Most people would probably agree that it is important to supervise children when they are playing. However, one usually assumes that when children are playing with a toy specifically designed for someone of their age, it will not break. When children are injured when using or playing with a defective product, it can be very upsetting.

A swing set has been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The voluntary recall is based on five reports of the seats of swings breaking, causing children to fall. Thankfully, the falls from the sling-style seats apparently only resulted in minor injuries. Some of the children who fell reportedly received scrapes and minor bruises.

When injuries are incurred due to a defective product, the injured party or the loved ones of someone who has been injured or has died due to the use of a defective product may be compensated for the injuries or loss. There are several parties that can potentially be held responsible. The first is the manufacturer. The second is the manufacturer of parts used in the item. The final two are the store selling the product directly to the consumer and the wholesaler from whom the retail store obtained the product.

The swing set known as Playsafe Dartmouth swing set was imported from China by a Madison, Wisconsin, company, Pacific Cycle Inc. The relevant model number is 22-PS340. It was sold starting in January of this year, through May. Toys "R" Us Inc. was the only store that stocked them. Replacement seats are being made available by Pacific Cycle Inc. for people who purchased the swing set.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, "CPSC Recalls Swing Set, Belay Device, Citing Fall Hazard," Melodie Warner, Aug. 30, 2011