can to ensure the safety of your family. And if an injury does occur, prepare yourself for what to do next.
Liability?
If you or a family member suffer an injury from a 2018 gift, someone else could be liable. The manufacturer of your gift may have overlooked a safety precaution. There is even a small chance that the person who gave you the gift is liable. Get a personal injury attorney to help you sort it all out.
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys have offices conveniently located across Chicago. We answer phone calls every single day of the year, even holidays. Give us a call at 708-222-2222 24/7 or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Until then, stay safe!
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.