Edward M. Swartz, the founder of Swartz & Swartz, P.C. and pioneer on toy safety, died at age 76.
Mr. Swartz took on the multibillion-dollar toy industry for decades with his annual “10 Worst Toys List.” Consumer activist Ralph Nader said “He basically pioneered the whole area of toy safety… He documented it, he litigated it, he advocated for regulatory standards and recalls… and he engaged in massive public education.” Mr. Swartz wrote many books, such as “Toys That Don’t Care” and “Toys That Kill” to increase awareness about dangerous toys. He also founded the nonprofit organization, World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH), which is committed to educating consumers regarding toy hazards in the marketplace, and which developed a curriculum for elementary schools based upon Mr. Swartz’ consumer advocacy. Edward M. Swartz, along with WATCH, fearlessly exposed potentially dangerous toys to the general public. As a result, children’s lives have been saved.
Edward Martin Swartz was born Jan. 17, 1934, in Winthrop, Massachusetts. Honing his skills in college debates and by acting in school plays, Mr. Swartz attended Boston University School of Law on a scholarship, was editor-in-chief of the law review, president of the student bar association, represented his school in a national moot court competition, and graduated first in his class. He continued his legal education as a W.C. Cook Fellow at the University of Michigan Law School and served as an adjunct professor at Boston University School of Law.
Mr. Swartz’ concerns and crusade for safety span the spectrum of the American marketplace, as he reinforced his reputation as one of the nation’s foremost consumer advocates and primary movers in products liability law. As a nationally renowned trial attorney, his record-setting results on behalf of catastrophically injured clients were born from his remarkable drive, to serve consumers by publicizing product defects and other injustices to prevent injuries, and to encourage the passage of laws and regulations by government agencies to protect the public.
To read more about his accomplishments and impact please visit:
Washington Post
By Swartz & Swartz P.C. –
About the Author: James Swartz
Keep Reading
Want more? Here are some other blog posts you might be interested in.
Research shows smartphones, lack of pedestrian infrastructure, and other such factors have led to an increase in traffic deaths in the U.S.
Small parts that can harm children are common in many products, even when federal law bans them sometimes.
Research shows that certain types of household and recreational products cause TBIs in children more frequently than others.