Injured from a Defective Surgically-Implanted Medical Device?

Posted on August 3, 2021 by admin

What You Need to Know if You Were Injured By a Defective Implant

Many patients are recipients of surgically implanted medical devices, such as hernia meshes, IVC filters, and artificial joints. But when these devices are defective and cause serious injuries to the patient, who is responsible for the damages? It is often assumed that a defective implant injury is a medical malpractice case, but really, it is usually more likely a product liability case.

Continue reading to learn the difference between product liability and medical malpractice liability, as well as the most common types of implant defects that can cause serious injuries to patients.

Product Liability Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700 — Defective Product Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Product Liability and Medical Malpractice

When a surgically implanted medical device is inserted in a patient, so long as their medical teams and doctors were not negligent in the process, they are not liable for any defects that occur within or from the device. In such a case, it is most likely the manufacturer’s fault. If the health care provider was negligent or careless in some way, and their negligence was a responsible cause of a patient’s injuries, they too could bear responsibility for their negligence.

So long as the health care provider acted reasonably and in line with the medical standard of care, they would not be responsible for a defective medical implant.

If the medical device is defective or dangerous, and the patient is harmed as a result, the manufacturer would be liable, and a product liability case could be pursued.

Medical Implant Defects and Liability

There are several different types of liability when it comes to defective products and their manufacturers. As for surgically implanted medical devices that are dangerous and defective, there are 3 types of liability: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects.

► Design Defects – When a medical device is manufactured correctly, but the design of the device is intrinsically dangerous, it is considered a design defect. In the case of surgically implanted devices, design defects are not a common occurrence. Most often, medical devices are not accused of design defects but it can and does happen.

► Manufacturer Defects – When a medical device is designed properly, but the manufacturer does not adhere to the specifications of the design and/or manufacturers it incorrectly, it is deemed a manufacturing defect. In these cases, the incorrect manufacturing prevents the device to work as intended, thus causing serious harm to recipients of the device.

► Marketing Defects – A marketing defect can occur when a medical device’s instructions or advertising campaigns are incorrect, thus posing dangers to patients. For instance, if a medical device manufacturer fails to warn recipients about possible side effects or any concealed dangers that can result from using the device, this could be deemed a marketing defect.

Do you believe you or someone you love is a wrongful victim of a defective product? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn your eligibility for pursuing a product liability claim in Indianapolis, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

Who is Responsible for a Defective Product that Causes Injury to a Consumer?
Product Recalls that Have Gone Down in History
Is Market Share Liability Still Used in Product Liability Cases?

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These are Suggested to Be the Most Dangerous Children’s Toys of 2020

Posted on December 31, 2020 by admin

The holiday season is upon us, and the gift giving among loved ones and friends has been quite blissful. And why wouldn’t it be? After all, when giving and receiving presents, one would never dream of a gift being potentially harmful in any way, especially for children. But according to the popular and esteemed consumer group W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm), 2020 has proven to be the year of some of the most dangerous and defective child toys. Whether a parent, guardian, family member, or friend, giving a child a gift is a meaningful and fulfilling experience, so be sure the toy is something that will be safe for them to play with.

These are the top ten dangerous children’s toys of 2020, according to the research specialists at World Against Toys Causing Harm, and learn what to do if your child is harmed by an unsafe or defective toy.

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Top 10 Unsafe Children’s Toys of 2020

World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) reports that a child is sent to the emergency room every 3 minutes for injuries related to a dangerous or defective toy. Following the holiday season, be sure you are inspecting and monitoring your children’s gifts to safeguard them from any potential hazards. If your child is harmed by a hazardous or defective toy, contact a licensed Indiana personal injury attorney who specializes in child injury claims to learn your rights to pursuing legal action against the negligent manufacturer or other potentially at-fault party.

Here are the top ten “worst” toys of 2020 holiday season as suggested by the accredited consumer group World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.), and why:

⚠ Boom City Racers – This toy is recommended for children ages 4 year and up, but comes with a serious risk of face and eye injuries. The manufacturer/distributor is Moose Toys LLC.

