Water Beads Lawsuits

Water beads, also known as gel beads or water-absorbing polymer beads, are small, colorful beads that absorb water and expand in size. While they are commonly used for decorative purposes and in children’s sensory play activities, they can pose serious health risks if ingested or inhaled, potentially leading to legal claims for compensation.

“If a water bead is swallowed, the bead expands and can pose choking and intestinal obstruction hazards inside a small child’s body, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and a risk of death to the child,” Consumer Product Safety Commission chairperson Alexander Hoehn-Saric said in a statement in September 2023. Many retailers now refuse to sell related items at all, given the risk of injury or death to children. 

Potential Side Effects

Children who ingest or inhale water beads may experience various health complications, including:

  • Choking or gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed
  • Respiratory problems if inhaled, such as lung irritation or aspiration pneumonia
  • Allergic reactions or skin irritation upon contact with the beads
  • Other injuries or health issues related to misuse or accidental ingestion

“The water beads, generally purchased for older siblings, can be missed during clean up and swallowed days or even weeks later,” CPSC chairperson Hoehn-Saric added in the statement. 

“The children who survived water bead ingestion suffered hospitalizations and surgeries and live with long-term health impacts.”

Warning signs your child may have ingested beads from brands such as Orbeez, Giraffe, MarvelBeads, Chuckle & Roar, and more include:

  • Constipation
  • Drooling
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

Eligibility for Compensation

To be eligible for compensation related to water beads, individuals must meet certain criteria:

  • Must have suffered harm or injury directly attributable to the ingestion, inhalation, or contact with water beads
  • Must be able to demonstrate that the harm resulted from the negligence of the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, such as inadequate warnings or labeling

Legal action may be pursued for product liability or negligence against responsible parties including the brands listed above. Lawsuits are being filed on behalf of parents whose children were injured by water beads, and a member of our team may be able to represent you in a lawsuit. 

If your child has been harmed by water beads, it’s essential to seek medical attention and consult with a qualified attorney to understand your legal options for seeking compensation and holding accountable those responsible for the harm suffered.

Please contact our firm today at 602-222-2222 to learn more about your options. We can offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. Give Phillips Law Group a call today to learn more.