Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer - Defective & Dangerous Products

New Defibrillator Warnings

Jamie Sheller — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:06:09 GMT

Recently, the FDA warned that about 300,000 defibrillators manufactured by Cardiac Science Corporation have potential malfunctions. According to the FDA, these malfunctions don't show up on device self-tests, but may prevent delivery of life-saving shocks.

The devices affected by the warning include some Powerheart and CardioVive models of AEDs, manufactured between August 2003 and August 2009. Some of the potential problems include failure to recognize pad placement during use, interference from background noise, and interrupted electrocardiography analysis. Though the FDA is not issuing a recall of these devices, it is urging users to take certain precaution if they are currently using affected AEDs. Some of those recommendations include using an alternate AED if available, until the malfunctioning model has been replaced or repaired, for at-home use, only use the device when necessary, in clinical settings, use a manual defibrillator if available.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Bacteria In Vicks Nasal Spray

Jamie Sheller — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:41:44 GMT

Vicks Sinex nasal spray has been recalled in the United States, Britain, and Germany. Proctor & Gamble announced the recall after discovering that some of the Vicks nasal spray was contaminated with bacteria. According to Proctor & Gamble, the bacteria was found during routine quality control at a manfacturing plant in Germany. The company states that, so far, the contamination is limited to a single batch of raw material mixture. Three lots of the product, sold in the United States, Britain, and Germany are affected by the recall. Proctor & Gamble asserts that the bacteria does not pose a great risk to healthy people, but that people with weakened immune systms or chronic lung conditions could develop serious sinus infections from the bacteria.

If you have the recalled Vicks nasal spray, you should discard it and contact Proctor & Gamble for a replacement coupon or refund. In the United States, the affected product is Vicks Sinex Vapospray 12-hour Decongestant Ultra Fine Mist, with lot number 9239028831.

Proctor & Gamble is based in Cincinatti, Ohio.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Public Service Alert - Strollers Recalled

Jamie Sheller — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:02:02 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of about 1 million Maclaren strollers. The stroller recall came after an investigation of 12 reports of the strollers' hinge mechanism amputating the fingertips of children. Strollers affected by the recall have been sold since 1999 by Target, Babies "R" Us and other stores. The recalled Maclaren stroller models include: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller. There is a risk of children having their fingertips amputated if their finger is placed in the Maclaren stroller's hinge mechanism while the stroller is being unfolded. The finger tip can be cut off when the stroller locks into place. To prevent future incidents, Maclaren is offering free hinge covers, which should not be removed unless the stroller is being cleaned. Parents and caregivers should immediately stop using the recalled Maclaren strollers.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Strangulation Risk Leads To Recall of Window Blinds

Jamie Sheller — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:16:25 GMT

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, some Roman shades and roller blinds pose a serious strangulation risk for young children. Therefore, recently there was a recall of nearly 1 million roller blinds and Roman shades sold by IKEA, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Hanover Direct.

The following models of IKEA roller blinds, sold between July 2005 and July 2008, were involved in the recall: ISDANS, TUPPLUR and ENJE. These blinds were manufactured in France and Taiwan. IKEA has been involved in 2 previous recalls of blinds, in August 2009 and November 2008, following a child's death. This current recall is not related to any reported incident involving IKEA blinds.

In addition to the IKEA blinds, Dublin Energy Solution Roman Shades, sold exclusively by Bed, Bath & Beyond have been recalled. These shades are Chinese made and were sold between August 2007 and September 2009. These shades have been involved in 2 incidents where small children became entangled in the inner cords. The two children did not receive permanent injuries in these incidents.

Also, some Roman shades sold by Hanover Direct, also known as Domestications, have been recalled. These shades are Chinese made faux suade, and were sold between January 2004 and December 2008. A small child had become entangled in the inner cord of these shades, with no permanent injury.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Emergency Alert Regarding MTD Snow Throwers

Jamie Sheller — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:32:37 GMT

Winter is quickly approaching, and snow has already fallen in parts of the country. Along with snowfall, comes the use of snow throwers. However, some snow throwers should not be used. In 2006, there was a recall of snow throwers manufactured by MTD. The snow throwers were recalled due to the risk of injury from bursting wheel rims when the tires are inflated. Exploding plastic wheel rims have caused numerous injuries, including lacerations and fractures. The snow throwers involved in the recall are two-stage compact snow throwers with Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines or Craftsman printed on the snow thrower's housing. Yard Machine and Troy-Bilt brand snow throwers were sold at independent dealers, home improvement and hardware stores. Craftsman brand snow throwers were sold at Sears and Kmart stores. Snow throwers involved in the recall were sold between July 2004 and March 2006. The MTD snow thrower recall was done in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Despite the fact that the recall was done in 2006, people are still using the recalled machines, and being injured. Anyone who has one of the recalled MTD snow throwers should not try to inflate the tires. There is a risk of injury caused by the tire rim exploding.

