With many experienced hunters securing licenses and heading out on their first hunting trips of the new season, it’s important for everyone to make sure that they’re using the best equipment available. All hunters need to look through every piece of their gear now, whether it’s stored at home or elsewhere, to be sure it hasn’t been recalled recently.

According to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Web site, a number of hunting accessories have been recalled during the last few years. A sample listing of those items is set forth below.

Recalled Hunting Products and Accessories

• In April of 2011, Spot LLC, of Covington, Louisiana, agreed to recall 15,400 Spot Satellite Communicators because of their faulty internal voltage regulators. When they malfunction, it can be impossible to send messages and critical tracking data when emergencies arise. Although no injury reports have been received, the company has learned of at least two instances when these devices were used at temperatures below

40 degrees Fahrenheit, that they failed to work;

• In November of 2010, Beman, of Salt Lake City, Utah, voluntarily recalled about 11,300

Beman Bone Collector Arrows because they can break when shot or launched, causing unforeseen targets to be hit. Those using the arrows and unsuspecting bystanders can suffer puncture wounds and other injuries;

• Also in November of 2010, Hunter Safety System of Danville, Alabama, voluntarily recalled about 16,000 Carabiners because their pins can detach, possibly causing climbing straps or other critical devices to malfunction. When that occurs, people can fall or suffer other injuries, depending on how their carabiners were being used;
• In October of 2010, Primal Vantage Company, Inc., of Randolph, New Jersey, voluntarily recalled close to 40,000 Ameristep Plastic Strap-On Tree Steps because the plastic parts of the steps can break, creating fall risks for consumers. At least two injury reports have been received regarding this product;
• In July of 2010,Muddy Outdoors, of Camdenton, Missouri, agreed to recall about 2,550 2009 Muddy Outdoors Tree Climbing Sticks due to their defective bolts that can cause important lengths of rope to break, creating serious fall risks for consumers;
• In January of 2010, Summit Treestands LLC, of Decatur, Alabama, voluntarily recalled close to 6,800Talon Hunting Hang-on Tree Stands and Brackets/Strapsbecause the tree stand brackets can fail, creating dangerous fall risks for  those using them.

(Any interested reader who wants to review the entire list of recently recalled hunting accessories can do so by visiting the following CPSC Web page: http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/prod.aspx. Just scroll down and choose/highlight “Hunting Accessories.”)

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

When surgical implants fail, countless patients may wind up suffering. That type of situation continues to unfold in regards to two of Johnson & Johnson’s products. In August of 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics issued a voluntary recall of its ASR™ XL Acetabular Hip System and its ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System.

Johnson & Johnson states on the DePuy Web site that these two product recalls are being carried out so that additional testing and monitoring can take place.  Of course, the most critical problem is that if a surgeon used one or both of these products while operating on you since July of 2003, you may have to undergo additional surgery to correct any harm caused by them.

Information Provided by Johnson & Johnson in its Patients Hip Recall Guide

Johnson & Johnson states that it decided to issue its August of 2010 recall after receiving data from Great Britain, indicating that “a higher number of ASR patients than previously reported to DePuy needed a second surgery, called a revision surgery, earlier than expected.” What’s not clearly referenced are the extremely serious risks posed by revisionary surgery, especially for the elderly and those who decided upon the first surgery due to unusually complicated bodily injuries.

If You’re A Patient Suffering from a Possibly Defective Depuy Hip Implant

All consumers currently worried about their surgeons’ use of Johnson & Johnson’s Depuy ASR™ XL Acetabular Hip System and (or) its DePuy ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System are advised by the company to seek thorough examinations by their physicians. The company further notes that while it believes that “most patients” will not require additional surgery, it’s already working with affected patients and their doctors, “to address medical costs directly associated with the recall.”

Our Firm’s Advice to You

If you are currently in pain or have other reasons to question the success of your surgeon’s use of these recalled products during your recent DePuy hip replacement surgery, our firm suggests you immediately do two things:  (1) Undergo thorough medical examinations by your surgeon and regular treating physician and (2) Give serious thought to having your case professionally reviewed by a lawyer. You need to make sure that all of your rights are being fully protected. It may be wise to take legal action so that all of your future medical expenses tied to these recalled products won’t become your sole responsibility. After all, these defective implants can lead to many serious conditions, including metalosis. It can complicate or even threaten your life for many years to come.

