Buckyballs and Zen Magnets Recall Lawsuit: Magnetic Ball Intestinal Injury
The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Buckyball, Zen Magnet and Magnetic Ball lawsuits for children or other individuals who have experienced severe and potentially life-threatening internal injuries after accidentally swallowing the small, high-powered magnets that are sold as “adult” magnetic toys or executive desk toys.
Buckyballs, Buckycube, Zen Magnets, Nanospheres, Magnet Balls and other similar products contain rare earth magnets that can be combined to form shapes. However, individually, the small high powered magnets are similar in size to a small marble.
Children, teens, young adults and others may accidentally swallow these magnets without realizing the serious risks associated with putting them in or around their mouths. These problems could occur in an attempt to attract the magnets across the tongue or cheek, simulating a piercing.
If two of the high powered magnets are swallowed, they could attract across intestinal walls or other digestive tissue causing serious and catastrophic damages, such as:
- Intestinal Obstructions
- Perforations of the Intestinal Wall
- Surgery to Remove the Magnets
- Death
It appears that inadequate and insufficient warnings have been provided about the risks associated with these magnetic toys.
The manufacturers of Buckyball Magnets and Zen Magents have refused to cooperate with federal regulators, causing the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to file an administrative complaint against he companies seeking to force a Buckyball recall and Zen Magnet recall due to the risks associated with the products.
According to the U.S. CPSC, there have been at least 200 incidents where children swallowed these or similar magnetic toys since 2008. At least one child’s death and dozens of intestinal injuries have been linked to the magnet sets.
The magnetic toys are supposed to be labeled for ages 14 and older, but many do not see the warnings or appreciate the severe risks associated with the magnets.
The Zen Magnet warnings actually make light of the federal regulations and diminish the risk by indicating:
Warning: DO NOT SWALLOW MAGNETS. How old do you have to be to play with these? Dunno. 14 years old in the U.S. for a strong magnetic toy, unless it’s not a toy, then no age limit, but they’re fun magnets spheres (sic), aren’t they a toy? Unless it’s a “science kit” then the government age recommendation is 8+. But really, it’s whatever age at which a person stops swallowing non-foods.
The CPSC has deemed that “warning” to be in violation of federal regulations.
A report was published earlier this year by the American Academy of Pediatrics, highlighting the dangers associated with these high-powered magnetic balls and offering the following safety tips:
- Keep all small magnets and tiny cubes away from anyone younger than 14.
- Regularly check toys and play areas, including carpeting, for dislodged or lost magnets.
- Warn teens to avoid placing the tiny magnetic balls near their faces, such as to mimic piercings.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you think a child has swallowed a magnet (and don’t assume it will pass normally). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, all of which could be mistaken for other illnesses.
MAGENTIC TOY INJURY LAWSUITS
If you, a friend or family member have experienced severe internal injury after swallowing a magnetic toy, financial compensation may be available through a product liability lawsuit. Potential claims are being investigated for injuries caused by:
- Buckyball Magnets
- Buckycube Magnets
- Zen Magnets
- Nanospheres
- Magnet Balls
- Other Products or Toys with Powerful Magnets That May Be Swallowed
All lawsuits are reviewed on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained.
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