If you have been injured by an MTD snow thrower, contact Jamie Sheller, at Sheller, P.C. to discuss your potential legal rights. The Sheller firm has a long history of successfully representing individuals and classes of individuals who have been injured by defective products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Tylenol Children's Products Recalled

Jamie Sheller — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:52:42 GMT

Twenty-one infant and children's Tylenol liquid products have been recalled due to concerns about potential contamination. The products at issue were manufactured between April 2008 to June 2008. According to McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the manufacturer of Tylenol, bacteria were detected in an inactive ingredient. That particular ingredient was not used in any packaged final products. However, it was produced at the same time as those products. McNeil made the decision to recall those products after consulting with the FDA, even though there was only a remote chance of a serious medical event. McNeil's statement says that "scientific literature about the bacteria suggests that ingesting a contaminated pharmaceutical product orally doesn't trigger an infection, but use of products such as a nasal spray with the bacteria has lead to infections." Concerned parents should contact their healthcare provider. See the list of recalled products here. McNeil is a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Dangerous Blinds and Shades Recalled

Jamie Sheller — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:02:59 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of millions of window blinds and shades, involving several companies. Several big-name companies, including Pottery Barn Kids and IKEA, are involved in the recall. The recall was announced due to the deaths of three children, and other reports of injuries, caused by the blinds and shades. Children are getting caught in the cords of the blinds and shades, and suffering strangulation. The three reported deaths caused by blinds or shades, all involved products made or imported by Vertical Land, Inc., of Panama City Beach, Florida and Lewis Hyman Inc. in Carson, Californi. According to the CPSC, though no deaths were associated with the Pottery Barn or IKEA shades and blinds, there have been entanglement reports with the Pottery Barn Kids shades.

The Vertical Land blinds were sold in Florida, from 1992-2006. Lewis Hyman roll up blinds were sold from 1999-2003 in retail stores, and Target was the exclusive retailer of Woolrich roman shades, which were sold from 2006-2008. Also included in the recall are Pottery Barn Kids/Williams-Sonoma roman shades, IKEA MELINA roman blinds, Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo roman shades from Target stores, and Lutron Electronics Co. roller shades. The CPSC chairman asserts that the blinds and shades pose a hidden hazard, and that parents should immediately inspect their blinds and shades and obtain the free repair or refund offered by the affected companies.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Simplicity Bassinet Recall Re-announced

Jamie Sheller — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:56:30 GMT

In August 2008, a recall of Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 bassinets was announced. However, not all of the recalled bassinets were returned and the information didn't reach enough people, because the bassinets continued to be used. Recently, two more infants died because because of the Simplicity bassinets, and the recall has been re-announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Simplicity bassinets have metal bars that are spaced farther apart than allowed by federal standards. The bars are covered by velcro-attached fabric, but if the fabric is not attached properly, infants can become trapped in a pocket of fabric. There is also the danger of babies being trapped between bars. Children have died from being trapped between bars, as well as being trapped in the fabric pocket. Consumers should not use the recalle bassinets due to these dangers.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Danger With The Yamaha Rhino

Jamie Sheller — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:02:11 GMT

In 2002, during a test ride of the Yamaha Rhino, then in development, the vehicle tipped over after going down a hill and injured the driver's foot. The Rhino is an off-road vehicle. The driver in that test drive was Keisuke Yoshida, the president of a Yamaha Motor Co. U.S. subsidiary. Later, at a meeting, Yoshida sought an "update on instability of vehicle for future liability cases."

The Rhino was introduced to the market in the fall of 2003, and experienced strong sales. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 59 people have been killed and hundred injured in Rhino accidents. Often riders are injured when the Rhino rolls over and they are thrown from the vehicle. There are hundreds of lawsuits pending against Yamaha, based on Rhino deaths and injuries. One theory about why the Rhino is so dangerous is that its structure causes it to be extremely unstable. Another theory is that passengers are partially ejected from the Rhino because the seatbelts tend to unspool during rollovers.

In March, Yamaha offered a "free repair program" for the Rhino. Yamaha refused to call the program a recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is continuing to investigate the Rhino, and could possibly seek a ban if the Rhino is still dangerous after the changes.

If you have been injured by a Yamaha Rhino, contact Sheller, P.C. The Sheller firm has a long history of aggressively representing individuals and classes of people who have suffered a range of injuries, including injuries from defective products. Sheller lawyers are currently handling cases for clients who have been injured by a Yamaha Rhino. Contact us to discuss your Rhino injury.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Undeclared Steroids In Dietary Supplements

Jamie Sheller — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:12:41 GMT

According to federal authorities, two over-the-counter dietary supplements, Tren Xtreme and Mass Xtreme, contain illegal man-made steroids. The products are made by American Cellular Labs, and are sold over the internet and in Mass Muscle supplement stores. Authorities say that Tren Xtreme and Mass Xtreme are marketed as a "potent legal alternative to" steroids, and are popular among high school footbal players. The man identified as the owner of American Cellular Labs, claimed that he sold the company last year, and no one from Mass Muscle stores was available for comment. The head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency says that these products are popular dietary supplements because they promote quick muscle mass and strength. Their use among young people is of concern because steroid use by preteen and teenage boys can lead to the halt of bone growth. The FDA and prosecutors from the Northern District of California branch of the United States Attorney's office are leading the investigation into American Cellular Labs. Dietary supplements are under the jurisdiction of the FDA, but the FDA can only institute action if a current product on sale is identified as harmful or adulterated. However, a supplement is considered as an illegal, unapproved drug, if it contains an undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredient. Using supplements with undeclared illegal pharmaceutical ingredients is risky because such drugs have risks. The risks cannot be monitored for, if the consumer is unaware of the ingredient.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller