Clothing and Footwear Manufacturers Should Pay Attention to Child Safety More

In yet another choking hazard recall, thousands of kid’s slippers have been recalled.

When today’s older Americans were kids, they certainly did not have as many toys made that were a serious choking hazard. Not to say that there may not have been a toy or two that had some issues, but by and large, when we grew up, we did not have to be afraid of chewing our slippers and choking. Every time you turn around, there is yet another recall for something that could either seriously harm a child or kill them. There is something very wrong with that picture, and usually it relates to money.

Manufacturers are in such a rush to get toys and clothing to market to rake in cash, that the safety of the end user often falls by the wayside. If the individuals who designed some of this stuff stopped and honestly thought about what they were doing, they would get it that you do not make toys or clothing with items that detach and can choke and kill.

Take this latest recall for example. Who in their right mind would make kids’ slippers with detachable rolly eyes? Of course a kid is going to put that into their mouths. Everything goes into a kid’s mouth, whether it is a slipper or something else that catches their eye. If the clothing industry wants to put eyes on slippers, why don’t they just embroider them onto the existing fabric, and not attach them with a couple of loops of flimsy thread?

The nationwide voluntary recall was for roughly 16,000 Kidgets® Animal Sock Top Slippers. Not so surprisingly, it was discovered that the animal’s eyes pose a choking hazard for young children. The dogs, lions and duck slippers were to be returned to any of the stores they were purchased from to get a full refund, which is a nice gesture. However, here is the problem. Not everyone will hear about this recall.

Someone may even get a pair of these things for the holidays or see them in a bargain bin where someone tossed them without thinking. If a child chokes on these eyes, the company that made them is liable. It is just that simple. Any family faced with a child with serious injuries from choking on a toy eye, or inhaling it and shutting down their airway causing death will likely want to file a wrongful death, defective product lawsuit. While waiting for their case to be decided, the family will need cash to pay their bills.

The family might apply for litigation funding, also known as pre-settlement funding or a lawsuit cash advance. This is money paid in advance of a court verdict or settlement. Litigation funding lets a plaintiff pay all of their bills and then wait for justice. They apply online or by phone, discuss case details, get their case assessed and approved.

The lawsuit loan is wired into their bank accounts, usually within 24 to 48 hours and although they may use the money for pretty much anything they like, they realize it is a smart move to pay their pressing medical bills right away and deal with other expenses too. Lawsuit funding helps plaintiffs get back on their feet when they need help the most.

Daren Monroe writes for Litigation Funding Corp. To learn more about lawsuit funding and litigation funding, visit Litigationfundingcorp.com.

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