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.

Few motor vehicle accidents sicken the public more than those involving hit-and-run drivers. It’s often difficult to understand how any driver can leave injured people unattended at an accident scene. Likewise, it’s very irresponsible to damage an empty vehicle and then fail to leave your contact information so that its owner can later locate you. Yet these events happen every day. Fortunately, California laws provide specific penalties for those who commit either of these unlawful acts. While our errors can sometimes prove costly, we all need to be able to depend on each other to do the right thing.

California Motor Vehicle Code Section 20002: Hit-and-Run Property Crimes/Penalties

This section of the California Motor Vehicle Code states that once you hit another vehicle, even if no one appears to have been injured, you have a duty to stop and provide the other driver with your name and address. If asked to do so, you must also allow the other driver to see your driver’s license and a copy of your vehicle registration.

Should you ever be driving a vehicle and get into an accident when you’re not the registered owner of it, you must provide the name and address of the registered owner to the driver of the other vehicle (along with your own contact information). If you hit an unattended, parked vehicle, you still have a duty to stop and leave all of your basic contact information, including your driver’s license number, so that the vehicle’s owner can later contact you. There’s actually a duty to leave this informationin written form, in a conspicuous place such as under a windshield wiper.

Charges can be filed against anyone who fails to fully comply with the requirements set forth in Motor Vehicle Code Section 20002. You can be convicted of a misdemeanor, forced to serve up to six months in jail and even have to pay a fine that doesn’t exceed $1,000.

California’s Felony Hit-and-Run Offense: Possible Charges and Penalties

If you hit another car and one of its occupants suffers bodily injuries — and you fail to stop and render aid and provide your full contact information — the provisions of Motor Vehicle Code Section 20001 will come into play. Entitled, “Duty to Stop at Scene of Accident,” Section 20001 sets forth all of the possible penalties that can be imposed on someone who fails to stop after hitting another vehicle and injuring one or more of its occupants.

A driver who fails to stop under these circumstances can be imprisoned in a county jail or state prison for not more than one year and assessed a fine between at least $1,000 dollars and up to $10,000. If the driver who commits a felony hit-and-run accident causes “serious, permanent injury” or death to one of the occupants of the other vehicle, he or she can even be imprisoned for as long as four years in prison and heavily fined.

Hopefully, none of our readers will ever wind up becoming a victim of a hit-and-run driver. However, if that has recently occurred in your life, you should seriously consider meeting with one of our attorneys so that we can advise you about the best ways to protect all of your rights and obtain just compensation for your injuries.

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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.

by Elizabeth Smith

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 816 construction workers lost their lives in 2009 due to injuries suffered on the job. That means that during that year, close to 20% of all work-related deaths in the United States were attributable to this one industry. Clearly, the number of serious health and safety challenges present in and around construction sites is rather daunting.

Some of the worst dangers include the presence of asbestos, potential lead contamination, excessive carbon monoxide in the air (due to the number of gasoline powered engines in the area) and the possibility of accidentally falling from unstable scaffolding and other high places.

Given the seriousness of all of these threats, the following list of additional construction site dangers has been created to remind construction workers and their employers of the many safety precautions that must be routinely honored if all workers at such sites are to be properly protected.

Additional Dangers Present at Many Construction Sites

• Trenching and Excavation Cave-ins;
• Hazardous accidents caused by defective or malfunctioning machinery;
• Electrical injuries that can cause electrocutions, burns, electric shocks and falls;
• Asphalt fumes and emissions;
• Neurological damage caused by welding fumes;
• Sandblasting or abrasive blasting dusts and particles;
• Prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold;
• Presence of mold and dampness in buildings;
• Inadequate safety equipment to properly protect workers’ hearing and vision, and
• Exposing workers’ skin to numerous toxins.

Although the fairly high pay offered to some construction workers may seem enticing, especially at a time when all jobs are hard to come by, the health and safety risks borne by construction workers should give pause to many jobhunters. Fortunately, the U. S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration(OSHA) continues to work hard behind the scenes, trying to make sure proper safety standards are enforced in every workplace, including construction sites.

Properly Reporting Workplace Dangers

If you know of any serious safety problems present in your workplace, please take careful note of the following information. OSHA has tried to create a safe way for you to report your concerns to the government so that proper inspections can be made. If necessary, corrective changes will be ordered. Furthermore, OSHA complaints provide filers with the right to protect their identity so that employers won’t try to retaliate against them. In other words, OSHA will keep your complaint information completely confidential while investigating it.

Workers wanting to learn more about filing OSHA complaints can visit the following link to determine how they should move forward:http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html. (This information is available online in both Spanish and English.)

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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.

Elizabeth Smith, J.D., M.A., is a freelance writer who has successfully written about general health, safety, legal, medical and business topics for over twenty years. She has also served as the author and co-author of two professional legal texts.

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.

