Legal News

The CPSC has announced that 1.8 million toy dart guns have been recalled after two deaths from asphyxiation were reported. The dart guns were sold at Family Dollar Stores. Family Dollar Stores announced this recall in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the CPSC, Family Dollar is working cooperatively with CPSC to announce this recall because Henry Gordy International has refused to recall the toy dart gun sets.

The toy dart guns were made in China, imported by Henry Gordy International Inc., and were sold under the name "Auto Fire." They were sold exclusively at Family Dollar stores between 2005 and 2009, at a cost of around $1.50. 

The CPSC stated in a press release that the toy dart guns were sold with either an orange and yellow toy gun (item #P238), or a blue and yellow toy gun (item #9328), and eight orange darts and a small target with numbers from 1 to 20. The gun's item number is located on one side of the handle in raised lettering. The soft plastic darts measure just over one inch in length and have a small suction cup at one end with a diameter of about ½ inch. The target board is black, yellow, red and green, and measures five inches in diameter. "Gordy Toy" for "Ages 8+" is printed on the packaging.

The risk comes when a child places the toy in their mouth. They can accidentally inhale it into their throat where it can block their ability to breathe.

Consumers should immediately remove the toys from their children and throw them away. Alternatively, a refund is available at Family Dollar if the consumer returns the toy to the store. The CPSC would like to receive incident reports on this issue. 

Consumers can visit https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx to report an incident, or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772.

Related Resources:

• Children's Deaths Prompt Recall Of Toy Dart Gun Sets Sold Exclusively At Family Dollar Stores(CSPC)
• Wrongful Death FAQ (FindLaw)
• Consumer Product Recalls (FindLaw)
• Defective Toys: Definitely Not Child's Play (provided by Aiken & Scoptur, S.C.)
• Injuries from defective products (provided by Johnston Law Offices, P.C.)