With the holidays coming up and shopping season in full swing, this is one of the busiest retail seasons of the year. No matter what holiday you celebrate, if you have a shopping list you want to give gifts which are thoughtful and safe.
Even though there are organizations dedicated to keeping customers safe, billions of products are available for sale both in stores and online. It is just not possible to thoroughly test every product. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are designed and made safely. However, not all manufacturers are cautious when developing their brands and as a result people are seriously injured and even killed each year—in Hollywood and across the country—by unsafe and defective products. Here are some ideas to keep everyone on your gift list safe:
1) Always check recall lists and toy reviews.
If you are shopping for children, especially, you will want to make sure the toys and products you buy as gifts are safe. Or, buy gift cards so parents can make their own choices. Check online for recalls and safety reviews to ensure you are buying safe items.
In fact, check all your holiday purchases against recall lists to ensure there aren’t any recalled items on your list. Set up an alert so you are informed of new recalls are they are released.
2) Use common sense.
Even if something is not on the recall list, it does not automatically mean it is completely safe. Always check an item in stores before buying. If it has sharp edges, small parts that come off easily, or any components that seem poorly made, look for another product.
3) Buy new toys, rather than used.
Always buy new products, as used items may be damaged or recalled. It is difficult to tell if dangerous damage has occurred to a toy or child’s car seat, especially if the damage is internal. In addition, older toys may have been made with different ideas of safety and may not have the safety features of today’s products.
4) Buy age-appropriate gifts.
A new toy perfectly safe for a 10-year-old can be dangerous for a 2-year-old. Always check age ranges on toys and buy toys for the right age group.
5) Give the gift of safety.
If you want to make the holidays a little safer for friends and family, why not buy items designed for safety? Buying certificates private driving lessons, sports safety gear, CPR training, and other safety experiences or gear shows you care and can help keep loved ones a little safer in 2017 and beyond.
Unsafe products in Hollywood and across the country can include defective toys, unsafe food products, defective housewares and appliances, and more. In fact, you need to consider safety no matter what is on your holiday shopping list.
If you have been injured by a defective product, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free case consultation. Our attorneys can help you determine whether you have a claim.