Who’s Liable When a Defective Toy Hurts Your Child?
Hillstone Law – San Diego Product Liability Attorneys

As parents, you do everything you can to ensure the toys your child plays with are safe and age-appropriate. Unfortunately, even with careful research, some toys slip through the cracks—leading to serious injuries. If your child has been harmed by a defective toy, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled San Diego product liability lawyer at Hillstone Law can help you identify all potentially liable parties and pursue a claim.

Below are some of the key parties who may be responsible in a defective toy case.

1. Manufacturers and Designers

In many cases, the toy’s manufacturer and designer may be the same entity—but not always. Sometimes:

• A company designs the toy and outsources manufacturing to another party, often overseas.
• A toy is assembled using components produced by different suppliers, each of whom may bear partial responsibility.

If a specific part caused the injury—like a faulty battery, choking hazard, or small detachable piece—the part manufacturer may also be held liable.

There is no limit to how many companies or individuals you can name in your product liability lawsuit. It’s often best to include all potential contributors to the product’s development, manufacturing, and distribution. If further investigation shows one party isn’t responsible, they can be dismissed later.

2. Retailers

Retailers are the final stop in the supply chain, and they also carry legal responsibility for what they sell. If the toy was defective at the time it was on the store shelf, the retailer may be just as liable as the manufacturer or designer.

Importantly, you don’t have to be the purchaser of the toy to file a valid claim. For example:

• If your child was injured while playing with a friend’s toy
• If your child was struck by a defective piece that broke off during someone else’s use
• If the toy was purchased second-hand or “as-is”

In all of these situations, you may still have grounds for a product liability claim under California law.

3. Other Potential Defendants in the Supply Chain

Beyond designers, manufacturers, and retailers, other entities in the distribution chain could also be held liable, including:

• Wholesalers
• Importers
• Distributors
• Testing or certification agencies (in some cases)

Defective toy claims can be complex—especially when multiple corporations, foreign suppliers, or large retailers are involved. These cases require strategic legal experience and a law firm prepared to fight powerful companies on your behalf.

Let Hillstone Law Fight for Your Family

If your child was injured by a defective toy in San Diego, don’t take on manufacturers and insurance companies alone. At Hillstone Law, we’ll investigate the source of the defect, identify all liable parties, and fight to recover full compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Future treatment or therapy
• Long-term disability or disfigurement

📞 Call (310) 595-1222 today for a free consultation.
You don’t pay unless we win your case.