North Carolina Product Liability Blog

Pool Slide Recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:16:37 -0500

It's warmer, the days are longer and that means more pool time. Recently, the CPSC recalled 21,000 Banzai in-ground pool water slides following on death and two others reported severe injuries.

The CPSC determined that the slides were defective and could deflate suddenly, allowing the user to crash to the ground. The commission also found that the slide is unstable and can topple over in both still and windy conditions.

These slides have been sold at Toya R Us and Walmart.

The CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using the product and bring it to the nearest Toys R Us or Wal-Mart for a refund. Consumers don’t need to bring the entire pool. They can just cut out the two safety warning notices out of the slide and return those for a refund.

Read the entire article here.

To read the CPSC notice please click here.

CPSC issues reminder

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:42:06 -0500

Now that the weather is warmer and we are heading outdoors, the CPSC put out a news release today reminding people to check out the latest recalls as they relate to products they have not used since last season.

Before you use spring-related products this season, check to see if they have been recalled. It could save your family’s lives.

To read the press release click here. Some notable items, Adventure Playsets recalled approximately 240,000 play sets last June; Uni-O Portable LP Gas Grills have had some recalls, Westinghouse recalled ceiling fans, and others. To stay up to date with all consumer recalls visit www.cpsc.gov.

Safety Recalls - Who initiates them?

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Tue, 01 May 2012 08:57:55 -0500

The number one killer of Americans under the age of 34 is injuries suffered from car crashes. Some of these crashes are the result of a defect or a safety standard missing in the automobile they are driving or riding in. The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the organization which issues safety standards and also requires manufacturers to recall defective products such as cars, car seats, tires, etc. They also can issue a recall for those products that not meet the safety standards as set forth.

So when is a recall required? When the vehicle or other product does not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or when there is a safety-related defect in the vehicle or equipment. Some examples are:

-Steering components that break suddenly causing partial or complete loss of vehicle control.
-Problems with fuel system components, particularly in their susceptibility to crash damage, that result in leakage of fuel and possibly cause vehicle fires.
-Accelerator controls that may break or stick.
-Wheels that crack or break, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
- Engine cooling fan blades that break unexpectedly causing injury to persons working on a vehicle.
-Windshield wiper assemblies that fail to operate properly.
-Seats and/or seat backs that fail unexpectedly during normal use.
- Critical vehicle components that break, fall apart, or separate from the vehicle, causing potential loss of vehicle control or injury to persons inside or outside the vehicle.
-Wiring system problems that result in a fire or loss of lighting.
-Car ramps or jacks that may collapse and cause injury to someone working on a vehicle.
-Air bags that deploy under conditions for which they are not intended to deploy.
-Child safety seats that contain defective safety belts, buckles, or components that create a risk of injury, not only in a vehicle crash but also in non-operational safety of a motor vehicle.

For more information on the investigative and recall process or to download NHTSA's booklet on recalls go here. If you believe you have a safety related defect and would like to report it to NHTSA the hotline is 1-888-327-4236 or 1-800-424-9393 or you can go online to www.safecar.gov.

To read more on FMVSS go here.

Lacrosse Helmets recalled

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:21:58 -0500

One of the fastest growing sports amongst high school students and younger is lacrosse. On March 22, 2012 Easton Sports recalled approximately 12,000 lacrosse helmets. The chin bar on these helmets is faulty and may break causing an increase in the chances of suffering a jaw fracture or worse. There has been at least one reported incident involving a laceration.

Description: This recall involves all Easton Raptor Lacrosse Helmets. "Easton" is printed on either side of the back of the helmet and on the jaw strap. "RAPTOR" is printed low on the back of the helmet in the center. The helmets were sold in sizes XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL and were available in the following colors: white; matte black; silver; navy blue and white; royal blue and white; and red and white. (Read more)

Nissan Issues New Recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:28:23 -0500

NHTSA has issued a release stating that Nissan is recalling approximately 79,275 model year 2011-2012 Juke, Infiniti QX and Infiniti M vehicles due to a potential fuel leak hazard.

THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSORS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR MAY LOOSEN DUE TO HEAT AND VIBRATION CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK.
Consequence:
FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE PRESSURE SENSOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Read the entire notice here.

Nissan is also recalling certain model year 2012 Murano and Rogue vehicles. The vehicles' tire pressure monitoring system were not activated thus they fail to comply federal motor vehicle safety standard 138 involving the tire pressure monitor. Read the notice here.

Tassimo recalls coffee makers

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:31:45 -0500

Tassimo has issued a recall of its coffee makers after reports of it spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds and tea leaves onto consumers resulting in burns.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been 140 reports of problems with the Tassimo single-cup brewers dousing people, including 37 cases involving second-degree burns.