⚠ Missile Launcher – This toy is recommended for children ages 5 and up, but poses a high risk of both facial and eye injuries. The manufacturer and distributors are Toysmith and Redballoontoystore.com.

⚠ Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw – Like the missile launcher, this toy is recommended for children ages 5 and up, and also poses a serious and potential risk of face and eye injuries. The manufacturer is Hasbro.

⚠ Gloria Owl – This toy is recommended for children ages 1 year and up, but comes with a very high and serious risk of ingestion. The manufacturer/distributor is Jellycat Ltd.

⚠ Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber – This toy is recommended for children ages 4 year and up, but can potentially cause blunt force injuries and eye injuries. The manufacturer/distributors are Hasbro and Disney.

⚠ WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists – This toy is recommended for children ages 3 and up, but has a very high and possible risk of blunt force and impact injuries to the entire body. The manufacturer/distributor is Jakks Pacific, Inc.

⚠ Sci-Fi Slime – This slime toy is recommended for children ages 10 and up, but has a high risk of several chemical-related injuries. The manufacturer/distributor is Alex Brands-Scientific Explorer.

⚠ Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO – This toy is recommended for children ages 8 and up, but has a high risk of cutting and propellor-related injuries. The manufacturer/distributor is Amax Group.

⚠ Calico Critters Nursery Friend – This toy is recommended for children ages 3 and up, but it turns out to be a possible choking hazard. The manufacturer/distributor is Epoch Co., LTD.

⚠ My Sweet Love Lots of Love Babies Minis – This toy is recommended for children ages 3 and up, poses a potential choking hazard risk. The manufacturer/distributor is JC Toys Group, Inc; Walmart Inc.

Did Your Child Suffer Harm From a Dangerous Toy in Indiana?

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn more about making a child injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are fully-prepared to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after your child was seriously injured by a defective or hazardous toy. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement for you. We represent injured adults and children all throughout the State of Indiana.

The 4 Basic Consumers Rights

Posted on December 18, 2020 by admin

When you buy a product, whether from a store or directly from the manufacturer, you expect it to be safe. So, when a defective or harmful product causes you or your loved one injury, the rules are on your side. The law imposes several statutory duties onto commercial manufacturers and businesses in order to protect their consumers from harmful products. In fact, some states have even codified such regulations into law. These are known as consumer rights, and although they are not strict law in all jurisdictions, they are widely accepted legal principles that affirm a victim’s right to being compensated for their damages and losses after being injured by a harmful or defective product.

Continue reading to learn the four basic consumer rights that are widely recognized in the United States under product liability law, and how they protect you from harmful products.

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Basic Consumer Rights

Consumer rights refer to a particular body of law that sets specific standards and regulations for manufacturing companies and businesses to protect their consumers from danger. Although subjective, four basic consumer rights that are widely accepted are 1) the right to be informed, 2) the right to safety, 3) the right to choose, and 4), the right to voice your opinion.

➀ Your Right to Safety

Not only is the right to safety the most widely accepted of all the consumer rights, but it is also arguably the most imperative. A consumer should be fully-protected when they purchase and use a product from a manufacturer or business. All products should be reasonably safe, so long as they are properly used for their intended purpose. But when a product causes serious injury to a consumer, whether as a result of manufacturer negligence or some other reason, this is often in violation of their consumer right to safety.

➁ Your Right to Information

The consumer right to being informed is important because no consumer should be left in the dark about anything relevant to the use or operation of a product they’ve purchased. Not knowing everything there is to know about the makeup, operation, and warnings of a product can put the consumer at high risk for injury and harm. False or misleading claims, poor labeling, and insufficient manufacturing information can be dangerous for a consumer, especially in cases of medications, healthcare devices, and highly flammable products.

➂ Your Right to Choose

Another universally-recognized consumer right is the right to choose. Basically, this abates the growth and development of monopolies, this way, consumers are allowed the benefit of comparing products, prices, retailers, vendors, and decide based on their research. Many states have introduced anti-trust and unfair competition laws to protect this consumer right.