Demas & Rosenthal offers a free initial consultation to individuals trying to determine if they should take legal action to fully protect their rights.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years.  Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Before dropping another piece of bread in the toaster or heating up a pizza in your toaster oven, check to be sure you’re using one of the safest models on the market. Far too often, consumers suffer serious burns and electrical shocks when using these types of appliances. Over time, cords can become frayed and internal wiring can develop problems due to overheating and poor maintenance. Please review the following list of defective toasters and toaster ovens so you can try to protect everyone you know from using defective appliances.

Recently Recalled Toasters and Toaster Ovens

• Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Virginia, had to recall close to 300,000 Hamilton Beach® Classic Chrome Two-slice Toasters in June of 2011 because of their defective heating elements that can pose fire hazards to consumers;
• In June of 2009,W. P. Appliances Inc., recalled about 7,040Wolfgang Puck Toaster Ovens/Toasters due to defective “on/off” switches that can create fire risks;
• Haier America Trading L.L.C., of New York, New York, had to recall about 106,000

Toaster Ovens/Broilers in April of 2009 due to faulty electrical connections inside some of these appliances that can cause shock and burn risks to consumers;

• Village Range Corp., of Greenwood, Mississippi, had to recall approximately 10,000Four-Slice Electric Toasters in January of 2009 since shock hazards can develop once the internal wiring becomes loose;
• Walmart Stores, Inc., of Bentonville, Arkansas, had to recall about 210,000GeneralElectric Toasters in September of 2008after receiving 140 reports of fires and sparks shooting out of these toasters due to electrical short circuits. Some consumers said that these incidents tripped the circuit breakers in their homes;
• Salton Inc., of Lake Forest, Illinois, had to recall close to 12,000Electric Toasters in March of 2008 because of serious problems with the “on” switches that can create fire hazards; and
• About 482,000Hamilton Beach® and Proctor-Silex® Toasterswere recalled in March of 2008 by Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Virginia, because the “on” switches can stay engaged at times, creating fire risks for consumers.

Warning Regarding the Purchase of Used Electrical Appliances

Consumers should always be extremely hesitant to purchase any “used” electrical appliances from anyone other than close friends or family members. If you’re determined to purchase this type of used item, always have a qualified repair person look it over for you beforeever using it so you won’t be harmed by any faulty wiring or malfunctioning parts.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

All of us need to put safety first when deciding whether to use treadmills, recumbent bikes, hand weights or other exercise equipment. For that reason, our firm recently reviewed the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) list of recalled exercise products in an effort to help our readers avoid purchasing or using any potentially dangerous equipment. In addition to familiarizing readers with a number of questionable exercise products, this article concludes with helpful tips on purchasing repair contracts and refurbished equipment.

We suggest that you print out the following list of exercise equipment and then compare it to all of the products you’re currently using either at home or at your favorite gym. The products have been grouped according to the types of injuries they may cause.

Recalled Exercise Equipment That Can Cause Falls or Other General Injuries

• Coulter Ventures recalled Rogue Fitness Barbell Brackets due to general injury risks; 2011;
• Perfect Fitness recalled Perfect Pullups due to fall injury risks; 2011;
• EB Brands recalled Resistance Stretch Tubing due to general injury hazards; 2011;
• Powertec recalled Leverage Gyms for repairs due to injury hazards; 2010;
• Inversion Benches were recalled by ICON Health & Fitness due to fall risks; 2010;
• Thane recalled Elliptical Exercise Gliders due to fall hazards; 2009;
• Horizon Fitness and LIVESTRONG™ Fitness Elliptical Trainers were recalled by Johnson Health Tech North Americadue to fall risks; 2010;
• Nautilus recalled Bowflex Home Gyms due to general injury risks; 2009;

Nautilus also recalled Exercise Units due to fall hazards; 2009;

• Cybex International recalled some of its Treadmills due to fall risks; 2008; and
• Stamina Products recalled Inversion Therapy Tables due to fall risks in 2008.

Recalled Exercise Equipment Posing Contusion, Laceration or Crushing Risks

• Dick’s Sporting Goods recalled Fitness Resistance Tubes due to risks of

  contusions and lacerations; 2011;

• Paramount Fitness recalled Leg Curl Fitness Machines due to risk of

crushing hazards; 2009; and

• Reebok International Ltd. recalled some of its Exercise Cycles due to risks of

laceration injuries in 2008.

