New York City Personal Injury Lawyer - Defective & Dangerous Products

Recall Of Children’s Metal Pendants Expanded

Chrissie Cole — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:50:00 GMT

Team Work Trading, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is expanding a previous recall of Children’s Metal Pendants because they contain excessive levels of lead. The original recall was announced in September.

Lead is particularly damaging to children as it interferes with the developing nervous system and can cause permanent brain disorders such as learning, memory, and behavior.

To this date, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the recalled products.

The recall includes 11 types of metal pendants sold with silver-coated chains. They feature symbols from the following animations/cartoons: “Bleach,” “Death Note,” “Naruto” and “One Piece.”

The recalled items should be taken away from children. Consumers can contact Team Work Trading for a refund or replacement product.

Consumer should immediately take the recalled pendants away from children and contact Team Work Trading to receive a full refund or replacement product.

Consumer Information: Call Team Work Trading collect at (213) 680-4489.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

2.1 Million Cribs Recalled due to Infant Entrapment and Suffocation, Two NY Children Dead

Paul Napoli — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:51:31 GMT

November 24, 2009

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc. announced a recall of more than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs due to incidents of the drop-side detaching, causing injuries, entrapments and the death of four infants.

There have been 110 incidents of drop-side detachment reported. The incidents include 15 entrapments, four of the entrapments resulted in suffocation death of a 7-month-old in Gouverneur, N.Y.; a 7-month-old in New Iberia, La.; a 6-month-old in Summersville, W.Va.; and a 9-month-old in Bronx, N.Y. There have also been 20 falls from cribs reported, causing injuries ranging from concussions to bumps and bruises.

The cribs involved in these incidents had plastic drop-side hardware that had broken, missing, or deformed claws, connectors, tracks, or flexible tab stops; loose or missing metal spring clips; stripped screws; and/or drop-sides installed upside-down. All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.

Stork Craft drop-side cribs under this recall have manufacturing and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009 and Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo have manufacturing dates between October 1997 and December 2004. The manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm’s name, address and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The firm’s insignia “storkcraft baby” or “storkling” is inscribed on the drop-side teething rail of some cribs. In Stork Craft cribs that contain the “Fisher-Price” logo, this logo can be found on the crib’s teething rail, in the manufacturer’s instructions, on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board, and on the end panels of the Twinkle-Twinkle and Crystal crib models.

This recall involves approximately 1,213,000 units distributed in the United States and 968,000 units distributed in Canada. They were sold at major retailers such as BJ’s Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.

This recall does not involve any cribs that do not have a drop-side. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. It involves only those cribs with plastic trigger and one-hand-system drop-side hardware.

The CPSC warns parents and caregivers are to stop using the recalled cribs immediately. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact Stork Craft at (877) 274-0277 or log on to www.storkcraft.com to order a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side. They should wait for the free repair kit and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit.

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please visit https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.

Products liability is the branch of law that deals with the liability of parties involved in the manufacturing of a product for any damages caused by the product. Defective products can cause a great deal of property damage or physical injury, even death. If your child was injured or killed as the result of a defective Stork Craft drop-side crib or other product, you need the services of an experienced attorney who has successfully handled product liability cases. At Napoli Bern Ripka LLP, our attorneys will work with you to begin the process of filing a claim for payment of medical expenses incurred and compensation for the injury. Call 888-529-4669 today.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Tundra Pickups Recalled Due To Corrosion Fears

Chrissie Cole — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:04:00 GMT

Toyota is expected to voluntarily recall some 110,000 older model Tundra pickup trucks in the U.S., due to corrosion problems, government officials said.

The recall involves 2000-2003 models in 20 cold-climate states mainly located in the East and Midwest where road salts are used, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The salts can cause a rear portion of the frame to fail and allow the spare tire to fall onto the roadway, the safety agency said.

Toyota is still negotiating the final details of its biggest recall of 3.8 million vehicles. The concern is that the driver side floor mat could cause the cars to accelerate by trapping the gas pedal under the mat.

