Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer - Defective Products

Fire Fears, GM Recalls 1.5 million Cars

Jessica Smagacz — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:12:20 GMT

Because of the potential for engine fires, General Motors Corp. (GM) is recalling 1.5 million cars.

Thankfully, there have been no reports of fires or injuries. The reason for this recall is that drops of oil could fall into the exhaust system and cause a fire in the engine.

Kerry Christopher, a GM spokesman, “says it was a precautionary measure for consumers.”

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced yesterday that the recall includes sedans manufactured between 1997 and 2003.

Particularly included in the recall are certain mid and full size passenger sedans under GM’s Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile brands.

These affected cars have 3.8 liter V6 engines, “engines that use atmospheric pressure rather than a mechanical blower to bring in air for combustion—according to documents that GM field with federal regulators last week.”

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

CPSC announces BowTech Archery & Green Thumb Twin Wheelbarrows Recalled for Injury Risks

Jessica Smagacz — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:55:19 GMT

According to NewsInferno, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of two products because of the injury risks associated with them.

BowTech Archery of Eugene, Oregon recalled about 8,000 “The General” Compound Bows. These have been recalled because “the ends of the bow’s limbs can unexpectedly break during use and send fragments of the bow in the direction of the user or bystanders, posing a risk of injury.”

Currently, there have been 255 reports of the bow’s limbs breaking including 11 reports of injuries. Injuries include lacerations, abrasions, or contusions. These particular bows measure about 31 inches long and have draw lengths of about 26-30 inches. These products were sold at BowTech Dealers nationwide from September 2007 through July 2008 for $800. They were sold in both real tree and mossy oak camouflage patterns.

“CPSC is advising consumers to immediately stop using the recalled The General Compound Bows and to contact the dealer to schedule a free repair of the defective bow.” BowTech Archery’s number is 888-689-1289. Check out their website at www.bowtecharchery.com.

CPSC also announced the recall of the Green Thumb Twin Wheelbarrow with tan plastic wheel rims, a black plastic tray, and steel handles and axle. This product was being sold for $80 at True Value stores nationwide starting in September 2008 through October 2008. CPSC additionally advices consumers to stop using this recalled product and return them to any True Value store to receive your full refund. True Value’s number is 800-621-6025. Check out their website at www.truevalue.com.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

One Million Ford Vehicles Under Investigation

Jessica Smagacz — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:56:56 GMT

Preliminary investigations of around 1 million 2007 Ford motor vehicles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just began. NHTSA received 37 complaints about the snap-in tire valves cracking and leaking air which resulted in a flat tire. 11 of those complaints claimed they had to replace the tire.

Specifically, NHTSA is looking at TR431, TR414 and TR418 snap-in stems on the Ford vehicles. The current cars under investigation include:

F-150
Mustang
Fusion
Edge
Grand Marquis
Expedition
MKX
Focus
Escape
MKZ
Milan
Explorer

The valve systems were created by a Chinese company. Ford Motor Co.’s spokesman, Wes Sherwood, said, “We do not think this is a safety issue.” He said the complaints did not allege any injuries, just consumers complaining about the stems.

According to one site, however, safety advocates argue any threat of sudden air loss in the vehicles tires is serious enough for a recall. I completely agree! Our safety is a priority, especially on the road. As consumers, we deserve to drive safe vehicles and not be exposed to defective products.

As one auto safety researcher Sean Kane, who tracked the Ford-Firestone case, said, “Unexpected air pressure loss in tires presents unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, regardless of whether there are documented crashes.”

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Infantino Rattles Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

Jenny Albano — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:58:00 GMT

Infantino LLC., in conjunction with the CPSC, is recalling about 20,000 Infantino Lamb Grabby Rattles due to a choking hazard.

Part of the rattle can detach, which can pose a choking hazard to infants and young children. So far the company has not received any reports of injury, but there have been eight reports of the tall piece of the rattle detaching.

The recalled Infantino Lamb Grabby Rattlesâ„¢ are shaped like a lamb with an Infantino elliptical-shaped logo stamped on the front right foot of the lamb. Only rattles with date code 0907 printed on the back of the left ear of the lamb are included in the recall. The production batch code is printed in a dial format with the year in the middle of a circle and an arrow pointing to the number on the circle that indicates the month. Rattles that do not have a date code are not included in the recall.

The recalled rattles were available in Wal-Mart stores, Baby "R" Us and other specialty stores across the United States from September 2007 to November 2008 and were manufactured in China.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

L'Oreal Initiates Recalls L'Oreal Paris Dream Blonde Bleach and Lightening Care Kit

Jenny Albano — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:59:32 GMT

L'Oreal Paris, in conjunction with the FDA, is recalling from the L'Oreal Paris Dream Blonde (Baby's Breath Blonde #100 Ultra Lightening) Bleach and Lightening care kit due to misprinted directions.

The product was sold in retail outlets in the US from January 1 through January 18, 2008. L'Oreal is voluntarily taking this action due to an error in the printing of the directions for the use of the Dream Blonde Bleach and Lightening care kit.

Affected consumers will be receiving a full refund for their purchase. The company recalled the product as soon as possible when it was notified by a consumer that the product causes irritation.

The product itself is safe, but because of misprinted directions consumers could experience irritation or sensitivity, and consumers have been instructed to not use Paris Dream Blonde Bleach and Lightening care kit. The recall includes the products listed only, all other L'Oreal Paris products are safe to use.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Yamaha Rhino 660 ATV Causes Serious Risk Of Injury And Death For Riders

M. Brandon Smith — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:59:26 GMT

Yamaha's Rhino 660 has been the object of much criticism and debate over the last few months due to its alleged design defects that cause the popular ATV to unnecessarily rollover without warning. The Rhino 660 has been cited as the cause of hundreds of injuries across the U.S. to its consumers since its introduction by Yamaha in 2003. The typical injuries sustained involve broken legs, ankles, feet and arms. There have even been a number of reported amputations and deaths related to the Rhino's use and operation.

