Many young children do not fully understand the concept of danger and do not know that certain actions may cause them to suffocate.
Because of this, parents are in charge of ensuring that their children do not fall victim to choking hazards.
Unfortunately, this is not always possible.
Some household items that seem safe may actually present choking hazards to your children, especially when these products are defective.
Most individuals know the rule about small objects: anything small enough to fit in a child's mouth is a potential choking hazard.
This is only one rule of thumb.
Another rule of thumb is that anything that can wrap around a child's neck or that can cover his or her mouth and nose can also be a choking hazard.
Most commonly, this refers to plastic bags, which cling to the mouth and nose when a child inhales, cutting off his or her oxygen supply.
Other items may also present dangers, though.
Another common culprit of child choking hazards is window blind cords.
These cords allow individuals to pull their blinds up and down, but they also invite danger if they are faulty or left in the reach of children.
Children may become entangled in these cords and may not be able to free themselves without help.
This can cause children to suffocate.
Another hazard is drop-side cribs, which may disengage and trap a child.
If the crib disengages on the neck, it may cut off the child's oxygen supply.
Regardless of what causes your child to choke, you, as a parent, may be entitled to financial compensation when you child chokes because of a faulty or mislabeled household object.