Protecting Your Children from Toy Injuries This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and many folks will be shopping to find that perfect present for their loved ones...especially kids. Although the holidays are an exciting time for children and families, it is very important to shop for gifts with safety in mind. Children are especially at risk for potentially hazardous toys during this time of the year, because many new toys are introduced to store shelves in a short period of time.

Though many years of effort have made toys safer, children still suffer injuries and even death. Below is a list of the top 6 Common Hazards to Children listed on the U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Group's (PIRGs) website.

1. Choking Hazards
Choking is the most common cause of toy-related deaths. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least 41 children aspirated or choked to death from 2005-09 on balloons, toys, or toy parts.
- Bigger is better: Do not buy small toys or toys with small parts for children under 3. If a toy or part of a toy can pass through a toilet paper tube, don't buy it for a child under 3, or any child who still puts things in his/her mouth.
- Read and heed warning labels: Toys with small parts intended for children between 3 and 6 are required by law to include an explicit choke hazard warning.
- Never give young children small balls or balloons: Small balls, balloons and pieces of broken balloons are particularly dangerous, as they can completely block a child's airway. Balls for children under 6 years old must be more than 1.75 inches in diameter. Never give latex balls to children younger than 8 years old.

2. Magnetic Toys With Powerful Magnets
New, powerful small magnets used in most magnetic building toys, toy darts, and magnetic jewelry can fall out of small toys and look like shiny candy. If a child swallows more than one magnet, the magnets can attract each other in the body (in the stomach and intestines) and cause life-threatening complications. If a child swallows even one magnet, seek immediate medical attention.

3. Watch and "Button" Batteries
Keep watch or "button" batteries away from children. If swallowed, the battery acid can cause fatal internal injuries.

4. Noise
Children's ears are sensitive. If a toy seems too loud for your ears, it is probably too loud for a child. Take the batteries out of loud toys or cover the speakers with tape.

5. Strangulation Hazards
- Mobiles: Keep mobiles out of the reach of children in cribs and remove them before the baby is five months old or can push him/herself up.
- Cords: Remove knobs and beads from cords longer than one foot to prevent the cords from tangling into a dangerous loop.
- Drawstrings: Clothing with drawstrings on the hood can get caught on fixed objects like playground equipment and pose a strangulation hazard.

6. Lead and Toxic Chemicals
Some children's toys and cosmetics may contain lead or toxic chemicals, including phthalates. While most lead and phthalates are being phased out of toys beginning in 2009, older toys may still contain them.
- Toys with PVC Plastic: Avoid toys made of PVC plastic which could contain toxic phthalates posing developmental hazards; choose unpainted wooden or cloth toys instead.
-  Lead: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), PIRG and children's health groups have found high levels of lead paint on toys, as well as high levels of lead in vinyl lunchboxes and bibs, and in children's costume jewelry.
- Other chemicals: Read the labels of play cosmetics and avoid products with xylene, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate.

Children exposed to lead can suffer lower IQ, developmental delays or even death. All lead should be removed from a child's environment, especially lead jewelry and other toys that can be swallowed. To test jewelry for lead, use a home lead tester available at the hardware store, or simply throw costume jewelry made with such heavy metals away. Keep such jewelry away from children who put things in their mouths.

Tips For All Parents
- Accessorize your kids for safety. Toys such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards and inline skates are safer when children wear protective gear. If you plan to give any of these toys as gifts, make them safer by also giving a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards.
- Stay informed of recalls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls numerous toys and children's products each year. Check www.recalls.gov for an archive of old recalls and to sign up to receive email alerts of new recalls.

You may be entitled to compensation from any or all parties involved in the design, creation, marketing, or sale of a product that is potentially harmful. Product liability cases usually require evidence of the product in question. If you or a family member have been injured by a defective product or toy, make sure to preserve the item or items exactly as they are. These types of cases are often very complex, and can involve multiple defendants, from manufacturers and distributors, to retailers, service centers, and more. 