The main alleged defect relates to the high center of gravity the Rhino encompasses which according to reports promotes a higher incident rate of rollovers. The shortened wheel base and powerful engine of the Rhino make it much more prone to tipping and rollovers. When a rollover occurs many passengers accidentally and/or instinctively use their leg to try and prevent the Rhino from flipping over. When this occurs, the sheer weight and force of the ATV usually crushes the occupant's limbs as they catch outside the ATV.

Critics of the Rhino 660, such as our clients, say the ATV should have encompassed a better design and a footwell door that would help prevent these events from occurring and thereby reduce the number of injuries related to the Rhino's use.

In November of 2007, Yamaha decided to try and rectify this problem by adding a safety door to the Rhino 660. It also issued a recall notice and safety alert to have previous versions of the Rhino 660 add the safety door free of charge.

According to the Yamaha website:

Special Offer to Rhino Owners
Yamaha has developed new doors and additional passenger handholds for the Rhino. These new features, as shown in the pictures below, are designed to help keep occupants from sticking arms or legs out of the vehicle in response to a side rollover. They may also enhance passenger stability and comfort. Yamaha recommends that Rhino owners have these doors and handholds installed on their Rhino vehicles.

The sad thing is this safety alert and recall was not issued years ago when the manufacturer learned of this critical design defect. The serious issues and injuries outlined above have been known for years now by Yamaha but for some unknown reason they choose not to take any real corrective action until this safety alert and notice.

As a result of this inaction and unresponsiveness to its unreasonably dangerous product, our firm is currently investigating and litigating viable personal injury claims against Yamaha as the manufacturer of the unreasonably dangerous Rhino 660. If you or a loved on have sustained injuries as a result of its use or some other ATV, please contact one of our personal injury attorney's immediately to ensure your rights are protected. We are happy to answer your questions and address your concerns free of charge.

The alert as stated applies to owners of the Yamaha Rhino 660 manufactured from 2004 to 2007.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by M. Brandon Smith

Kraft Recalls Baker's Premium White Chocolate Due to Potential Contamination

Jenny Albano — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:45:48 GMT

Kraft Foods Inc. announced October 3 that it was recalling Baker's Premium White Chocolate distributed across the nation because it may be contaminated with salmonella. The problem came to light after FDA inspectors found the presence of salmonella in some 6-oz. packages.

The company said the recalled product is in 6-ounce packages with UPC Code 0043000252200 and the following "best when used by" dates: 31 MAR 2008 XCZ, 01 APR 2008 XCZ, 02 APR 2008 XCZ, 03 APR 2008 XCZ.

Around 24,000 cases of the product being recalled were distributed. Other cases were stopped before distribution. So far Kraft has not received any reports of illness. The company is investigating the source of the problem.

Salmonella is the most common source of food poisoning. Salmonellosis exhibits flu-like symptoms including, but not limited to, diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually begin 12-72 hours after infection, and typically last 4-7 days.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Stokke is Recalling Sleepi Crib Foam Mattresses Because of Entrapment Hazard

Jenny Albano — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 22:41:56 GMT

Stokke, in conjunction with the CPSC, is recalling about 1,000 Sleepi Crib Foam Mattresses because the mattress does not fit cribs properly and this poses a risk of a young child becoming trapped in the gap between the crib and the mattress.

Only oval shaped Sleepi cribs with foam mattresses sold under the following model numbers are the subject of this recall: 660321, 660320, 660301,660305, 660318, 652268, 652269, 652246, 652247 and 652248. The cribs were sold in a variety of colors, including white, walnut, natural, cherry and whitewash. The model number can be found on the packaging and underside of the crib.

As of now, no injuries have been reported to the Stokke company. The product was sold at retail stores all over the U.S. as well as on the Internet from September 2006 through March 2007. The CPSC and Stokke are urging parents to remove these mattresses from their children's cribs immediately.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Trucks' Teether Books Recalled for Choking Hazard

Courtney Mills — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:27:35 GMT

The Consumer Products Safety Commission announced in conjunction with St. Martin's Press that it was issuing a recall for the company's Priddy '"Trucks" Shaker Teether books.

This recall concerns nearly 35,000 books sold at Barnes and Noble booksellers, among other retail outlets, between January 2006 and June 2007.

The recalled product is a cloth teether book named "trucks", and it has a yellow dump truck on a blue background as its front cover. The books were recalled because of reports which reached St. Martins that pieces of the teether were being bitten off during teething. The book has a yellow rattle with a green teether attached on one side and an orange teether on the other side.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Courtney Mills

Club Car is Recalling Golf Cars and Other Vehicle Due to Mechanical Failure

Jenny Albano — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:10:59 GMT

The CPSC and Club Car Inc. are recalling about 1,900 golf cars, rough terrain vehicles, and hospitality, utility and transport vehicles.

The steering gear assembly can fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of steering control, posing a risk of injury to the driver and passenger.

The recalled products include numerous 2007 model gasoline and electric-powered vehicles that are used to transport people around golf courses, hotels, resorts, airports, and some residential communities. The vehicles serial number can be found above and to the right of the accelerator pedal.

The vehicles were available for purchase at Club Car dealers across the nation between April 2007 and July 2007. Not all of the 2007 model vehicles are included in the recall, and owners who have not been contacted by the company should check the Club Car website or call the company to check if the vehicle is included in the recall. The serial numbers of the recalled vehicles are listed on the website.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano