LA QUINTA, Calif. – A tragic incident involving a toddler in California has sparked a lawsuit against toy company Hasbro. The parents of Amelie Paredes Sotelo, from La Quinta, have filed a lawsuit claiming that their child was left quadriplegic after choking on a Candy Land Gummy Dot produced by Hasbro. The lawsuit, filed on Dec. 28, 2023, alleges that the candy did not have the necessary safety warnings. This devastating incident highlights the potential dangers of toys and the responsibility of manufacturers to prioritize child safety.
According to a news release, a home Ring camera captured the distressing scene on Dec. 13, 2022. The footage shows Amelie choking on the candy, while her parents frantically attempt various methods to dislodge it. Despite their efforts, the candy remained lodged in her airway, leading them to rush her to the hospital for emergency medical care.
The severity of the blockage proved challenging even for the emergency room doctors. The lawsuit describes the candy’s excessive stickiness and lack of pliability as factors that hindered the removal process. Eventually, the doctors were able to extract the candy, but not before Amelie suffered significant oxygen deprivation. As a result, she has been left with permanent brain damage, unable to move or control most bodily functions. The tragic consequences of this incident also mean that Amelie will require a feeding tube for the rest of her life.
Attorney Thomas Bosworth, representing Amelie and her family, dubbed the candies a “ticking time bomb.” He expressed their determination to seek justice for the young girl, highlighting the dramatic shift from her vibrant and thriving state to a permanent disability that leaves her unable to speak, swallow, or move. This devastating outcome resulted from just one piece of this dangerous gel candy, emphasizing the need for accountability and precautionary measures.
The lawsuit targets Hasbro, along with Frankford Candy & Chocolate Co., Inc., and Frankford Candy LLC, accusing them of product liability, failure to warn, negligence, and negligent infliction of emotional distress, among other claims. Bosworth insists that either these candies should be removed from shelves or they should be redesigned with comprehensive and accurate warnings regarding the choking hazard and recommended age range for consumption.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks associated with certain toys and the importance of stringent safety measures. The lawsuit against Hasbro and the other defendants brings child safety to the forefront, emphasizing the need for appropriate warnings and precautions when manufacturing and distributing products aimed at children. The devastating consequences suffered by Amelie Paredes Sotelo should not be in vain, prompting a broader conversation on child safety and accountability.
Amelie’s story calls for a comprehensive examination of the regulations surrounding toy manufacturing and the responsibility of companies in ensuring the safety of their products. It serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of children and the need for collective efforts to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.