You need someone on your side who can analyze the situation and work to bring your claim against the appropriate at-fault parties. Florida, just like many other states has its’ own particular laws regarding product liability, including a statute of repose, or what might be called a time limit. If you ever experience an injury from a product, call attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright at 888-888-3903 or visit www.gonzalezcartwright.com right away!

Boating Safely---Don't Get a BUI!

Snowbird season is upon us and many visitors from across the globe wanting to escape from colder climates will be heading down to South Florida to enjoy our balmy coastal temperatures. With so many beautiful beaches, lakes, streams, and waterways, it’s no surprise that Florida is the number one destination for boat enthusiasts in the country.  Unfortunately, it’s also the number one state for boating injuries and fatalities. Speeding, reckless operation, alcohol use and bad weather can all lead to serious accidents and quickly ruin any fun time on the water.  That’s why Florida law requires boat operators to take certain precautions to keep themselves and their passengers safe.
 
When boating in the Florida waters, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Don’t boat while intoxicated (Boating Under the Influence –BUI) you can be arrested.
• Research the weather forecast and be up to date on any possible storms or disturbances before you head out on the water.
• Don't overload your boat--Take notice of capacity regulations.
• Make sure there is a flotation device for each passenger on the boat.
• Take a boating safety course.
• Always take a walk around and inspect your boat fully before taking a trip out on the water.
• Be cautious of propeller safety, especially if there are children on the boat.
• Make sure your boat is equipped with a fire extinguisher - fires can happen on the water, too.
 
Remember boating can be even more dangerous than driving a motor vehichle since there are no stop lights or road signs to help folks navigate safely on the water. 

If you’ve been injured as a result of another's negligence on the water, they may be responsible for any medical bills you incur.  If the accident was caused by a defective product or equipment failure, you may be entitled to a product liability case.  Attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright can help you determine who is at fault for your boating injury. Visit www.gonzalezcartwright.com for addtional information or Call Gonzalez & Cartwright at 888-888-3903 to make an appointment for a Free Consultion. 

Preventing Holiday Dog Bites!

The holiday season is a time for celebrating and visiting family and friends. While relatives may be excited about this special time of the year, the family pet may not find these events and gatherings pleasant. Noise, changes to their environment, and unfamiliar faces are stressful to some dogs and they may become irritated and agitated enough to bite.
 
One cannot look at an individual dog, recognize its breed, and then judge whether or not it is going to attack. Any individual dog may be a wonderful, loving pet, even though its breed may be considered potentially dangerous. A responsible owner can win the love and respect of a dog, no matter its breed.
 
Here are 5 danger-facts that warn of a possible dog bite attack. Knowing them can keep you and your children safe.

• Beware of a dog in its own yard, with no owner present. According to   www.dogbitelaw.com, in 2008 78% of human fatalities due to dog attacks were by dogs in their own yard.

• Common dangerous dog breeds are Pit bull, Rottweiler, Akita or Chow. Most fatal dog attacks are by pit bulls. Again, keep in mind that any dog treated harshly or trained to attack, may bite a person. 

•  Stay away from unattended multiple dogs in a pack. Normally calm and docile dogs can  often become uncharacteristically violent and vicious when they are in a pack. 

•  Dogs that are tied up can become aggressive. Male dogs that are not neutered are several times more dangerous than female dogs. 

•  According to www.dogbitelaw.com, a new dog in the house can be dangerous for the first 60 days, and a person who is new to a household where a dog resides can be in danger of attack for the first 60 days as well. 

The presence of any one of the above factors may indicate impending danger. Two or more of these danger-signs should be avoided if possible. While some dog bite injuries can be simply minor, others can be quite severe.  A dog attack can result in everything from puncture wounds, lacerations and scars, to rabies – even death.

If you or your child has been the victim of a dog bite, you may be entitled to collect compensation for your injuries.  Whether it be medical costs, pain and suffering, scarring, or even property damage, having a lawyer on your side can help you determine the type of claim you need. Call Attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright at (888)-888-3903 for information or to make an appointment for a free consultation or visit www.gonzalezcartwright.com.