General Reminder: Purchasing Repair Contracts for Home Exercise Equipment

In general, it’s often wise to go ahead and purchase in-home repair contracts for all major exercise equipment purchases. It’s far too easy to injure this type of equipment when trying to box it up and mail it back to a manufacturer. Also, always ask sellers what types of repair contracts they offer and how they handle repairs during early warranty periods versus those that may become necessary once your extended service repair contract becomes effective.

Give serious thought to purchasing name brand exercise equipment from a local retail or department store that offers their own in-home repair service plans. If the seller doesn’t offer a reasonable fee for setting up your equipment, along with a warranty for that service, consider hiring a reputable local company to do that for you.

Warning: Purchasing and Using Refurbished/Used Exercise Equipment

Although major manufacturers frequently sell some of their own refurbished exercise machines and equipment to the public, we think it may be best to just go ahead and invest in buying brand new pieces of equipment since they usually come with the longest warranty coverage. Be very hesitant about buying used exercise equipment from anyone trying to sell theirs online or in your local newspaper. The sad fact is that private individuals often won’t tell you about their product’s flaws, leaving you with little recourse once you’ve paid for your purchase. Stated differently, saving a few dollars by buying used equipment from a stranger can easily lead to later injuries and major medical fees due to undisclosed flaws.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mercedes-Benz has recalled over 136,000 of its popular M-Class SUV’s due to complaints that the cruise control was not disengaging when average pressure was applied to the brake pedal.  According to the agency, an “unusually high” amount of force is required to disengage the throttle control that keeps the vehicle accelerated at a designated speed.  The recall affects M-Class vehicles from model years 2000 to 2002.  Owners of these vehicles should contact Mercedes to have the issue corrected.

Obviously, this type of manufacturing defect represents a serious safety concern.  Even a momentary inability of a driver to slow a vehicle at high speeds can result in a major crash resulting in death or serious personal injuries.  Toyota drew national attention recently when a sticking accelerator was blamed for a runaway vehicle and crash that killed a CHP officer and his family.

Consumer products must be designed and manufactured in a way that ensures they are reasonably safe when used in the manner intended.  Manufacturers and sellers of products must also provide warnings to consumers of the dangers associated with use of their product.  If a manufacturer or distributor sells an unreasonably dangerous product, or fails to provide a reasonable warning of a danger associated with a product, and that product kills or injures someone, it has a legal obligation to pay the victims for the associated losses.

Demas & Rosenthal, LLP, has successfully investigated and pursued hundreds of claims of victims injured or killed because of defective products.  If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of a defective product, the product itself is key evidence and it is critical that you preserve the product in the condition that it was in at the time of the injury.  If you have possession of the product, do not let anyone touch it until you have spoken to a California product liability attorney.  If another party has possession of the product, immediately send them a letter stating you believe the product is evidence and not to dismantle, alter or destroy the product.  In all product liability cases, it is critical to speak to a qualified California personal injury attorney immediately.

California product liability attorneys can successfully obtain compensation for injured individuals. Demas and Rosenthal, LLP successfully represents victims who have been seriously injured or killed as the result of defective products. If you sustained injuries due to a defective product, contact the California product liability attorneys at Demas & Rosenthal to discuss your rights.

March 2011: CPSC Product Recalls and Related News

Part One of Two

The March 2011 Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) recall list includes a number of products posing fire, burn and shock hazards to the public. Other items can create choking, strangulation, laceration, entrapment and fall risks to consumers.

Our firm regularly reviews these lists to help our readers avoid purchasing or using any dangerous products. Everyone should avoid making major new purchases or accepting goods from others before checking out each item’s safety record.

Part One of our March 2011 review focuses primarily on products posing fire, burn and shock risks to consumers. Part Two looks at items that can create choking, strangulation, fall, crash, entrapment and laceration risks. It concludes with several CPSC news updates.

Products Posing Fire, Burn and Shock Hazards

• Milestone AV Technologies LLC, of Savage, Minnesota, has agreed to recall close to 2,500 Sanus Elements Surge Protectors due to faulty grounding of the case and insufficient circuit breaker insulation that can create electrical shock risks for consumers.
• Maruyama U.S. Inc., of Denton, Texas, is cooperating with both Health Canada and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by voluntarily recalling about 18,000 U.S. gasoline-powered Backpack Blowers and Mister Dusters since their gasoline tanks can start leaking fuel and pose fire risks to those using them or located nearby. (About 750 of these same two devices are being recalled in Canada).
• Sunjoy Industries Group Limited, of Steubenville, Ohio, has agreed to recall about 20,000 Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplaces sold only by Lowe’s Stores in the United States. (About 400 of these same products are being recalled in Canada.) A bronze powder finish on these chimneys can catch fire while they’re in use, creating a fire hazard for everyone in the vicinity.
• Global Equipment Company, of Port Washington, New York, dba Global Industrial, is voluntarily recalling close to 5,000 Global Workbench Power Risers, Power Aprons and Power Shelves. Due to improper wiring, there’s a danger that “reverse polarity” in some of these products’ power cords might create electric shock risks for consumers.
• IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, is working with both Health Canada and the U. S. CPSC in recalling about 94,000 FÖRSTÅ Coffee/Tea Makers in the U. S. (Thirty-four Thousand of these coffee/tea makers are being recalled in Canada). A glass portion of these products can break, creating laceration and burn risks for consumers.
• The Land of Nod, of Northbrook, Illinois, has agreed to recall close to 9,700 “Camp Nod” Lantern Nightlights due to an electrical short in the nightlights’ wiring. This short can create fire and shock hazards for those using the nightlights.
• Burlington Coat Factory, of Burlington, New Jersey, has agreed to recall approximately 7,460 Slow Cookers. Parts in the control panels of these slow cookers can overheat and even melt, creating fire risks for those using them.

Part Two of this March 2011 CPSC recall review looks at items posing choking, strangulation, fall, crash and laceration risks to consumers. Readers interested in reviewing the entire March 2011 CPSC product recall list can visit the following link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelmar11.html?tab=recalls

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

A consumer advisory issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that nearly 800,000 Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) baby car seats are now under recall. According to the NTHSA Web site, all of these products were manufactured by the Dorel Consumer Group between May 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. These car seat models include the infant, convertible and booster child restraint systems and were sold as “stand-alone” seats or with strollers.

Nature of the Risks to Children

Children are most at risk when these car seats’ harness lock-and-release buttons fail to return to their proper locked positions. Once those buttons malfunction, the harness adjustment straps can slide back through the adjusters, creating looser-fitting harnesses (if the children are constantly moving about.) When children’s car seat harnesses aren’t snugly fitted to them, they have much higher chances of suffering serious crash injuries.

Specific Model Seat Numbers and Repair Information

All of the recalled child car seats were sold under such brand names as

Maxi-Cosi, Cosco and Safety First. (The specific model numbers are listed on this page). The Dorel Juvenile Group has agreed to help consumers repair these faulty locking mechanisms by providing them with tubes of lubricant that can be applied to them. Labels will also be provided so that consumers can attach them to the car seats once they’ve been repaired.

Although many caregivers may want to first repair these car seats before using them any further, others can keep using them (prior to making the necessary repairs) as long as they make sure that the harness mechanisms remain in locked positions when necessary. Pulling on the shoulder harnesses can help determine how secure the locks are fastened. (Consumers can contact the Dorel Juvenile Group for more information by visiting the company’s Web site or by calling 1-866-623-3139).

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Most Americans enjoy celebrating the winter holidays and decorate their homes accordingly. Whether you prefer special candles, trees, baked goods or wrapped presents, you need to keep safety issues in mind when planning each event.

Before noting some of this season’s special dangers, our firm wants to remind you to be sure all of the following items are working properly in your home:

• Fire alarms and carbon dioxide detectors;
• Kitchen stoves, ranges and fire extinguishers;
• Fireplaces and space heaters. (It’s always best to have these serviced by professionals before using them again each fall and winter.) Be sure to always keep a fire screen in front of the fireplace – you never know when some small embers may still be burning. Also, carefully read and obey the list of safety precautions that came with your space heater—look online if you’ve lost them.

Christmas Trees

Every year, far too many fire engines must rush to people’s homes to put out Christmas tree fires. Here are some safety guidelines for keeping a tree up during the holidays:

• Keep your tree properly watered. Check the tree stand at least once a day. When a tree starts drying out, it becomes an even bigger fire hazard;
• Never erect a Christmas tree too close to curtains, a fireplace or a doorway;
• Don’t overload your tree with too many lights and avoid using any extension cords that can easily cause people to trip — and possibly pull your tree down;
• Never allow the tree lights to rest on wrapped packages below;
• Never even consider placing lit candles in holders on your tree – even if just for a short amount of time. The dangers just aren’t worth it;
• Keep pets and small children away from your tree. It’s too easy for them to tip the tree over and cause a fire;
• Never leave decorative lights on when you’re not going to be home. Seriously consider turning all outdoor seasonal lights off when you turn in for the night.
• Properly dispose of your tree at the end of the season. Never leave a dried out tree in your home or lying by the side of it. Check with your city or county to find out how you can legally dispose of your tree.

