New Jersey parents should be aware of a toy known as a Water Balz that has recently become the center of scrutiny by some doctors and the media. Reports of injury from the toy are becoming more prevalent. Water Balz are said to be targeted for older children, ages 4 years and older. Unfortunately, children of all ages may be enticed by the colorful, polymer balls that promise to grow when placed in water.
Starting out the size of a marble, this potentially dangerous product has raised serious medical concerns after a baby ingested one and suffered serious digestive problems when the ball grew and blocked her intestine. She required surgery to save her.
The 8-month-old girl reportedly swallowed one of the Water Balz while the toy was at its smallest size. Over time, the toy grew as the company promised, expanding in the digestive tract of the baby. The conditions that followed the ingestion included pain, constipation, vomiting, and a distended stomach. X-ray images do not pick up the presence of the toy but do show the effects. In this instance, sections of the baby’s digestive tract were widened by the toy. Doctors were able to surgically remove the toy before it caused what could have been life threatening damage.
Experts are concerned that this toy may be a concern for public health. The company that makes the toy stands behind its product, noting that the product carries an age-appropriateness warning and is directed toward children who are old enough to know not to swallow the toy. Such disclaimers likely don’t mean much to the family of the baby injured in this case.
It is the responsibility of manufacturers to make sure that the products they market in New Jersey and elsewhere are safe. When a product is causes injuries, personal injury claims in New Jersey courts may result. A successfully prosecuted product liability claim may help the victim and the victim’s family recovers damages for medical and recovery therapy costs resulting from the injuries.
Source: ABC News, “Baby Needs Surgery After Swallowing Expanding Polymer Ball,” Chandani Patel, Sept. 17, 2012
