Patio Umbrellas Recalled by Home Depot
The Home Depot in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has filed a voluntary product recall for defective umbrellas. The umbrella can potentially tip over and injure people if they do not remove the umbrella's collar before closing it.
The name of the recalled product is the "Offset Patio Umbrella" and has been sold at Home Depot stores all over the nation from January 2009 through February 2009. The umbrellas sold for about $250 and are approximately 11 feet high.
The Home Depot is encouraging umbrella buyers to stop using the product immediately because they could be putting themselves and their families at risk of injury. No injuries have been reported yet, but there could be people who have suffered injuries and have not reported them.
Defective products can cause many different serious injuries. If you are injured as a result of a defective product, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries.
The Home Depot imported the patio umbrellas from China. If you have purchased one of these defective products, you can return it to any Home Depot store for a full refund.
If you have a defective product claim in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the Law Offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to schedule a consultation.
Labels: defective product, recall
FSIS Recalls Mucci's Food Products
The United States Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is recalling certain products from Mucci's Food Products Inc. due to safety hazards. The food company released unsafe pasta and meat products in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio.
You may be able to recover damages if you live in any of these areas and have gotten seriously sick or injured after consuming Mucci's Food Products such as:
- Prosciutto
- Porcini and Veal Baci
- Sausage Baci
- Beef Ravioli
- Veal Ravioli
- Sausage Ravioli
- Chicken Cannelloni
- Parmesan Bread
The product recall covers items that have the establishment number 19177 or P-19177 inside the USDA inspection mark. Hazardous and unsafe foods can make you incredibly sick, causing you to miss work and pay medical bills. An experienced product liability attorney in your area can help you recover damages to help you pay for your losses.
If you have a product liability claim in the West Plam Beach, Florida area, please contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. today to schedule a consultation.
Labels: product liability, recall
GM Recalls Vehicles for Fire Risk
General Motors Corp. hasn't had a very good year. Rising gas prices and layoffs have hit the company hard, and now over 850,000 vehicles are being recalled due to a danger of fire. Vehicles equipped with heated windshield wiper fluid systems may short-circuit, which can lead to a fire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), other electrical systems may also malfunction, create smoke, or cause an odor.
Vehicles that are part of this recall include:
- 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT
- 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche, and Suburban
- 2007-2008 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL
- 2007-2008 Saturn Outlook
- 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, and Hummer H2
- 2008 Buick Enclave
The NHTSA has said that GM will fix the problem free of charge by installing a wire harness with an in-line fuse.
In addition to this vehicle recall, GM is also recalling nearly 89,000 2008 Buick Enclave, and 2007-2008 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook SUVs in 28 states and Washington, D.C. due to a threat of snow or ice build up on the windshield or wipers that may restrict the movement of the wipers, causing them to detach from the motor.
If you have a vehicle you suspect may be defective and put your life at risk in some way, please contact an attorney with experience in product liability in your area. Labels: defective product, recall
Company Refuses to Recall Dangerous Bassinets
Simplicity Inc., a company from Reading, Pennsylvania, made the convertible bassinet known as the Close Sleeper and Bedside Sleeper. Last year, after becoming stuck in the metal bars of the bassinet, a four-month old girl died. Last spring, SFCA, Inc. bought out Simplicity, Inc.'s assets at an auction. Earlier this month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) learned that a five-month old girl from Kansas was trapped in the bassinet's metal bars and strangled to death. And though the CPSC has asked SFCA, Inc. to recall the bassinet, the company has refused.
While the reasons behind the refusal are unclear, the CPSC stated in a press release warning of the dangers that, "SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity, Inc." In a statement released late today, SFCA said the CPSC warning "does not involve any product it manufactures or distributes." The company said the warning doesn't include bassinets that were manufactured recently that have fabric over the bars.
"All bassinets produced and sold by SFCA are produced in this manner, with fabric permanently attached over the lower bar, and meet or exceed ASTM standards and CPSC guidelines," they said.
The bassinets the CPSC believes are the most dangerous are the Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets that have metal bars spaced more than 2 3/8 inches. The bars are covered by a fabric flap attached by Velcro. When the bassinet is converted into a bedside position, the fabric folds down. If the Velcro is not secured properly when the bassinet is readjusted, infants may become trapped between the metal bars where they can suffocate or strangle.
The issue here seems not to be the fact that this doesn't affect the most recently made bassinets, but that SFCA refuses to inherit the liability of a product that is still being sold. CPSC has asked the company to withdraw a product it knows has injured and killed infants. They have also warned parents to stop using the bassinets immediately. Still, SFCA, who may acknowledge the bassinet has killed in the past seem to be saying since it didn't happen with a product they manufactured, then it doesn't matter if they own the product or not.
