December 23, 2025 – A consumer reported suffering a significant laceration to their index finger while installing a Toddleroo by North States Supergate Explorer, purchased from Walmart. The incident involved a “hidden edge” on the gate’s adjuster slide, leading to a cut that required medical attention. This incident follows previous minor finger injuries sustained by the same consumer when handling the gate.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The consumer purchased the Toddleroo by North States Supergate Explorer (Model 8720/8721, 26″-42″) from Walmart on August 17, 2025. On the evening of December 4, 2025, while attempting to adjust the gate’s width during installation for use as a dog gate, the consumer’s index finger was severely cut. The injury occurred along a “hidden edge” on the “adjuster slide part” of the gate. The consumer noted that this was not the first time they experienced an injury from the gate, having sustained “a couple of minor injuries to my fingers” previously, though this was the first time they were cut.
Safety Concerns
- Immediate dangers: The primary immediate danger is acute injury, specifically lacerations or deep cuts to fingers, as reported. Such cuts can lead to significant bleeding, pain, and may require immediate medical attention, potentially including stitches or other wound care.
- Long-term risks: Depending on the severity and depth of the cut, potential long-term risks could include infection if not properly treated, scarring, nerve damage, or reduced dexterity and mobility in the affected finger. Repeated minor injuries could also lead to chronic irritation or skin issues.
- Who might be affected: Primarily adults who are responsible for installing, adjusting, or moving the safety gate. While the gate is designed to protect children or contain pets, the reported hazard specifically affects the individual handling the gate during setup or modification.
- Property damage potential: This incident does not indicate a risk of property damage. The hazard is directly related to personal injury during manual interaction with the product.
What Consumers Should Do
- Immediate steps to take: If you own a Toddleroo by North States Supergate Explorer, exercise extreme caution when handling, installing, or adjusting its width. If you experience an injury, especially a cut or laceration, seek immediate medical attention. Clean the wound thoroughly and monitor for signs of infection.
- How to check if they own the affected product: Verify if your gate is the Toddleroo by North States Supergate Explorer, specifically Model Number 8720 or 8721, which typically adjusts from 26″ to 42″ in width. Check the product packaging or the gate itself for identifying labels or engravings.
- Prevention measures:
* Carefully inspect the gate for any sharp edges, burrs, or irregularities, particularly around the adjuster slide mechanism, before and during installation.
* Consider wearing sturdy work gloves or protective gloves when handling, installing, or adjusting the gate to minimize direct contact with potentially sharp surfaces.
* Follow all manufacturer instructions precisely during installation and adjustment, but remain vigilant for unexpected hazards.
- Reporting procedures: If you encounter similar issues or experience an injury, report the incident immediately to the manufacturer, North States Industries, Inc., and to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps to identify patterns and potential product defects.
Manufacturer’s Response
North States Industries, Inc. (NSI) acknowledged receiving the consumer’s email notification of the incident after business hours on December 4, 2025. NSI’s Customer Service department attempted to contact the consumer by phone on December 5, 2025, leaving a voicemail. Following notification from the CPSC on December 9, 2025, NSI again attempted to reach the consumer via phone and email. As of the stated response date, NSI reported receiving no reply from the consumer.
NSI further stated that the product, Toddleroo by North States Supergate Explorer, has undergone testing by an accredited third-party lab. This testing confirmed that the product passed relevant federal and state regulatory requirements, including tests for mechanical hazards under 16 CFR 1500 and sharp points/edges under 16 CFR 1500.48/1500.49. A valid Children’s Product Certificate has also been issued for this product.
NSI commented that the described incident is “not typical or commonly reported” for this product. The manufacturer also reserved the right to supplement their statement should the consumer respond and provide additional details to assist with their investigation.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.