The holiday season in South Carolina brings joy and celebration, but also hidden dangers. What might seem like a simple slip, fall, or choking incident could actually be the result of a defective product. At Harbin & Burnett, we want to help you understand how to spot these cases and protect your family.
Toys That Trend in ER Stats
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), toy-related injuries remain a significant concern. In 2023, there were 10 toy-related deaths among children aged 14 and under. The most common injuries involved choking on small parts, particularly bouncy balls.
Non-motorized scooters are also a leading cause of ER visits during the holiday season. These injuries often result from design flaws or inadequate safety features. For more information on toy safety, visit the CPSC Holiday Safety Center.
Water Beads: New Federal Safety Standard
Water beads, popular in sensory play kits, have been linked to serious injuries when ingested. In 2023, CPSC received reports of at least one death and thousands of emergency room visits associated with water beads.
In August 2025, the CPSC approved a new federal safety standard for water beads to reduce the risk of injury and death to young children. If your child has been harmed by water beads, it is crucial to consult with a product liability attorney to understand your legal options.
Space Heaters and Winter Fires
Winter months see a significant increase in home heating fires, with nearly half of all U.S. home heating equipment fires occurring between December and February. Space heaters are often involved in these incidents, sometimes due to design flaws or manufacturing defects.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a space heater, it is essential to determine whether a product defect contributed to the incident. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you assess whether you have a viable product liability claim.
How to Preserve the Product for a Potential Claim
If you suspect that a defective product caused an injury, taking the following steps can help preserve evidence for a potential product liability claim:
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Keep the product, packaging, and any receipts.
- Take photographs of the product and the scene of the incident.
- Record the product’s serial number and model information.
- Do not return the product to the seller before consulting with an attorney.
Bringing the product and its packaging to your consultation can assist in evaluating whether you have a product liability claim.
Contact Harbin & Burnett for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product this holiday season, Harbin & Burnett is here to help. Our experienced attorneys can assess your case and guide you through the legal process.
Call us today at 864.964.0333 for a free consultation.