The company will begin notifying owners in December and apply a corrosion-resistant compound or replace a part, according to the statement. Tundra owners in states not affected by the recall will also be notified, the agency said.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Fires and Burn Injuries Prompt Recall of Gas Grills Sold at Lowe’s Stores

Paul Napoli — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:26:04 GMT

November 22, 2009

L G Sourcing, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has announced the recall of about 663,000 gas grills sold in the United States and 1,700 gas grills sold in Canada because burners can deteriorate causing irregular flames and the lids of some models can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to the consumer.

The firm has received about 40 reports of fires from the burners deteriorating and about 23 reports of the lids catching fire. The firm is aware of 1 report of an eye injury requiring surgery and 21 incidents of minor burns to the hands, arms or face.

Perfect Flame SLG Series Gas Grills manufactured by Lucas Innovation Inc., of China, were sold exclusively at Lowe’s retail outlets nationwide from September 2005 through May 2009 for between $200 and $550 (U.S.) and in Canada from December 2007 through May 2009 for between $200 and $250 (CAN).

The recalled grills are SLG series “Perfect Flame” brand outdoor propane or natural gas grills. The grills are stainless steel and painted black or gray metal. The model numbers affected by this recall are SLG2006B, SLG2006BN, SLG2006C, SLG2006CN, SLG2007A, SLG2007B, SLG2007BN, SLG2007D, SLG2007DN and SLG2008A. The model number can be found in the compartment under the cooking chamber. No other Perfect Flame model numbers are included in this recall.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact L G Sourcing, Inc. at (888) 840-9590 to receive free replacement burners and, depending on the model of the grill owned, a free replacement lid.

Products liability is the branch of law that deals with the liability of parties involved in the manufacturing of a product for any damages caused by the product. Defective products can cause a great deal of property damage or physical injury, even death. If you have been injured or sustained property damage as the result of a defective product, then you need the services of an experienced attorney who has successfully handled product liability cases. At Napoli Bern Ripka, LLP, our attorneys will work with you to begin the process of filing a claim so you can recover damages for repair or replacement of your property or for medical expenses incurred because of your injury. Call 888-529-4669 today.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Stainless Steel Cookware Recalled By Cost Plus Due To Burn Hazard

Chrissie Cole — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:59:00 GMT

Cost Plus Inc., in cooperation with the CPSC, announced a voluntary recall of Stainless Steel Cookware manufactured by Kraftwares because the handles on the cookware can break, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

To this date, there have been no reported injuries associated with the recalled items.

The recall includes three stainless steel cookware sets - a 4-piece multi cooker set, a 3-piece steamer set, and a 1.5 quart egg poacher with SKU numbers 422698, 422699 and 422700. The items were sold nationwide at Cost Plus World Market stores.

Consumers should stop using the recalled cookware and return it to any Cost Plus World Market store for a refund.

Consumer Information: Call toll free at (877) 967-5362 between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. ET anytime, or visit www.worldmarket.com

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Amputations of Children’s Fingers Prompts Recall of a Million Strollers

Paul Napoli — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:53:48 GMT

November 11, 2009

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Maclaren USA, Inc. have announced a voluntary recall of about one million children’s strollers due to reports of fingertip amputations.

The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller. Maclaren has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States.

A statement on the Maclaren website: Consistent with our unwavering commitment to child safety we are providing U.S. consumers notice of a voluntary recall of all Maclaren umbrella strollers sold in the U.S. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, we are providing free of charge to all affected consumers and retailers a kit to cover the stroller's hinge mechanism, which poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

ConsumerReports.org states that although all Maclaren strollers are certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Associations to meet ASTM-International’s voluntary safety standard for strollers, they found a loophole in the standard. The standard addresses scissoring, shearing and pinching, but it only applies to situations where the stroller is in the manufacturer’s recommended use position—meaning unfolded with the hinges locked in place—to prevent injury to the occupant. According to Maclaren, at the time of the incidents, the children were outside the stroller and a parent or caregiver was either opening it or folding it up.

This recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers sold at Babies“R”Us, Target and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller. The affected models included Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller. A mass of parents and caregivers responded to the recall, tying up Maclaren’s customer service hotline and crashing the company’s website on Monday. As of Tuesday, the company’s website was up and running again.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled strollers and contact Maclaren USA toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.maclaren.us/recall to receive a free repair kit.

The CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.

Products liability is the branch of law that deals with the liability of parties involved in the manufacturing of a product for any damages caused by the product. Defective products can cause a great deal of property damage or physical injury, even death. If your child has been injured as the result of a defective Maclaren Stroller or other product, you need the services of an experienced attorney who has successfully handled product liability cases. At Napoli Bern Ripka LLP, our attorneys will work with you to begin the process of filing a claim for payment of medical expenses incurred and compensation for the injury. Call 888-529-4669 today.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Over-the-Range Microwaves Recalled By Samsung

Chrissie Cole — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:13:00 GMT

Samsung Electronics, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of more than 43,000 Samsung Over-the-Range Microwaves due to a faulty component.

If an installation bolt comes in contact with an electrical component inside the unit and the microwave is plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it could create a shock hazard.

The recall involves Samsung 1000 watt over-the-range microwave ovens. The model and serial numbers can be found at the CPSC Web site.

Consumers should contact Samsung immediately to schedule a free repair. In the meantime, the recalled microwave ovens should be unplugged to avoid hazard.

Consumer Information: Contact Samsung toll-free at (888) 402-6974 or visit www.samsung.com/otrrecall.

In October, Samsung recalled 210,000 refrigerators sold in the domestic market due to safety concerns.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Lead Paint Violation Prompts Recall Of Children's Art Easels

Chrissie Cole — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:23:00 GMT

Young Artist Easels, manufactured by MacPherson’s, have been voluntarily recalled due to the chalkboard surface containing high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Lead is particularly toxic to children as it interferes with the developing nervous system and can cause permanent brain disorders such as learning, memory, and behavior.

The recalled easels are item number AA13301 and UPC number 082435133010. They were sold nationwide at art supply stores as well as online from July 2004 through June 2009.

To this date, the company has not received any reports of injury linked to the recalled items.

Consumers can contact the company for a free replacement chalkboard panel. In the meantime, the easels should be taken away from small children.

Consumer Information: Contact MacPherson’s at (866) 319-5335.

Find more information about the dangers of Lead and Lead-Based Paint.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Off- Road Recreational Vehicles Come under Speculation from CPSC

Paul Napoli — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:08:33 GMT

Off – Road Recreational Vehicles, ROV’s as they are known, may be loads of fun but the Consumer Product Safety Commission is not happy with their safety record. With more than 100 deaths and numerous serious injuries occurring since 2003 the CPSC has voted to write mandatory rules to regulate ROV’s.

These off-road recreational vehicles look a bit like a cross between a mini-jeep and a golf cart. They are designed to hold two people and drivers of 16 years or older. The vehicles have a roll-cage, but are otherwise open. The makers of these sporty machines insist that they are safe if they are used responsibly.

The roll-over safety issue is of a major concern though to CPSC. Major injuries involve crush fractures and even loss of limbs. Young children have been included in these injuries as well as the 116 deaths.

The ROv’s, also known as side-by-sides, came onto the market in the late 1990’s and have been rapidly gaining in popularity. It is estimated that around 140,000 of the vehicles were sold in the United States last year. Until now there have been no mandatory restrictions, such as speed limits, for ROV’s as there are for ATV’s. The ROV’s can reach speeds of 35 to 40 miles per hour. The Commission states that more than several accidents have occurred though at relatively low speeds and on level ground.

Around 100,000 Rhino off-road vehicles were recalled by Yamaha Motor Corp USA last year for repair. The models were found to have been linked to 46 deaths over six years. Negotiated repairs included an anti-sway bar and the installation of rear wheel spacers. Yamaha also offered a repair program that included extra hand holds and the installation of half doors. The Yamaha Rhino models appear to have been at the heart of the CPSC’s decision to crack down on the side-by-side sport vehicles.