Now that Americans are making close to 300 million visits to amusement parks each year, every effort must be made to keep our youngest visitors as safe as possible. Although the current injury and fatality statistics for these parks are fairly low, we need to keep trying to reduce them even further.

Every time another child is seriously injured or dies on a theme park ride, we’re reminded that added safety measures might have saved that child’s life. Recently, another young girl died after she fell to her death from a New Jersey Ferris wheel. She had won the right to visit the park with classmates after earning top grades. Questions are now being raised as to whether or not safety belts or other devices might have prevented her tragic death.

Explain Your Group’s Safety Rules Before Leaving for Any Park Grounds

It’s important for all adults to sit down and have thorough safety talks with teens and young children before taking them to any amusement parks or allowing them to go with supervised groups. After children and teens are informed about the various hidden dangers present at amusement parks, they should be told that they must behave properly or they’ll not be allowed to board any further rides that day.

Important Amusement Park Safety Tips

Here are some basic tips that should help you keep your kids safe when you take them to a theme park or allow them to visit with other adults:

• Make sure there will be adequate adult supervision. Never allow your child to visit any amusement park unless you’ve personally checked to be sure that there will be an adequate number of adult chaperones accompanying the group;
• Abide by all park rules. All young children and teens must abide by the park’s rules concerning minimum height and age requirements for boarding various rides. If you’re concerned about your children obeying the rules, either don’t allow them to go or personally sign up as one of the chaperones;
• Find Out When the Major Rides Were Last Inspected. Feel free to phone ahead and ask when the most dangerous rides were most recently inspected. Most of them are usually checked on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis.
• Ask about the experience level of those who operate and monitor the rides. Just because a young high school or college student can run the controls, it doesn’t mean he or she has enough training and experience to properly protect you and your kids once you’ve taken off on a ride;
• Use common sense and avoid the most dangerous-looking rides. Although many children are tempted to try and prove their bravery by riding on massive rollercoasters and other scary rides, make sure the supervising adults know which types of rides your children can and cannot ride. Having children wear specific colors to make it easier for the chaperones to keep up with this type of information may prove helpful;
• Keep kids together and don’t let them venture into forbidden areas. An adult should always accompany every child or group of children leaving the main group to get refreshments or use the restrooms. Always count the number of kids with you after getting off rides or leaving restaurants or food stands;
• Make sure the supervising adults are able to provide adequate water and sunscreen. It’s too easy for children and adults to become dangerously dehydrated or overexposed to the sun in most amusement parks. Schedule regular breaks so that everyone can rest in the shade (or indoors where there’s air conditioning) while eating meals or enjoying occasional cold drinks or special treats;
• On larger rides, try to have at least one adult accompany each group of kids to prevent unnecessary horseplay. Since even a gentle or playful push can cause a child to lose their footing and suffer a serious injury, be sure to tell children and teens that there will be “zero tolerance” regarding horseplay. Offenders will be “grounded” for the remainder of the day if they fail to act safely;
• Tell children to always remain seated on rides until they’re told they may disembark. Always keep at least one chaperone with each group of children boarding the rides so they can check and be sure all safety bars have been locked before the kids have taken off on any ride;
• Keep sick children at home. Since health problems can quickly worsen, never let sick children or teens visit amusement parks. Make sure that at least one chaperone has been designated to carry all medications for the children who suffer from chronic conditions;
• Immediately report dangerous staff (or visitor) behavior to park officials. If workers aren’t properly handling their safety tasks, report them at once. Likewise, it’s wise to privately report any suspicious behavior (including illegal drug use) by other park visitors to the park officials so that no one’s safety will be compromised.

If every child is carefully supervised at amusement parks, injuries can be minimized. All kids deserve the chance to one day recall how much fun they had eating cotton candy, ice cream and other treats while visiting with friends and waiting for more rides on rollercoasters, Ferris wheels and other special attractions.

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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.

Elizabeth Smith, J.D., M.A., is a freelance writer who has successfully written about general health, safety, legal, medical and business topics for over twenty years. She has also served as the author and co-author of two professional legal texts.

by Elizabeth Smith

For many years, most of us thought that drunk drivers presented the greatest threat to our safety on America’s roads and freeways. Then texting drivers grabbed our attention as they kept sending out written messages to others, refusing to admit the dangerous nature of their behavior.

Now, we’ve got a rapidly growing, new crop of problem drivers out navigating the nation’s roads. Many of these people view their medical marijuana as a healing agent and not as a drug frequently used by others to simply get “high” or comfortably disoriented.

Hopefully, some of the following information will help convince many marijuana users to start handling their drugs in a safer manner. No one should have to suffer a serious traffic injury or die just because others were too lazy to wait for an extended period of time after using marijuana to drive their cars.

2004 NHTSA Study Addressed How Marijuana Use Can Affect Driving Skills

In an April 2004 report (DOT HS 809 725) entitled, “Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets,” the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) commented on how marijuana (and drugs made using its active agents) can affect a driver’s skills and abilities. (The following statements are set forth on page twelve of that publication.)

