Orlando Injury Lawyer Blog

In response to toy injury and death, more than 25 states are considering tainted toy measures to address the risks revealed by the high-profile national recalls of toys found to contain dangerous levels of lead. No longer are states simply relying on the federal government to protect their children from injury due to dangerous foreign toys. As Orlando injury lawyers, handling product liability cases, we believe all reasonable measures should be taken on both a state and national level to protect our children.

Maryland, for example, would hire inspectors to monitor toys for lead content under a bill headed for approval in the House of Delegates. That chamber agreed unanimously on a preliminary version of a bill to hire two state inspectors to monitor toys coming into Maryland for lead problems. If approved, the bill would fine companies $10,000 for selling tainted toys. Already, toys imported to Maryland must carry certification they don't exceed federal lead limits for children, but sponsors of the bill say Maryland needs to do more to keep kids safe from lead paint in toys.

This action comes as many states call for federal authorities to beef up inspections of toys to prevent lead problems. Congress is considering legislation directing the Consumer Product Safety Commission to improve toy monitoring, but supporters of state legislation believe states should not simply wait for Congress to act. We certainly agree. Of course, the toy industry does not. The Toy Industry Association has taken the position that the federal government alone should regulate toy safety. Fortunately, dozens of states appear determined to help keep dangerous toys away from innocent children.

Seeking justice for injury victims should not be the only goal for Orlando injury lawyers. Many times injury lawyers can bring about far-reaching safety changes through injury lawsuits. Whenever an injury lawyer can demonstrate to a corporate defendant that it makes good sense to improve the safety in their apartments, hotels or retail establishments change can result. In a recent Orlando slip and fall case we reached a significant settlement which brought not only justice for our clients, but a safer environment for all future patrons of a nation-wide chain.

In handling premises liability cases throughout Florida, we have found it beneficial to analyze the overall safety aspects of the environment involved. With so much competition in the apartment, hotel and retail industry, safety becomes a great marketing tool. Being able to boast of excellent security measures and a safe, general environment keeps and attracts business.

With this in mind, in our injury cases we try to illustrate that the injury to our client was not only avoidable, but that the hazard should be addressed to prevent future harm to other patrons. Whether injury results from lack of security or poorly designed stairs, ramps or walkways, we try to reasonably demonstrate simple, cost-effective alternatives that would benefit the hundreds and thousands of future patrons. It makes no sense for a corporate defendant to have to pay for our clients’ injury and remain at risk once the hazard and a reasonable solution has been identified.