Buckyballs and Buckycubes are high-powered magnetic toys that were manufactured and sold by Maxfield & Oberton between 2009 and 2012. The toys consist of small magnets made from rare-earth materials that can be rearranged in different formations. While meant for adults, Buckyballs and other similar products are extremely attractive to children and have been linked to thousands of injuries around the country. These injuries typically involve children ingesting the magnets, potentially causing in serious medical issues involving their digestive systems. Because of the risks that Buckyballs can pose, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) took action to remove them from the market in 2012. Anyone who has been injured by Buckyballs should be certain to discuss their case with an experienced product liability attorney as soon as possible.
Buckyballs are capable of causing serious injury
Magnets made from rare-earth materials are significantly stronger than traditional magnetic toys. According to a report published by the CPSC in 2011, the agency received a number of reports indicating that children ranging from toddlers to teenagers were accidentally ingesting the magnets. Several of the reports involved teenagers putting the magnets into their mouths in order to mimic a tongue or cheek piercing. When these powerful magnets are ingested, they have the potential to attract one another within the body, often causing serious tissue damage. Some of the injuries that are associated with the ingestion of Buckyballs and other similar products include:
- Perforations of the stomach and intestines
- Intestinal blockages
- Blood poisoning
- Internal injuries
After being ingested, Buckyballs often require invasive surgery to remove, and may require surgical repair of a child's stomach or intestines. As a result, people injured by Buckyballs may incur significant medical expenses as well as tremendous pain and suffering, among other issues. Fortunately, an attorney can help victims recover for their losses by filing a Florida products liability claim on their behalf. Discussing your case with a lawyer is the first step in getting the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Clearwater products liability lawyer today to schedule a free consultation
If you or your child has been injured by Buckyballs or other magnetic toys, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Clearwater products liability attorneys,
call our office today at (727) 451-6900.