Stronger oversight significantly reduced the number of recalls related to children’s products. Officials believe that the recall rate in that period was the lowest in the past 10 to 15 years. Overall, there were 68 recalls that took 5.5 million products off of the market in New Jersey and around the country according to the nonprofit group Kids in Action. Many of the items recalled were clothing or nursery products.
However, many are calling for even more action to be taken as there are still dangerous products that children may have access to. Child caregivers are urged to remain up-to-date about any recalls to keep potentially dangerous products out of schools and day care facilities. Of products that were recalled, only 1 percent were returned or fixed while only 8 percent of all units recalled were actually taken out of commission in 2014.
On average, there were 12 consumer complaints filed before a product was listed for recall. Those who want to ensure that their children aren’t playing with toys currently on recall or have issues reported can visit SaferProducts.gov. Parents and other caregivers may also find more information through social media. Currently, 44 percent of all companies with Facebook pages will post recall information directly there.
Parents whose children are hurt by a dangerous toy often face severe financial hardship in addition to the emotional trauma. Arrangements have to be made for caregiving after undergoing lengthy and expensive hospitalization. An attorney who has experience in products liability litigation can often help in pursuing compensation for those losses from the product’s manufacturer or distributor.