In one instance reported a 10 year old girl suffered second degree burns. The recall includes approximately 835,000 coffee makers in the US as well as over 4 million "T-discs" as they have been reported to possibly burst.

The products are made in China and Slovenia. The recall involves Tassimo brewers with the Bosch brand name and Tassimo Professional brewers. “BOSCH” and “TASSIMO” are printed on the front of the brewers. “TASSIMO PROFESSIONAL” is printed on the front of the professional model.

Toyota Recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:25:08 -0500

Toyota is recalling 2011 RAV 4 manufactured between Nov 24, 2011 and December 19, 2011 because the wrong specification was used in the curtain airbag which may cause the airbag to fail to deploy. The safety recall is expected to begin in March 2012. Read the NHTSA release here.

Toyo Tire Recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:12:33 -0500

A safety recall was initiated yesterday involving Toyo Tire produced from Sept 2009 through November 6, 2010. A kink may develop in the bead area potentially resulting in the loss of control of the vehicle posing a large crash risk. Read the NHTSA bulletin here.

Britax Issues Recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:07:37 -0500

NHTSA announced that Britax is recalling certain Chaperone car seats produced from September 2010 through April 2011. It has been reported that the harness may detach from the shell of the car seat exposing to the child to injury or death should a vehicle crash occur. The distribution of safety kits and the institution of the recall is scheduled to begin February 6, 2012 according to the NHTSA release.

Bicycle Helmets Recalled

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:13:52 -0500

The CPSC announced announced Triple Eight Distribution out of NY was recalling approximately 30,400 bicycle helmets because they did not meet CPSC standards for impact resistance. The standards may be found in 16 CFR Part 1203.

The recalled items are multi-purpose helmets also sold for use as bicycle helmets. Little Tricky helmets are marketed for children and youth, and feature a large Little Tricky logo on both sides of the helmet. They come in one size and in black, white, pink and green. Triple Eight S/M EPS Liner helmets feature a hard black inner EPS foam liner and come in black, white, bone, blue and army green. Sector 9 S/M EPS Liner helmets feature the same EPS liner and come in gray, white, black, blue and green. Both the Triple Eight and Sector 9 helmets have an interior label indicating the size “S/M” for small/medium and a manufacture date indicated as month/year (ex. APR/2011). Only Triple Eight and Sector 9 size “S/M” EPS Liner helmets are affected.

In 2009 630 bicyclists died on the roadways as published by NHTSA. This represents 2 percent of all traffic fatalities.

Nissan Recall Issued

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:47:37 -0500

NHTSA announced that Nissan has issued a recall of certain 2010-2011 Nissan Sentras. According to the release, those vehicles equipped with MR20 engines, "manufactured between May 11, 2010 to May 25, 2010 and July 8, 2010 until October 25, 2010" are affected. During this time period, a zinc coating applied to a certain bolt was done so improperly and not to specification thus leading to a possible engine stall or possible damage done to the engine control module. This poses a crash threat. Read More from NHTSA

Toasters Pose Fire Hazard- Prompt Recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:56:28 -0500

The CPSC announced today that Hamilton Beach is recalling 14,000 classic chrome 2 slice toasters. The toaster when plugged in has been causing the heating elements to become too energized resulting in a fire risk even if the the "lifter" is in the off position.

Hamilton Beach has received 5 reports of toasters being energized when first plugged into an outlet. The Hamilton Beach recall involves model 22602 toasters. (read more)

It is important to remember that it is illegal to sell or resell a recalled a product. The CPSC has advised that consumers cease using this product immediately.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Toyota recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:29:04 -0500

79 reports dating back to 2007 has prompted Toyota to initiate a recall of 550,00 cars for a steering problem.

The latest recall is due to the possibility that the outer ring of the engine's crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise or a warning signal to light up, the company's U.S. sales unit said in a press release. If the problem isn't corrected, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley, making it suddenly more difficult to turn the steering wheel.

In the US the recall affects 238,000 Toyota cars, including 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and Solara and the '04 Avalon and '06 Highlander HV. It affects 137,00 Lexus vehicles including '04 and '05 ES330 RX330 and the '06 RX400h. Read more here

As it stands now, Toyota is still fighting numerous lawsuits from the sudden acceleration issues it has faced over the past couple years.

Kiddieland Recall Disney-Branded Trikes

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:18:57 -0500

Kiddieland Toys Limited has issued a recall of approximately 12,000 Disney Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes. The plastic figurines protrude from the handle bars presenting a danger to children if they were to fall on them.

This recall involves the Disney-branded Fairies Plastic Racing Trike. The trike is green and purple with a white seat and yellow wheels. On top of the handlebar, there is a Tinkerbell figure and three other rotating fairy figures. "Disney Fairies" is printed on the label in front of the trike just below the handlebar. More

NHTSA reissues 15 Passenger Van Warning

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 01:17:08 -0500

NHTSA has reissued its warning of 15 passenger vans. The agency has warned against using tires that are old and to ensure that the tires are properly inflated for such a vehicle.