➃ Your Right to Voice Your Opinion

Although not entirely statutory among all jurisdictions, it is still generally agreed upon that consumers have the right to be heard. In fact, with the growing technologies available today, consumers are given the platform to voice their opinions on products through customer testimonials, online reviews, social media, and more. This not only allows consumers to rate products and inform others on their experience with them, but it also lets them voice their concerns, to both their audience and the manufacturers themselves.

Have You Been Injured By a Defective Product in Indiana?

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn your rights to filing a product liability claim against a negligent manufacturer or retailer. Our experienced Indiana product liability lawyers can help you recover the full and fair settlement or verdict you deserve after being injured by an unreasonably defective or harmful product. We offer free initial consultations, and do not collect attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. We serve clients in Indianapolis and throughout the state of Indiana. Request a phone, video, or in-office case evaluation, today.

What to Do if Your Child Was Injured by a Polaris Vehicle in Indiana

Posted on October 27, 2020 by admin

Polaris vehicles have been gaining popularity among children and teenagers over the past several years. With their off-roading, side-by-side designs, it is no wonder that minors have taken so quickly to these recreational all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s). Taking notice, Polaris exclusively marketed certain models, specifically a youth sport side-by-side, to children, describing a thrilling and fun experience for ages 10 and up.

But unfortunately, there have been some serious accidents involving Polaris off-road vehicles; accidents that have resulted in severe injuries and fatalities to kids in particular. You would think that these children’s accidents were caused by operator negligence in some way, but that is not necessarily so. Some of these accidents were caused by a manufacturer defect in Polaris vehicles. As a response, certain models of Polaris have been officially recalled.

If your child was injured as a result of a recalled Polaris vehicle, your next step is to retain professional counsel, and learn your rights to pursuing legal action against the manufacturer. Continue reading to learn which models of Polaris vehicles have been recalled, what types of accident they are causing, and how to contact a personal injury law firm to get started on your Polaris lawsuit in Indiana.

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Polaris Vehicle Recalls

Polaris has manufactured numerous models of ATV’s and recreational vehicles. But between the years of 2008 and 2018, the company had to recall hundreds of thousands of off-road recreational vehicles because they were defective. Not only were they discovered to have crash hazards, they were also major fire hazards.

The 2015 and 2017 Youth RZR 170 were two of the primary models of Polaris vehicles to have these fire and crash manufacturer defects. A faulty fuel pump ring on the 2015 model caused leakage issues, which resulted in many fires and explosions. The 2017 model also caused fatal fires and explosions due to a cracked fuel tank, faulty wiring that was prone to overheating or short-circuiting. And these are not all. Many more youth-marketed models have been recalled for defects that caused serious collisions and crashes.

Not sure if your child has a recalled model? REVIEW THIS LIST OF POLARIS RECALLS

Polaris Accident Claims for Injured Children

Although Polaris equipped their youth vehicles with parental speed controls and safety kits, they were not comprehensive enough when it came to providing children full protection. For this reason, they could be found negligent, and any child who has suffered serious injuries as a result of a Polaris accident needs justice.

How to Make a Polaris Accident Claim in Indiana

If you or your child is a victim of a recalled Polaris accident in Indiana, contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 as soon as possible. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys specialize in both product liability and child injury lawsuits, and offer free case evaluations to hear your accident case. If you have a valid claim, we begin working on your case immediately without requiring any upfront lawyer fees. We have a zero pay guarantee, which means you pay us nothing until we recover a settlement or verdict for you. We serve clients in Indianapolis and throughout the state of Indiana.

What You Need to Know About Product Recalls and Injury Claims

Posted on March 11, 2020 by admin

Product recalls happen when manufacturers introduce a new product or commodity to the market for resale, but the product is defective and dangerous in some way. Manufacturers these days are in high competition and always in a rush when it comes to getting their products out on the market to start making fast cash; the subsequent problem that arises from this situation is that some products are not properly tested before they are released to the public. When a person is injured as a result of a defective product, it falls under product liability law, and victims may be entitled to compensation for their damages.

Continue reading to learn more about defect products and injury lawsuits, including who to trust for verified legal counsel regarding your potential claim.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

Defective Products and Product Liability

Here in Indiana, product liability cases are governed under The Product Liability Act, which defines a defective product as, “A product is in a defective condition under this article if, at the time it is conveyed by the seller to another party, it is in a condition: (1) not contemplated by reasonable persons among those considered expected users or consumers of the product; and (2) that will be unreasonably dangerous to the expected user or consumer when used in reasonably expectable ways of handling or consumption.”

Filing a Defective Product Injury Claim

An injured victim of a defective or recalled product has up to 2 years to file a claim against the at-fault seller or manufacturer under most situations. Some legal principals to consider when determining a victim’s entitlement to compensation for damages and losses: strict liability and market share liability.

Strict Liability

Manufacturers, retailers, and marketers are the common types of sellers held liable in product liability lawsuits. This legal principal is known as strict liability. If one party makes, sells, or even leases a product that meets the state criteria of a defective product, they can be held legally responsible for any physical harm suffered by the consumer, including their damages and losses, such as hospital bills and medical expenses. However, in order for the seller to be held liable, three elements must be true. First, a seller must be involved in the sales of the product. Second, the consumer must be in a class of people that the seller would reasonably expect to be harmed. And third, a consumer must have obtained the product without a substantial change in its condition.

Market Share Liability

Market share liability is a legal set of rules that plaintiffs and courts use regarding a group of product manufacturers in a product liability case if the origin of the harmful product in question cannot be proven. In such a case, since there is no way of determining which manufacturer provided the fungible product that harmed a person or group of people, the law decrees that all manufacturers in the market must pay a percentage of recompense for damages. The apportioned share in a market share liability case is not always equal among manufacturers. It is divided according the percentage of the product they produced and distributed at the time a victim was injured by it.

Famous Product Recalls of Our Time

Ford Pinto (1978) – Perhaps the most famous recall of them all, the Ford Pinto was recalled for explosive reasons. Rear-end collisions caused the car to essentially blowup, because the fuel tank was positioned improperly inside the vehicle; and as a result, numerous fatalities and injuries occurred among consumers.

Fire Stone Tires (2000) – Over six million tires were recalled after faulty manufacturing on Ford Explorer vehicles caused numerous motor vehicle accidents resulting in approximately 175 deaths and nearly 700 injuries. Their company losses were reported to be over 100 million dollars.

Renu Moisture Loc Contact Lens Solution (2006) – This Bausch & Lomb contact lens solution was recalled for potentially being linked to a blinding eye infection called Fusarium Fungus. Their company losses were reported to be over 100 million dollars.

Mattel Toys (2007) – Lead contamination was the culprit behind this 2007 recall. More than 18 million toys, manufactured in China, were recalled.

Ground Beef (2008) – The Department of Agriculture ordered the Hallmark-Westland Meat Company to recall more than 140 pounds of ground beef because it may have been contaminated with a bovine disease. The mean was thought to be contaminated with a disease call Downer Cattle. The company had to pay more than 60 million dollars in restitution and fines related to this recall.

Speak to a Skilled Product Liability Lawyer for Indiana Injury Cases

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer about your recent product liability injury. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are well-versed and experienced in insurance compensation law, and offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and determine the best strategies for your claim. We never collect lawyer fees unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for you. Get started today by calling 317-881-2700 and scheduling your free consultation.

What is a Defective Product?

Posted on November 22, 2019 by admin

Here in Indiana, the law regards a defective product generally as one in a condition that renders it unforeseeable and unreasonably dangerous to any consumer or their property when used in the manner intended by the manufacturer. Furthermore, a defective product can be one that does not come with sufficient user instructions or adequate warning labels. If you were recently injured by a defective product, continue reading to learn more about product liability and your rights to being compensated for your damages.

Product Liability

Manufacturers, retailers, and marketers are the common types of sellers held liable in product liability lawsuits. This legal principal is known as strict liability. If one party makes, sells, or even leases a product that meets the state criteria of a defective product, they can be held legally responsible for any physical harm suffered by the consumer, including their damages and losses, such as hospital bills and medical expenses.

However, in order for the seller to be held liable, three elements must be true. First, a seller must be involved in the sales of the product. Second, the consumer must be in a class of people that the seller would reasonably expect to be harmed and third, a consumer must have obtained the product without a substantial change in its condition.

Indiana Laws Surrounding Defective Products

Although there are no federal product liability laws, each state has their own set of regulations governing such tort claims. Indiana recognizes the Product Liability Act, §34-20-1-1. Indiana statutes of limitations gives victims two years from the date of the accident to make a claim against a manufacturer for a product defect that causes them harm. However, under strict liability, a seller cannot be held liable if they are not the maker of the product, or the part of the product that caused injury, except under certain conditions.

Understanding Product Liability Law

As you might already gauge, defective product laws and claims are quite complex, and therefore, require the services of a seasoned personal injury lawyer who can help you comprehend the laws surrounding your case in a language you can clearly understand. They have the knowledge and experience to professionally navigate your case and recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Indiana Product Liability Lawyers

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed product defect lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve after being injured by a defective product. We represent injured people throughout the State of Indiana. Best of all, we only collect lawyer fees if we obtain a settlement for you!

Who Do I Sue For a Defective Product That Injured Me?

Posted on July 5, 2019 by admin

There are several types of product liability lawsuits that arise every day; from children’s toys to exercise equipment, and more. Defective product litigation is an area of the law that involves victims that have been seriously injured or killed as a result of damaged, malfunctioning, recalled, or unreasonably dangerous products. For a short answer to the question, manufacturers of these types of hazardous products are generally the ones accountable for a victim’s injuries or wrongful death.

Continue reading to learn more about defective product liability and litigation, and who to call if you or a loved one has been recently injured by a defective product.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Defective Product Accidents

Many injuries and accidents happen from damaged or faulty products. Burns, head injuries, orthopedic injuries, disfigurement, blindness, and even death are all common and possible consequences of a dangerous or poorly manufactured item. Any type of product can be defective and cause injury; such as crayons, bicycles, toys, electronics, hair dryers, and even food. In most cases, lawsuits that are filed against manufacturers involve design flaws, improper safety devices, inadequate or failure to warn, manufacturing faults, recalled products, and also marketing flaws.

Marketing flaws, or false advertising, describes a circumstance in which a manufacturer fails to properly inform consumers of safety hazards and other potential hazards; or fails to reveal product information that could have prevented an accident from happening in the first place. In addition to physical and mental repercussions, many product liability claims involve property damages as well.

Discuss Your Case With a Lawyer ASAP

Personal injury lawyers and legal teams evaluate the physical and mental damages sustained from a defective product, and use this information to document a case against the accountable manufacturer. In almost all cases, a dangerous or faulty product is the manufacturer’s responsibility. This falls under an area of law called “strict liability” and holds a seller or manufacturer of a product responsible for consumer injuries, although some types of product liability claims involve a negligence standard. If a victim injures themselves as a result of their own carelessness or negligence, or uses the product inappropriately, the manufacturer may not necessarily be responsible and the victim can be held accountable for their own damages, however, every case is very fact specific.

This is why personal injury law firms generally offer free initial consultations to people who believe they are victims of a negligent accident. They use this consultation to assess a victim’s case, and determine if they are potentially eligible for compensation. With this setup, a victim does not have to waste money in order to validate their case. If a personal injury firm identifies a manufacturer as negligent, and believes the victim has a solid claim, they will almost always represent their client for free, and only collect legal fees if they win their case and recover full and fair compensation.

Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers You Can Trust

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to discuss your defective product injuries and learn the best course of action for your claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis product liability lawyers can obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve for your resulting damages and losses, including hospital bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Additionally, we offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you.

Who is Responsible for a Defective Product that Causes Injury to a Consumer?

Posted on February 8, 2019 by admin

Defective product litigation is an area of the law that represents victims that have been seriously injured or killed as a result of damaged, malfunctioning, recalled and unreasonably dangerous products. There are several types of product liability lawsuits that arise every day, from children’s toys and playground sets, to exercise equipment, electronic devices, apparel, and more. When it comes to asking the question of liability, manufacturing companies are generally the ones accountable for a dangerous product injuries or wrongful death, so long as all the factors and evidence are in place to prove the case.

Continue reading to learn more about defective product liability and litigation, and who to call if you or a loved one was recently injured by a hazardous product.

Indianapolis Product Liability Lawyers 317-881-2700

Defective Product Cases

Accidents that happen as a result of a defective product are often caused by faulty operation or dangerous parts. This means that any product can be defective and potentially dangerous, such as crayons, bicycles, toys, electronics, hair dryers, and even food. Burns, head injuries, eye injuries, impalement, orthopedic injuries, disfigurement, scarring, blindness, and even death, are common injuries associated with cases of dangerous or poorly manufactured products.

In most cases, lawsuits that are filed against manufacturers involve failure to warn, design flaws, improper safety devices, manufacturing faults, recalled products, and also marketing flaws. Failure to warn describes a circumstance in which a manufacturer fails to properly inform consumers of safety hazards and other potential hazards, or fails to reveal product information that could have prevented an accident from happening in the first place. In addition to physical and mental repercussions, many product liability claims involve property damages as well.

Manufacturer Strict Liability

In almost all cases, a dangerous or faulty product is the manufacturer’s responsibility. This falls under an area of law called “strict liability” and holds a seller or manufacturer of a product responsible for consumer injuries. If a victim injuries themselves as a result of their own carelessness or negligence, or uses the product inappropriately, the manufacturer may not be responsible and the victim may be held accountable for their own damages. If you are unsure whether or not the manufacturer of the defective product that caused you or a loved one harm is responsible, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your accident.

Making a Defective Product Claim

Personal injury law firms generally offer free initial consultations to people who believe they are victims of a negligent accident. They use this consultation to assess a victim’s case, and determine if they are eligible for compensation. With this setup, a victim does not have to waste money in order to validate their case.

If a personal injury firm identifies a case as negligent, and believes the victim has a solid claim, they will almost always represent their client for free, and only collect legal fees if they win their case and recover full and fair compensation. Once retained, your personal injury legal team will evaluate the physical and mental damages sustained from a defective product, and use this information to document a case against the accountable manufacturer.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to discuss your defective product injuries and learn the best course of action for your claim. Our seasoned Indianapolis product liability lawyers can obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve for your resulting damages and losses, including hospital bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Additionally, we offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you.

The Top 10 Most Dangerous Summer Toys for 2018

Posted on July 9, 2018 by admin

A reputable and publically recognized consumer group called W.A.T.C.H., Inc. has released their 2018 safety report that includes this summer’s most dangerous toys. If your child is injured as a result of a defective product, contact a licensed personal injury law firm right away for help with making a claim.

Continue reading to learn more about W.A.T.C.H. and which toys they have deemed “unsafe” for this summer.

Child Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.

World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) is a consumer group that specializes in research that supports prevention against toy-related injuries. It is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation dedicated to children’s causes, including raising awareness about unsafe children’s products, such as playground equipment, toys, furniture, clothing, and more. It was founded by Edward M. Swartz (1934-2010), who spent most of his career as a nationally-known trial lawyer and child safety consumer advocate.

Please visit their website at https://toysafety.org to learn more about their cause, review safety warnings, and much more.

Dangerous Toys and Playgrounds

According to W.A.T.C.H., the majority of child deaths that occur as a result of a defective or dangerous toy happen during the summer. In fact, these same reports show that emergency rooms treat 2.5 million injured children in the summer, every year. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency rooms treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries. Furthermore, a 2017 report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates there were 174,100 toy-related emergency department-treated injuries and 7 deaths in 2016 to children younger than 15 years old.

Although the Toy Industry Association (TIA) insists that all toys for sale in the United States are sent through some of the sternest safety requirements in the world, the consumer advocates at W.A.T.C.H. disagree, stating, “Most people have no awareness of the lack of adequate mandatory pre-market safety testing of toys and children’s products in contrast to the rigid rules that exist for food and drugs.”