Strange behavior for a company that sells products to parents with new babies and takes their money. Some might even call it unconscionable.
If you or a loved one has an infant who was injured by one of these bassinets, please contact an attorney with experience in product liability in your area. For more information, visit US Recall News.
Labels: defective product, recall
Maybe Toby Keith could Write a Song about it
Cruise control switches in Ford Motor Company vehicles are continuing to cause problems. Specifically, they're heating up and causing the vehicle to burn. Nearly 1,500 fires are alleged to be due to a faulty switch that was installed in millions of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln vehicles from 1999 to 2004. However, the problem is still so worrisome that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued an advisory in February to customers who have still not fixed the switches. They are asking that owners disconnect the switches immediately. So far very few owners of the vehicles have brought them in to be repaired.
Ford alleges that the recall was done in stages because it wasn't clear in the beginning what was causing the problem. It is now believed that applying the brakes causes a vacuum which causes a seal in the switch to fail. Brake fluid then leaks in and corrodes the seal. Because the switch has power all the time, the corrosion causes the seal to overheat and ignite. This means that the fires can start even when the ignition is turned off and the vehicle is sitting in the driveway. This has caused not only vehicles, but buildings to burn.
Before the investigation was closed in August 2006, the NHTSA linked 65 fires directly to the faulty cruise control switch, but a further 1,472 complaints were made which allegedly began in these vehicles engine compartments. Sixty further complaints were registered after the investigation was closed.
Though Ford stopped making the switches in 2002, it is believed that many of the 2003 F-150 Lightning models were installed with the faulty switch. And, in what may be even more embarrassing for Ford, there was a recall of the recall.
Recall of the Recall
A wiring harness was fitted between the deactivation switch and speed control unit. This was done to cut the electrical current which ran to the switch in case it overheated. However, in most of the vehicles it was installed in, the harness didn't work because the fuse was installed on the wrong side. In some cases, the device was installed on the wrong vehicles.
Consumer auto safety advocate, Clarence Ditlow, believes that the NHTSA's notice was "too little too late" and should have been made as soon as the recall was announced. He also believes that the way this was drawn out over ten years is inexcusable. If there is a design flaw, he says, all vehicles with that design should be recalled.
Though no deaths are linked to the fires, three wrongful death claims have been filed against Ford.
If you believe that your Ford burned due to a faulty cruise control switch, you may have a defective product claim. Please contact an experienced injury lawyer in your area. Then go buy a Toyota.
Labels: defective product, recall
Just in Time for Spring, Salmonella in Your Cantaloupe
Products containing Honduran grown cantaloupe are being recalled because of the risk of salmonella. The Honduran company, Agropecuaria Montelibano, has been linked to a multistate outbreak of the bacteria. The FDA ha s asked grocers across the country to remove the cantaloupe from grocery stores and blocked imports from the Honduran company after dozens of cases of salmonella were reported in 16 states. Fourteen people were hospitalized due to the illness.
Four firms including Dole Food Co., Bounty Fresh LLC, Spokane Products Inc., and Chiquita Brands International Inc. have joined other companies in recalling the product.
Salmonella shows up in people with a variety of symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Brand names affected include:
- Mike's Melons
- Mayan Pride
- Chiquita
- Chestnut Hill Farms
- Perfect Melon
- Yokes
- Garden Patch
- Rosavers Classic
If you have purchased cantaloupe that matches any of these names, you might want to get rid of it immediately. Food poisoning can be extremely dangerous. If you've already eaten the product, and you became sick, there are still options (after you feel better).
If you think you became ill after ingesting salmonella laced cantaloupe, you may be able to received compensation. Please contact an experienced injury lawyer who knows about product liability in your area.
Labels: defective product, recall
Rocker Recall
In yet another example of why it's safer for children to watch TV, than play, Tek Nek Toys International L.P. has announced it is recalling the Rock 'N Ride plush rocker due to their unstable base. The base of the rocker has the potential to tip over, spilling the child riding it to the cold, hard ground. The recall includes the following rockers:
- Clifford Big Red Rocker
- Deluxe Bull
- Deluxe Pony
- Lil' Penguin
- Lil' Propeller Plane
- Brown and Pink Pony
- Deluxe Pony
- Pink Unicorn
So far there have been 35 reports of rockers tipping over, and ten reported injuries including bumps, bruises and lacerations.
The date code on the rockers in question is from July 26, 2007 through Dec. 29, 2007. The code is on a sticker inside the rocker's battery compartment. What is a battery compartment doing on a rocker, you ask? Because there is a button on the ear, hat or "dash," which activates phrases and songs when it is pushed. For example, the Deluxe Bull has two talking phrases, two bull riding sound effects, and a song called "Here I Come, I'm a Rocking Bull."