The most recent recall (announced in October) is for 3,900 vehicles made by Bad Boy Enterprises LLC, of Natchez, Miss., The Bad Boy Buggy Standard model off –road utility vehicles are said to have a problem with accelerating suddenly. There have been 32 reports of this acceleration and injuries have included a fractured toe, rotor cuff injury and sore muscles.

While the ROHVA (Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association) presented its own voluntary standards to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in December 2008, the commission has found those standards to be wanting. The October 2009 memo states: “Based on the continuing deaths and injuries involving ROVs and a review of the draft requirements currently proposed by the ROHVA, CPSC staff believes that the proposed voluntary standard will not adequately address the deaths and injuries associated with ROV rollovers and collisions. Additionally, there are many safety features or characteristics that can be incorporated on ROVs to make them more stable and safer to use.”

Rachel Weintraub, director of product safety and senior counsel for the Consumer Federation of America, says "This is an instance where the industry has not been responding quickly and effectively enough to the well-documented hazards caused by these products”

ROV’s may be fun, but the CPSC’s vote has effectively put the industry on notice.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Tossing Out the Pacifiers

Paul Napoli — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:50:46 GMT

Parents and retailers have been urged to throw out any “My Baby Soother” pacifiers. These pacifiers are deemed by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) to be unsafe according to federal standards.

While the need to recall pacifiers is not unusual, the CPSC has needed to notify the public through the government as the distributing company of the “My Baby Soother” brand, (T & L Trading Corp of Brooklyn N.Y.), has refused to recall the product themselves.

It is estimated that around 16,500 of the pacifiers have been sold from August 2007 through July 2009. The “My Baby Soother” pacifiers were sold for around $1 each at delis, discount stores and groceries in Coney Island, Bronx, Brooklyn and Broadway.

Because T & L Trading have refused to recall the pacifiers themselves, it seems unlikely that there will be any compensation for consumers. Instead they are simply being told to throw the product away. Retailers and distributors who purchased these pacifiers are being asked to remove them from the shelves and contact CPSC.

According to the CPSC the pacifiers present a choking hazard as the nipple can come away from the base easily. The pacifiers are easily identifiable from the brand name “My Baby Soother”, and the packaging has a picture of an infant in the background. The pacifiers have a ring shaped handle and a heart shaped guard with two ventilation holes. They come in pink, blue, red, white or yellow. The nipples are made either of silicone or latex.

There have been several instances of pacifiers being recalled in the last year. Included among these were: Jaloma pacifiers (Gromex Inc. of Passaic N.J) recalled July 2009, Zoo pacifiers (Healthtex of Miami Fla) recalled April 2009, Baby Necessities pacifiers (OKK Trading of Los Angeles Calif) recalled March 2009. All of these products were deemed unsafe due to the nipple separating easily from the base. An interesting recall of pacifiers was made in July 2007 where rather than the nipple, Swarovski crystals were deemed a choking hazard. The crystals had been glued onto the handle and guards of the pacifiers as decoration. While no injuries or incidents were reported the retailers (Dara Linda's Baby Bling and Jewelry Design, of Davie, Fla.; Bling Toes, of Cherry Valley, Ill.; Baby Bling Things, of Appleton, Wis.; PeaNaPod Bling and Accessories, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and MJM Crystal Designs, of Boca Raton, Fla.) co-operated in their recall, as did the companies of the other mentioned pacifiers.

Whether a pacifier is recalled or not parents are advised to make standard checks on any pacifiers. The pacifiers should be checked daily for any sign of the nipple coming away from the base, or any tears in the nipple. A pacifier must have adequate ventilation holes to stop any possibility of asphyxiation. Parents are also advised never to tie anything to the pacifier as this can present a strangulation risk. While not a safety issue many paediatricians also recommend choosing silicone as many children can develop an allergy to latex.

Parents can also keep an eye on any other products that may be recalled. It is easy to visit the CPSC website and sign up for e-mail notifications of any products that may have been recalled.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli