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.

Since many of us need to remain very active on our computers, it’s important to avoid using potentially harmful equipment. Far too many computer products pose fire, burn and shock hazards to consumers. You simply cannot fully protect yourself by just turning off a machine that’s been running for a long period of time. In order to help consumers avoid using harmful computer equipment, our firm recently reviewed the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) list of computer-related equipment recalled during the past five years. We then created the following list of computers and related goods that should help our readers avoid using any potentially dangerous equipment. We hope you’ll share this list with others in your home or office.

Recalled Computers and Related Parts Posing Fire, Burn or Shock Risks

• Acer recalled Notebook Computers in January of 2010;
• Laptop Power Adaptor were recalled by Comarco in April of 2010;
• HP expanded its recall of specific Notebook Computer Batteries in May of 2010;
• Sony recalled its VAIO Laptop Computers in June of 2010;
• Toshiba recalled its T Series Notebook Computers in September of 2010;
• Acer America Corp. recalled Desktop Computers in March of 2009;
• HP recalled notebook computer batteries in May of 2009;
• Sony recalled Computer AC Adapters in October of 2009;
• Lenovo recalled ThinkPad Notebook PC Extended-Life batteries in March of 2007;
• In April of 2007, Acer America Corporation recalled Notebook Computer batteries;

This recall was updated and revised in July of 2008—Actual fires led to this recall;

• Oki Data Americas recalled Digital Color Printers in October of 2007;
• Toshiba recalled Notebook Computer batteries in August of 2007;
• Sony recalled Notebook Computer batteries in October of 2006 due to actual fires;
• Lenovo and IBM recalled ThinkPad Notebook Computer batteries in September of 2006;
• Apple recalled batteries sold in earlier iBook and PowerBook Computers in August of 2006;
• Dell recalled Notebook Computer batteries in August of 2006;
• Specifically identified Lexar JumpDrive Computer Storage Devices were recalled in July of 2006; and
• HP recalled Notebook Computer batteries in April of 2006.

Once you’ve made sure that you aren’t using any of the recalled products named above, we suggest that you start reviewing the CPSC’s list of recalled computers and related equipment about every six months. That way, you can minimize the chances that you’ll ever be harmed by any hazardous equipment.

Should you ever discover that you are using a recalled computer product, be sure to contact the manufacturer immediately to see what type of remedy may be available. (Readers interested in reviewing all of the specific CPSC recalls issued for the items listed above can visit the following link to the CPSC Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/prod.aspx Be sure to search under“computer equipment.”)

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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.

There’s been a marked increase in the number of recalled shades and blinds during the past few years. Far too many children keep getting their necks and heads caught in the cords and drawstrings of these products while playing. Serious strangulation risks can develop in just a matter of seconds.

Roman shades are frequently involved in many of the recalls. However, roll-up blinds pose their own share of risks. To help consumers make sure they’re not still using any of these products, we’ve surveyed all of the recalls from the past few years and compiled a representative list of many of the recalled brands.

We suggest you print out this article and walk through every room in your home, making sure you can’t find any of the listed shades or blinds. Our children and seriously disabled family members are counting on us to remove all dangerous products from our homes.

The first list set forth below names the recalled shades and blinds in alphabetical order, according to the store names whether they’ve been sold exclusively. The second list names the manufacturers, in alphabetical order, of the various blinds and shades. Should you find any of these recalled products hanging in your home, we suggest you take them down immediately. (Note: We’ve posted a link to the comprehensive list of all of the CPSC recalled shades and blinds we reviewed from recent years at the end of this article.)

Exclusive Sellers of Recalled Shades and Blinds During Recent Years

• Ace Hardware/Big Lots: 2009 Recall of Roll-up Blinds manufactured by Lotus & Windoware;
• Big Lots: 2009 Recall of Matchstick Roll-up Shades by International Merchandise;
• Blair: 2010 Recall of Roman Shades;
• IKEA: (1) 2008 Recall of all Roman Blinds – A child’s death prompted this recall; (2) 2009 Recall of Roman Blinds prompted by a near strangulation; (3) 2010 Recall of all Roman Blinds and all Roll-up Blinds;
• Jo Ann Fabric and Craft Stores: 2010 Recall of all Roll-up Blinds;
• JC Penney: 2009 Recall for repair of Roman Shades and Roll-up Blinds; Recall prompted by near strangulation of child;
• Land of Nod: 2009 Recall to Repair Roman Shades made by Airtex Designs Group;
• Lowe’s Stores: 2010 Recall to repair Roman Shades and Roll-up Blinds; Recall prompted by two near child strangulations;
• Target:2009 Recall to repair Victoria Classics Roman Shades;
• Walmart:2009 Recall to repair Roll-up Blinds and Roman Shades;

Alphabetical List of Recalled Shades/Blinds by Names of Manufacturers

• American Vintage Group: 2009 Recall to repair Faux Wood Blinds;
• Draper Inc: 2009 Recall of Roman Shades;
• Ethan Allen: 2010 Recall to repair Roman Shades;
• Hanover Direct/Domestications: 2010 Recall of Roman Shades, Roll-up Blinds and Roller Blinds; Recall prompted by the strangulation death of a child;
• Lutron Electronics: 2010 Recall to repair Roman Shades;
• Oriental Furniture: 2010 Recall to repair Roman Shades and Roll-up Blinds;
• Smith & Noble: 2010 Recall of Roman and Roller Shades; Recall prompted by a near strangulation; and
• Vertical Land: 2009 Recall to repair Window Blinds; Recall prompted by the strangulation death of a child

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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.

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.

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.

The November 2010 Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) recall list includes a number of products posing choking, suffocation and strangulation risks. Other listed items can create entrapment, shock, explosion, fire, laceration, fall and burn hazards.

These monthly lists help protect consumers by telling them which products are too dangerous to be bought or used. Our law firm recommends that you regularly review these lists before ever making a major purchase or buying anything for a child.

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

Part Two of our November 2010 list review looks at many other items, including those posing fire, burn and fall risks. This second part also notes products that can cause laceration and crash injuries.

Products Posing Choking, Strangulation and Entrapment Hazards

• Big Ideas Marketing, of Owings Mills, Md., has agreed to recall close to 8,800 Horse-on-a Stick Toys to repair them since the bridle can loop around a child’s neck and head, possibly causing strangulation.
• Rocking Horse Depot, of Buckeye, Arizona, is voluntarily recalling about 1,200 Rocking Horses for reasons almost identical to the “horse-on-a-stick toy” referenced above. The rocking horse’s reins are so long that if a child gets his or her head caught in them, strangulation may occur.
• Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Virginia, is recalling about 90,000 Bassettbaby Drop-side Cribs featuring plastic hardware. If the drop-side rail fails to work correctly and becomes partially (or totally) detached, a child can become trapped in the space created between that rail and the crib mattress. A child can also fall out of the crib – or suffer suffocation or strangulation due to that same problem. These cribs can pose other hazards when they’re not correctly assembled or when the parts become worn out due to frequent, long-term usage.
• Britax Child Safety Inc., of Charlotte, N.C. is voluntarily recalling close to

23,000 Chaperone Infant Car Seats. If the harness clip on these seats breaks, a child can suffer a laceration injury or even choke on a part of the clip.

• About 495,000 Roman Shades and 28,500 Roller/Roll-up Blinds are being recalled by Hanover Direct Inc. of Weehawken, New Jersey. (This company is also known as Domestications, The Company Store and Company Kids). Children can accidentally strangle themselves while playing with the cords and loops attached to these shades and blinds.
• VOS Sports Inc., of the City of Industry, California, has agreed with the CPSC to voluntarily recall close to 11,700 (Children’s) Hooded Jackets and Sweatshirts since the hood and waist drawstrings can create entrapment or strangulation hazards for kids.

Puncture/Explosion/Shock Hazards

• Beman, of Salt Lake City, Utah, has agreed to recall close to 11,300 Beman Bone Collector (Bowhunting) Arrows since the arrows can break during use, possibly hitting unexpected targets. Users and bystanders can suffer puncture wounds if hit by such wayward arrows.
• About 1,000 Ski-Doo® Snowmobiles are being voluntarily recalled by BRP US Inc., of Sturtevant, Wisconsin. When the engines are left idling, fuel tank problems may develop that can cause victims either fatal or serious bodily injuries.
• Close to 7,300 Pottery Barn Lamps are being voluntarily recalled by the Pottery Barn of San Francisco, California. If these lamps’ electrical wires become damaged, consumers can suffer electric shocks.
• Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, of Mount Prospect, Illinois, is recalling close to 20,000 Bosch Hammer Drills since their grounding systems and trigger switches can malfunction and cause shocks to consumers. Furthermore, if these switch triggers get stuck in the “on” position, they can cause additional injuries to consumers.

.Other potentially hazardous products posing fire, burn, fall, crash and laceration injuries are covered in Part Two of our November 2010 recall list review. Part Two also provides some general Consumer Product Safety Commission News.  Part Two here (Readers interested in reviewing the entire November 2010 CPSC product recall list can visit the following link:  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelnov10.html).

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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.

Part Two of Two

The October 2010 Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) recall list warns the public about products posing fire, burn, strangulation and other safety risks. We review these monthly government lists to help you minimize your chances of purchasing dangerous items. Always be sure to read these articles before making new purchases or accepting used goods from others. Part Two of our October 2010 product recall review looks at items posing fire, burn and fall risks. This second half of our review also references a CPSC news item about an upcoming national education campaign. Part One of our October 2010 recall product review focuses mainly on items posing choking and strangulation hazards. It also describes products that can inflict laceration and other general injuries upon consumers.

Products Posing Fire and Burn Hazards

• Eastern America Trio Products, Inc., of Flushing, N. Y., has agreed to voluntarily recall about 124,000 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. When these bulbs overheat, they can start a fire or otherwise harm consumers
• Fire-Lite Alarms of Northford, Connecticut, has agreed to recall close to 530 Fire Alarm Control Panels since they may fail to properly warn consumers before fires break out.
• Oxmoor House Inc., of Birmingham, Alabama, has agreed with the CPSC to voluntarily recall about 540,000 Home Improvement Books containing faulty technical diagrams and wiring instructions. Consumers who try to follow the instructions and diagrams in these books may suffer electrical shocks or fire hazards. (This action has been taken in addition to the January 2010 recall of approximately 951,000 similar books.)
• Tabletops Unlimited, Inc., of Carson, California, has agreed to recall about 1,500 Castalon Frying Pans. Consumers who use these pans may suffer burns if the enamel coating on them starts cracking and breaking off. This hazard can develop even after the pans have only been used a few times.

Products Posing Fall Risks

• Williams-Sonoma Inc., of San Francisco, California, has agreed to recall about 5,900 PBteen Sleep and Study Loft Beds since the side bed rails can crack, possibly causing the mattress supports to give way. Users may then suffer fall injuries.
• Easton Sports, of Scotts Valley, California, is recalling about 200 of its Bicycles featuring 2010 EC90 Zero Seat Posts. When these seat posts’ carbon top clamps crack, riders can suffer fall hazards.
• Bravo Sports, of Santa Fe Springs, California, has agreed to recall approximately 160,000 Bravo Sports Trampolines. If these trampolines aren’t assembled properly, the top legs and rails may break or bend (even during normal use). At that point, the trampolines can partially collapse, creating a fall risk to users.
• Primal Vantage Co., Inc., of Randolph, New Jersey, has agreed to recall close to 40,000 Ameristep Plastic Strap-On Tree Steps since the plastic parts of these steps can break, creating a fall risk to users.

General Consumer Product Safety Commission News

The CPSC and other child safety groups have banded together to release a new video designed to teach parents and other caregivers how to properly use baby cribs. Special instructions contained in “Safe Sleep for Babies” can help caregivers cut down on the suffocation, entrapment and strangulation risks posed by cribs. The video has been released as part of a national educational campaign.

Our firm hopes that these monthly CPSC product recall reviews and brief news updates will help readers better protect themselves against the many dangerous products that keep finding their way to the marketplace. (Readers interested in reviewing the complete October 2010 CPSC product recall list can visit the following link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereloct10.html).

Contact our Sacramento Defective Products Lawyer

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.

Part One of Two

Like other recent months, the October 2010 Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) http://www.injury-attorneys.com/ recall list contains many products posing choking and strangulation risks. It also includes products that can cause lacerations, fires, burns and other injuries. These monthly government lists help protect consumers by urging them to avoid using or purchasing dangerous products. Our law firm recommends that you regularly review these lists before ever making a major purchase or buying anything for a child.

Part One of our October 2010 recall list review focuses mainly on products posing choking, strangulation and entrapment hazards. It also includes items than can cause lacerations and other general hazards.

Part Two of our October 2010 review looks at many other items, including some posing fire, burn and fall risks. This second part also notes a national crib safety education campaign that the CPSC and another group will soon be running. (Readers interested in reviewing the entire October 2010 CPSC product recall list can visit the following link:  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereloct10.html ).

Products Posing Choking, Strangulation and Entrapment Hazards

• The Children’s Place Services Company, LLC of Secaucus, N. J., has agreed to recall close to 3,300 Girls’ White Ruffle Outdoor Vests since the snaps on these vests can come loose and pose choking hazards to children.
• Meijer, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is voluntarily recalling about 2,300 Infant Shoes since the toggles on the shoe laces can come off, creating a choking risk for children.
• Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Atlanta, Georgia, is recalling approximately two million Graco Quattro™ and MetroLite™ Strollers that can strangle or entrap infants and toddlers if they’re not properly harnessed in their seats. (See our expanded article on this topic at: Please add the link here…this was turned in back in early Oct, I believe)
• Lollytogs Ltd., of New York, N. Y., has agreed with the CPSC to recall close to 8,300 of its Infant’s Overalls (in the U. S.) since the snaps on this clothing can detach and create choking risks to infants and other young children. (About 2,000 of these overalls are also being recalled in Canada, in cooperation with Health Canada.)
• About 200,000 Roman Shades are being voluntarily recalled by Green Mountain Vista, Inc. of Williston, Vermont. The CPSC is concerned about strangulation risks if children get their necks caught in some of these products’ exposed cords.

Products That Can Cause Lacerations and Other General Injuries

• Munchkin Inc., of North Hills, California, has agreed to recall about 34,000 Bathtub Toys since the company’s toy submarine has a potentially faulty intake valve. If that valve gets too close to a child’s skin, a suction force can inflict a laceration injury.
• Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has agreed to recall close to 500 Craftsman Riding Mowers. Since all (or most) of these mowers’ side discharge chutes were not properly secured to them before they were sold, consumers can be injured by loose bolts that might shoot out at them like projectiles. (These mowers are only sold at Sears).
• Claire-Sprayway, Inc., of Addison, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling about 73,500 cans of Fabric Protector. Consumers may suffer respiratory problems if they’re overexposed to the vapors, fumes or spray contained in those cans.
• Other potentially hazardous products posing fire, burn and fall injuries are covered in Part Two of our October 2010 recall list review. Part Two also notes an upcoming education campaign to teach consumers how to properly place children in cribs.

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