Candles and Special Oil Lamps

Although candles can be quite meaningful, beautiful and sweet smelling, they should never be lit when an adult isn’t home. Keep children and pets away from lit candles, only allowing children to be near them during special events when adults are nearby.

Never place lit candles near curtains, coat racks or doorways. Keep all matches away from small children and others who might misuse them. While scented oil lamps are beautiful and smell wonderful, they must be carefully watched to minimize fire dangers.

Other General Decorations

Carefully check every holiday decoration’s plug or cord. Never plug in and use any cords that appear to be frayed or worn out. Try to avoid using any extension cords since someone is likely to trip over them and fall. Make sure you don’t overload any wall sockets.

If you’re going to place decorations in your windows, on top of your roof or out in your front lawn, be sure to fully comply with your city’s governing ordinances. Never leave such lights on over night. Should there be a “short” in any wiring or plug, your home could catch fire so quickly that no one could arrive in time to save it.

Demas & Rosenthal is a law firm comprised of Sacramento personal injury lawyers that has helped clients fight for their consumer rights for nearly 20 years. The firm represents clients in California personal injury lawsuits that include matters relating to traffic accidents, defective products and general negligence. Demas and Rosenthal has an “AV” rating, the highest possible national rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The “AV” rating is derived from confidential assessments by attorneys in the community as well as judges. In addition to the highest attainable legal ability ratings, Demas and Rosenthal has been given the highest marks for “adherence to professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence.

This past year has been a tough one for several automakers. Now, Chrysler and Volkswagen are having to recall some of their vehicles. Chrysler is concerned about both airbag and fuel leak problems while Volkswagen is also trying to protect consumers from possible fuel leak issues in several of its vehicles.

The Chrysler Recalls

More specifically, Chrysler Group LLC is recalling 367,000 vehicles to make sure that 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans and the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country models don’t expose consumers to serious air bag malfunctions. Chrysler is concerned that more water leaks may occur near the heating and air conditioner drains in those vehicles, possibly causing the warning lights to turn on and accidental deployment of the airbags. Chrysler spokesman, Vince Muniga, says that since February of 2008, the automaker has received 30 complaints and notice of five injuries due to these problems.

The Chrysler recall is set to begin in February of 2011. Dealers will be prepared to replace the drain ring that can cause the potential dangers referenced above. [Chrysler owners can contact the company by calling: (800)-853-1403].

The Volkswagen Recall

Set to begin in late January of 2011, the Volkswagen recall involves potential problems with more than 228,000 vehicles. The specific car models named in the recall include the 2007-2009 model year Golfs, Jettas, Jetta Sportwagens and Rabbits. Apparently, the small plastic tabs in the windshield wiper reservoirs can create friction with fuel supply lines located under the hoods, possibly causing fuel leaks and fires. Dealers handling these recalls will simply remove the plastic tabs.

This same recall of 228,000 vehicles also includes problems with Volkswagen’s 2006-2010  New Beetles. That model’s power steering systems feature fastening clamps (on the hydraulic hoses) that may be positioned incorrectly, possibly causing the clamps to create friction with fuel supply lines under the hood. Fires can develop due to this problem. Dealers handling the Volkswagen New Beetle recall will inspect the clamps’ positions and adjust them, if necessary. Kerry Christopher, Volkswagen’s spokesman, said that the company has not received any fire, crash or injury reports related to the potential flaws of the New Beetles. [Volkswagen customers can contact the company at (800) 822-8987.]

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Demas & Rosenthal is a law firm comprised of Sacramento personal injury lawyers that has helped clients fight for their consumer rights for nearly 20 years. The firm represents clients in California personal injury lawsuits that include matters relating to traffic accidents, defective products and general negligence. Demas and Rosenthal has an “AV” rating, the highest possible national rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The “AV” rating is derived from confidential assessments by attorneys in the community as well as judges. In addition to the highest attainable legal ability ratings, Demas and Rosenthal has been given the highest marks for “adherence to professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence.

