The holiday season is an exciting time for families across Arkansas, especially in Northwest Arkansas communities like Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville. New toys, big smiles, and busy schedules are all part of the celebration. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when child toy injuries tend to spike.
In a recent interview on KNWA, Tim Watson of MGW Law Partners shared what parents should watch out for, common toy hazards, and what steps to take if a child is injured.
Below are the most important takeaways every Arkansas parent should know.
Child Toy Injuries Increase During the Holidays
The holiday season brings a surge in toy purchases throughout Arkansas. Toys are often opened quickly, assembled late at night, and handed to excited children without much delay.
In these situations, safety checks can be missed. Many injuries happen not because parents are careless, but because:
- Toys have small parts that detach unexpectedly
- Battery compartments are not secure
- Magnets break loose
- Toys are used by children younger than the recommended age
These risks affect families in Fayetteville and across Northwest Arkansas, regardless of whether toys are purchased locally or online.
1. Small Parts Create Serious Choking Hazards
One of the most common toy-related injuries involves choking. Toys with tiny detachable pieces are especially dangerous for younger children who tend to explore toys with their mouths.
Even toys labeled for older children can become hazardous if parts break or loosen. A quick inspection before play can help reduce this risk.
2. Magnets and Batteries Are Especially Dangerous
High-powered magnets pose a serious risk if swallowed. When more than one magnet is ingested, they can attract each other inside the body, causing intestinal damage that often requires emergency surgery.
Batteries, especially button batteries, can cause chemical burns, fires, or internal injuries if swallowed or overheated. Battery compartments should always be secured and checked regularly.
3. Riding Toys Often Lead to Falls and Injuries
Scooters, bikes, hoverboards, and ride-on toys are popular gifts in Northwest Arkansas. These toys frequently lead to falls, broken bones, and head injuries, especially when:
- Safety gear is not used
- The toy is defective
- The child is too young for the toy
Parents should supervise early use and ensure toys are appropriate for a child’s age and ability level.
4. Some Child Toy Injuries Are Product Liability Claims
Not every toy injury leads to legal action. However, some injuries fall under product liability law, which focuses on whether a product was unreasonably dangerous when it was sold.
According to Tim Watson, toy injury claims typically fall into three categories:
Design Defects
The toy was dangerous by design, meaning it posed a risk no matter how carefully it was made.
Child Toy Injuries: Manufacturing Defects
The toy was designed safely, but something went wrong during manufacturing, making it unsafe.
Failure to Warn
The toy posed known risks, but adequate warnings or instructions were not provided.
5. What Parents in Fayetteville Should Do After a Child Toy Injuries
If a child is injured by a toy in Fayetteville or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, parents should take the following steps:
- Seek medical care immediately
- Preserve the toy in its current condition
- Do not repair or alter the toy
- Consider speaking with a personal injury attorney early
The toy itself may be critical evidence if the injury involves a defective product.
6. Recalls Are Important, but Not the Whole Story
Parents can check recalls.gov to see if a toy has been recalled. This is a helpful resource, but it has limitations.
A toy may still be dangerous even if:
- It has not yet been recalled
- An investigation is ongoing
- Injuries have not yet been widely reported
Recalls often happen after injuries occur, not before.
7. Simple Holiday Toy Safety Checks for Arkansas Homes
Parents can reduce the risk of injury by:
- Inspecting toys for loose or broken parts
- Ensuring battery compartments are secure
- Following age recommendations
- Reading warning labels and instructions
- Supervising young children with new toys
These steps are especially important during the busy holiday season.
FAQ’s About Toy Injuries in Arkansas
What are the most common toy-related injuries during the holidays?
Choking hazards, magnet injuries, battery-related burns, and falls from riding toys are among the most common injuries seen during the holiday season in Arkansas.
When does a toy injury become a legal claim?
A toy injury may become a product liability claim if the toy was defective due to its design, manufacturing, or lack of proper warnings.
Should parents throw away a toy that caused an injury?
No. The toy should be preserved in the condition it was in at the time of the injury, as it may be important evidence.
Are all dangerous toys listed on recalls.gov?
No. While recalls.gov is a useful tool, not all dangerous toys are immediately recalled.
Does it cost anything to speak with a toy injury lawyer?
Most toy injury cases begin with a free consultation and are handled on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront legal fees.
Serving Families Across Arkansas
For families in Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas, and throughout Arkansas, staying informed about toy safety and legal options can help protect children during the holiday season. Contact us today for your FREE Consultation!