For this reason, NHTSA recommends that spare tires not be used as replacements for worn tires. In fact, many tire manufacturers recommend that tires older than 10 years not be used at all.

NHTSA also restates that 15 passenger vans should not be used for school aged children.

Pre-primary, primary and secondary schools should not use 15-passenger vans for transporting school children, as they do not provide the same level of safety as school buses. It is also against federal law for schools to buy new 15-passenger vans for school transportation purposes.

More safety tips can be found here.

The Law Office of D. Hardison Wood has been involved with litigation of 15 passenger vehicles in the past due. Representing those injured due to negligent design and defects. If you or someone you love has been involved in a 15 passenger rollover or crash and has suffered injuries, protect your legal rights, contact the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood at 919.233.0520 so we may discuss your matter.

Bad Boy Buggies Recalled

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:08:36 -0500

The CPSC announced that approximately 3,200 Bad Boy Buggies were being recalled because the steering arm could break and cause the driver to lose control and consequently posing a significant crash threat. There have been 15 reported incidents of the assembly breaking. Bad Boy Classic buggies were recalled before in 2009 and 2010. This recall involves

Bad Boy LT, Classic, XT, XTO and XT Safari model electric off-road utility vehicles. The utility vehicles have four wheels, bench seats for the operator and passengers and were sold in camouflage patterns, hunter green, red and black. “Bad Boy” is printed on the side or front of the vehicles. More

These items were sold at Bad Boy Buggy dealers between August 2009 and July 2011.

Harley Davidson Recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:32:28 -0500

Harley Davidson is recalling more than 308,000 motorcycles due to a switch problem that can cause the brake lights to fail and possibly the brakes to fail as well.

The company said in documents filed last week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that brake light switches can be exposed to too much heat from the exhaust system. The heat can cause the brake lights to fail, and the problem also can cause fluid leaks and the loss of rear brakes, the documents said. More

Harley is aware of one crash but it was unclear in reports whether the crash involved serious injuries. The recall involves approximately 251,000 motorcycles in the US. The models affected are Touring, CVO Touring, and Trikes with model years 2009 through 2012. According to the AP, these were built between June 6, 2008 and September 16, 2011.

Deaths due to tip overs

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:01:03 -0500

According to a new report by the CPSC, a child is killed every two weeks due to an injury sustained when a heavy piece of furniture tips over onto them.

Furniture and TV tip-over incidents are one of the top hidden hazards in the home. Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to inspect and anchor furniture and TVs now, in order to protect young children from a preventable tragedy.

Between the years 2000 and 2010, the CPSC received more than 245 death reports as they were related to tip overs of children aged 8 and younger. Commonly, tip overs involve toddlers as they tend to be more likely to climb on furniture. The CPSC urges parents and other caregivers to: anchor furniture to the wall or floor, place tv's on low bases or alternatively anchor those as well, and keep cords out of the reach of children. To read the posting from the CPSC click here.

The Law Office of D. Hardison Wood focuses much of its time representing children who have been injured by the negligence of another. If your child has been hurt, contact the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood today at 919.233.0520.

Oral Contraceptives Recalled

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:29:43 -0500

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals issued a recall of several lots of birth control pills There was a packaging error that could leave women unprotected.

The recall is being implemented because of a packaging error, where select blisters were rotated 180 degrees within the card, reversing the weekly tablet orientation and making the lot number and expiry date no longer visible. As a result of this packaging error, the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives may be incorrect and could leave women without adequate contraception, and at risk for unintended pregnancy. (read more)

The recall is reported to effect:

Cyclafem™ 7/7/7
Cyclafem™ 1/35
Emoquette™
Gildess® FE 1.5/30
Gildess® FE 1/20
Orsythia™
Previfem ®
Tri-Previfem®

If you have been harmed by a product defect and would like to discuss your options, contact the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood at 919.233.0520 today.

Jetta Recall

Law Office of D. Hardison Wood — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:24:25 -0500

Volkswagen has recalled some Jetta sedans from model years 2011 and 2012. Reports indicate that they may have decorative exhaust pipe tips that have caused leg burn to those who have accidentlly brushed up against them. Over 30,000 vehicles have been affected.

In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the car company said it received a number of complaints in July about burns from the pipes, began an investigation and decided by August that a recall is necessary. (read more)

There was a recall in March of about 70,000 Jettas and NHTSA is also investigating fuel leaks in diesel powered Jettas.

If you have a product liability concern or have been injured due to negligence of another contact us a the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood 919.233.0520.