2018 Unsafe Toy Warning

In a recent press release held at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA on June 21st, World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. Consumer Advocates, Joan E. Siff (President) and James A. Swartz (trial attorney and Director) disclosed information to parents, guardians, and caregivers about the top 10 “Summer Safety Traps” for 2018.
These toys have the potential to cause a wide array of serious injuries and fatalities, including high falls, blunt force trauma, eye injuries, drowning, head injuries, choking injuries, and various orthopedic injuries. Here are the top 10 safety concerns they have listed for this summer:

⚠ Water Balloon Slingshots

⚠ High-Powered Water Guns and Guns with Projectile Ammunition

⚠ Backyard Swimming Pools (Above-Ground and In-Ground)

⚠ Backyard Water Slides

⚠ Shallow Water: Baby Pools, Garden Buckets, and Pool Covers

⚠ Bounce Houses and Backyard Trampolines

⚠ Low Riding Wheeled Toys (Big Wheels & Other Plastic Tricycles)

⚠ All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s)

⚠ Lawn Darts

Check out the actual W.A.T.C.H. press release for more information regarding this list.

Child Injury Claims

Contact a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for information about receiving compensation after your child has been seriously injured or killed by a defective product or unsafe toy. They will tell you everything you need to know about making a child injury claim, and help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers Who Can Help

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.

Are Space Heaters Dangerous?

Posted on November 1, 2017 by admin

There are several reasons why people use space heaters. Not only do they effectively heat small spaces using minimal amounts of energy, they can be used all year round on demand and they allow property owners to save money on energy bills, especially in the winter. Portable heaters also work as fantastic outdoor heating devices for autumn fun and patio entertainment. Although they are popular electronics for both residential and commercial use, are space heaters safe to use in our homes and office? Continue reading to learn more about space heaters and a few safety tips to consider when using them.

Burn Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Space Heater Safety Tips

There are some statistics you should be aware of before choosing to regularly heat your home with a space heater. For example, in 2010, similar heating devices and equipment were the cause of over 57,000 reported house fires. From these fires, more than 300 deaths occurred, more than one thousand people and children were injured, and more than one billion dollars’ worth of damages occurred. When it comes to using space heaters, be sure to fully understand the risks and potential dangers that they can cause.

To avoid the risk of fires, injury, and damages, review these important safety tips regarding space heaters:

⚠ Use a heater that has a protective casing blocking the flame or heat source. This can help avoid contact with children, pets, and clothing.

⚠ Purchase a heater that has been certified and approved by a national recognized testing laboratory or corporation (i.e. Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc.). These products generally meet the safety standards and requirements for indoor heating devices such as this.

⚠ Use an appropriately-sized space heater for the square footage you need to heat. Do not use a heater too large for a room.

⚠ Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from curtains, drapes, blankets, furniture, and other flammable materials.

⚠ Keep space heaters away from water.

⚠ Be sure that everyone in the home or office thoroughly understands how to use and operate the space heater. This includes children, babysitters, co-workers, and any other person within the property.

⚠ If using a natural gas or kerosene space heater, keep all other doors open in the house to prevent pollutant build-up. It also promotes proper combustion. Vented heating devices also require ventilation for apposite combustion.

⚠ Gas space heaters should always come with a pilot safety valve.

⚠ Never attempt to light the pilot if you smell even a trace of gasoline.

⚠ Never leave a space heater on overnight or when you are not home.

⚠ Place the space heater on a leveled area where it cannot be knocked over or bumped.

⚠ Try not to use extension cords. If you do, make sure it is a heavy-duty brand with an equal or higher power rating as your space heater.

⚠ Always remember that space heaters are intended for temporary use only.

⚠ Unvented or kerosene space heaters are illegal in some states. Be sure to do your research. Be aware that trailers and mobile homes require specialized indoor space heating equipment. Only vented or fuel-fired heaters should be used in these types of properties.

Indianapolis Burn Injury Attorneys

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for burn accident injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. If you or a loved one was recently injured as a result of a negligent fire or space heater product malfunction, call our licensed personal injury attorneys right away. We offer free initial consultations to and NEVER collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a consultation, today.