In 2011, there were an estimated 262,300 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. These injuries included lacerations, contusions, or abrasions. 45% of these injuries were to the head and face area. For children 15-years-old and younger, non-motorized scooters continued to be the category of toys associated with the most injuries (25%). In 2011, 13 children, 15-years-old and younger, died due to toy-related injuries. Balloons were reported to be the number one toy that caused these deaths, as they pose a choking hazard. 3 children in 2011 died of asphyxiation after aspirating balloons or balloon fragments. Tricycles were reported to be the second most common toy to cause death in this age group because they pose a drowning hazard. 2 children died in 2011. There were two deaths associated with non-motorized scooters in 2011. A 7-year-old boy was struck by a motor vehicle while riding his scooter. A 13-year-old boy was struck by a sport utility vehicle when he was riding his scooter in an intersection of a road. 
These are horrible tragedies we hope never happen to our children. We can avoid these horrific accidents by following some basic safety tips before allowing our children to play with toys:
- Check the toy for any loose pieces, as these may pose a choking hazard.
- Always supervise young children when they are playing with any toy.
- If a child is riding a bike, tricycle, scooter or any other toy, always supervise them, especially when they are in public areas such as a street or a playground.
- Stay updated with the latest product recalls. Your child’s favorite toy could pose as a choking hazard, burn hazard, etc. Learn more at www.cpsc.gov.
- If you have a pool or are near any type of water, make sure you are always supervising your child when they are playing around the area.
If your child has been seriously injured as a result of a defective or recalled product, we can help. Contact us immediately or fill out our free evaluation form. Learn more statistics on toy-related injuries and deaths.
Mr. Finkelstein is the Managing Partner of Finkelstein & Partners, LLP. He has become a noted consumer activist through his representation of injured individuals against corporate wrongdoers and irresponsible parties.
An accomplished litigator, Mr. Finkelstein has represented Plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. He has successfully handled dozens of multi-million dollar cases.