The November 2010 Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) recall list warns the public about products posing fire, burn, strangulation and other safety risks. Our firm regularly reviews these lists to help you avoid using or purchasing any dangerous products. Always consider reading these articles before making new purchases or accepting used goods from others.

Part Two of our November 2010 recall list review looks at items posing fire, burn and fall risks. This second half of our review also notes items that can create crash and laceration hazards. It ends with some general CPSC news.

Part One of our November 2010 recall product review focuses mainly on items posing choking, strangulation and entrapment hazards. It also describes products that can cause puncture, explosion and shock risks. Part One here

Products Posing Fire and Burn Hazards

• General Wax and Candle Company, of North Hollywood, California, has agreed to recall close to 33,000 Silver and Gold Metallic Taper Candles. The metallic paint on the candles can cause them to ignite, creating a fire risk.
• Katadyn North America Inc., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is voluntarily recalling products after being asked to do so by both America’s CPSC and Canada’s Health Canada. The company is recalling Camping Stoves and Equipment. About 5,300 of these units are being recalled in the United States and about 2,400 in Canada. Fuel leakage can occur when these products are marketed with damaged fuel lines or O-rings, posing fire risks to consumers.
• J & H International, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, is voluntarily recalling about 36,000 Carafes since they pose burn risks to consumers when their handles come loose and hot liquids spill out.
• American Honda Motor Company, of Torrance, California, has agreed to recall about 6,150 Honda and Mantis Mini Tillers. If any of the fuel tanks’ rubber grommets crack, they can cause fuel to leak out, posing fire risks to consumers.
• Haier America Trading LLC, of New York, New York, is voluntarily recalling close to 67,500 Chest Freezers. A fire hazard can develop in this freezer’s circuitry if its capacitor overheats.

Products Posing Fall Risks and Crash/Laceration Injuries

• Full Speed Ahead, of Woodinville, Washington, is voluntarily recalling about 9,300 Full Speed Ahead BB30 Gossamer Crank Sets sold to numerous bicycle manufacturers. When the fixing bolts in these installed sets are tightened too much on the non-drive crank arms, the bolt shoulders can break, possibly causing the non-drive arms to drop off. Bicycle riders may then fall off their bikes and suffer one or more crash injuries.
• L.L. Bean, of Freeport, Maine, has agreed to recall close to 2,300 Folding Camp Rockers since the plastic “anchors” that attach the seat backs to the frames can break, creating fall hazards for users.
• Club Car, LLC of Augusta, Georgia, is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 Golf cars and hospitality, transport and utility vehicles. When the brake pedals on these vehicles crack and break apart, the drivers are left without any braking power, putting them at risk for crash injuries.
• Sportcraft Ltd., of Budd Lake, New Jersey, has agreed to recall about 3,100 Classic Sport Bounce Pogo Sticks. Unfortunately, the rivets on the stick frames can break, causing some of the support clamps to detach. Once these events take place, the springs can release, creating fall and laceration hazards for users.
• Giant Bicycle Inc., of Newbury Park, California, has agreed to recall close to three-hundred and seventy (370) 2011 Model Year Anthem Giant Bicycles. When these bicycle frames crack at the point where the seat posts and top tubes join, riders may fall off and injure themselves.
• Rollerblade USA, of West Lebanon, New Hampshire, is recalling close to 29,000 pairs of Spark, Spitfire Inline Skates. When the wheel axle and frame axle bolts on these skates start to loosen, riders can fall and injure themselves.

General Consumer Product Safety Commission News and Safety Reminders

1. Be Sure to Review the Proper Way to Use Infant Slings and Wraps Parents are being asked to carefully review all of the instructions they’ve been given on properly using infant slings and wraps. As the CPSC notes, when these carrying devices are used properly, “babywearing” can create excellent bonds between parents and their children.
2. Consumers Will Find More Safe Toys Available This Holiday Season The Consumer Products Safety Commission wants to remind parents that all of the agency’s hard work during recent years has paid off. It should be much easier to find safe toys this holiday season. Nevertheless, it’s always best to look up any products you’re hoping to buy on the CPSC Web site before you start shopping. A brief bit of recalled product research can save consumers countless headaches.
3. The CPSC Will Be Partnering with the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) to present a number of public safety campaigns on the proper usage of pool facilities.
4. Be Sure to Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries if you forgot to do so back in early November when the time changed in some parts of the country.

Since it’s the holiday season, our firm would like to remind everyone to carefully use and display their holiday decorations while also enjoying this special time of the year.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.