The rockers, made in China, were sold at Target, K-mart, Toys "R" Us, Atwoods, Pamida, and Wal-Mart. They were also available through the internet.
Tek Nek Toys said in a statement that the rocker should be taken away from your child, even if they haven't tipped over, or turned the tipping over into a game. The company will replace the rocker's base for free.
Children must be 18 months old and no more than 65 pounds to ride the rockers.
If your child has been injured by a dangerous toy, please contact an experienced injury lawyer in your area.
Labels: defective product, recall
Metal Shavings Found in Lollipops
Remember the good old days when the only worries with handing out candy were razor blades in apples at Halloween? It seems that age of innocence has passed, never to return. Last week, an elementary school in Polk County, Florida had their Valentine's Day party crashed by metal shavings in their Pokemon lollipops. This was just after a Lakeland, Florida woman claimed to have found a razor blade in her child's candy. The importer, Sherwood Brands, recalled 400,000 treats and advised all stores within its distribution network to remove the Pokemon lollipops immediately. Dollar General sold the product, but has pulled it from all its stores nationwide since being notified of the situation. Polk County authorities began the investigation after Lisa Porter found the razor blade in the candy she bought for her son. Metal shavings were then found in lollipops sold at separate stores, leaving not much but conjecture. According to Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd, the lollipops do not appear to be tampered with. The metal shavings were baked into the candy in - where else? - China.
The China Connection
China has certainly been ground zero in the world of recall. Toys, candy, pet food and other defective products have found their way to shelves in the U.S. Why, we as consumers wonder, is this continuing? As Sheriff Judd said: "We do know this: [the lollipops were] made in China, and the quality control was not there." Is it a mere problem of quality control in China, or is it something else? At least, in the case of the lollipops, you can see the metal shavings. You can see through the candy, which helped the authorities to determine this was not a case of product tampering. (Imagine if the shavings were in chocolate hearts or some other type of V-Day candy.) Had any of these children eaten any of this candy, the injuries suffered would probably be pretty awful. Cutting your tongue or mouth is one thing, but imagine swallowing shards of metal. Rumors of an international incident would surely follow if this were the case. While the chances of becoming entangled in the world of recalled products seem minute, given all the consumer products out there, it still happens. If you, or someone you know, have been injured due to a product defect, and you feel that you want to pursue legal representation, please contact an injury lawyer with experience in the field of product liability. Labels: defective product, product liability, recall
Toy Helicopter Recall
The U.S. Product Safety Consumer Commission and Soft Air U.S.A., Inc., of Grapevine, Texas, have announced that remote-controlled "Fun2Fly Microcopter" sold at sporting good stores and other retailers between May and December 2007 might catch on fire. It has been reported that the internal rechargeable batteries may combust, igniting not only the helicopter, but also anything nearby or burning someone. Soft Air U.S.A., Inc. has reported six instances of this problem, but thousands of the toy helicopter are at risk. The foam and plastic "Fun2Fly Microcopter" in question is manufactured in China and comes with the item number 91001. You can see the number above the UPC label. If you believe you have purchased one of these toys, it is recommended that you return it immediately to the retailer where you bought it. While the public has been inundated with reports of toy recalls this year, and the reasons are numerous, they need to be taken seriously. It is in your best interest to pay attention to the different products announced in the recalls. In several cases, injuries and deaths have occurred. If you, or someone you know, have been involved in a case like this, please contact an injury lawyer with experience in product liability to see what your options are. Labels: defective product, recall
Fentanyl Painkiller Patch Recall
Another drug recall has been announced. This time patches containing the painkiller fentanyl were recalled on Tuesday, February 12, due to a flaw that might cause caregivers or patients to overdose. The FDA recently put out its second warning in two years on the dangers of misusing this drug. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid. It is given only to people in chronic pain who are used to narcotics of this nature. If you are not used to narcotics like this, it can cause breathing problems. While it should be given to people in serious chronic pain, the FDA reported cases where doctors prescribed fentanyl for post-surgical pain and even just for headaches. The problem lies in the fact that some patches may have a cut in the lining of the reservoir where the fentanyl gel is stored. If this leaks into the packaging, it could cause caregivers or their patients to come into contact with the drug. This could cause breathing difficulties or even death. Fentanyl is sold in the U.S. under the brand name Duragesic by PriCara and generically by Sandoz Inc. 25-microgram-per-hour patches with expiration dates on or before December 2009 are involved in the recall. PriCara claims that two of every million patches might contain this flaw. You might have a claim against the company if you feel you have been affected by this flaw or recall. If this is the case, you should contact a lawyer with experience in drug recalls or drug injuries to set up an initial consultation. Labels: drug injury, FDA, fentanyl, recall
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