• Marijuana is the second most frequently detected psychoactive substance among driving populations;
• Cannabis or marijuana has been shown to impair performance on driver simulator tasks and on open and closed driving courses for up to approximately three hours after it’s been used.” [Emphasis added];
• The driving performances of those who have used marijuana reveal “increased reaction times, impaired time and distance estimation, inability to maintain headway . . . subjective sleepiness [and] motor incoordination,” among other problems [Emphasis added];
• Marijuana may particularly impair monotonous and prolonged driving; and
• People who have recently smoked marijuana may require an increased amount of time to evaluate situations and determine appropriate responses.

Current Statistics Regarding Marijuana Use and Driving Accidents

In a recent article published by The Los Angeles Times, writer Ralph Vartabedian looked at how marijuana smokers are impacting road safety. He says that California currently blames about 1,000 annual deaths and injuries “directly on drugged drivers.” (See: “Stoned Driving is Uncharted Territory.”)

Vartabedian also states, “Fatalities in crashes where drugs were the primary cause and alcohol was not involved jumped 55 percent over the 10 years ending in 2009.” California’s law enforcement officials attribute much of the state’s current drug usage to the medical marijuana laws passed during the last decade.

Those officials may be right. Since early 2004, California has issued more than 55,000 medical marijuana identification cards. (See: The California Department of Public Health’s Web site page entitled, “Medical Marijuana Program.”)

Future Efforts to Protect American Drivers

Unfortunately, there isn’t a current national standard for determining how much marijuana a driver can safely smoke before becoming a hazard to others. Although various states are trying to protect their citizens under different safety standards, none of them have found one single, reliable method for evaluating safe marijuana usage for their drivers.

Until much more scientific research and testing can be completed, medical marijuana users must carefully monitor their own driving habits. Everyone else must keep relying on all of our law enforcement officials to crack down a bit harder on those drivers they stop and find are clearly impaired due to their recreational use of marijuana and other drugs.

Elizabeth Smith, J.D., M.A., is a freelance writer who has successfully written about general health, safety, legal, medical and business topics for over twenty years. She has also served as the author and co-author of two professional legal texts.

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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.

by Elizabeth Smith

Young children often dress up in odd costumes and jewelry while playing various games. Unfortunately, they frequently put jewelry pieces in their mouths, increasing their chances of swallowing numerous germs and harmful substances. Since many negligent importers and manufacturers keep marketing children’s costume jewelry containing harmful substances (or covered with excessive lead-based paint), health concerns keep mounting.
For this reason, all parents and caregivers are urged to check their children’s costume jewelry to be sure it wasn’t manufactured or imported by the companies named below, during the years referenced.  A number of the children’s costume jewelry recalls issued since January of 2010 are set forth below.

Recent Recalls of Children’s Play Jewelry Items

• In June of 2011, EK Success Brands recalled about 75,000American Girl Crafts™ Pearly Beads & Ribbon Bracelets Kits because they violated federal lead paint standards;
• In September of 2010, D&D Distributing-Wholesale recalled about 19,000“Love Tester” Mood Rings and 4,000Necklaces due to their excessive lead content that can cause “adverse health effects;”
• In July of 2010, Tween Brands recalled about 137,000 pieces of children’s metal jewelry containing high levels of cadmium;
• In June of 2010, SmileMakers Inc., of Spartanburg, South Carolina, recalled about 66,200 Children’s Happy Charm Bracelets and 2,200 Football Rings because they contained unacceptable, high levels of the toxic substance cadmium;
• Also in June of 2010, Wilton Industries recalled about 7,300 Children’s Tiaras because they contained an excessive amount of lead;
• In May of 2010, Claire’s Boutiques Inc., of Hoffman Estates,Illinois, recalled about 19,000“Best Friends” Charm Bracelet Sets because they contained high levels of cadmium;
• In March of 2010, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning concerning the high levels of cadmium in Children’s Winter and Holiday-Themed Charm Bracelets(an unknown quantity were sold);
• In February of 2010, Playmates Toys of Costa Mesa, California, recalled about 252,000Children’s Toy JewelrySets because they contained excessive amounts of lead;
• Schurman Fine Papers, of Fairfield, California, recalled about 174,000Papyrus Brand Greeting Cards with Braceletsin February of 2010because the paint covering the bracelets contained so much lead that they violated the federal lead paint standard; and
• In January of 2010, FAF Inc., of Greenville, Rhode Island, recalled 55,000Children’s Metal Necklaces(sold exclusively at Walmart’s)because they contained extremely high levels of cadmium.

by Elizabeth Smith

Although cutting the grass with a power mower may seem like an easy task, it’s important to observe basic safety measures to fully protect yourself and others. Every year, more than 67,000 people have to seek out emergency room care due to power mower injuries. About 9,000 of those injured are just 18 years of age or younger. Deep cuts, burns, eye damage and dislocated or broken bones are among the most common power lawn mower injuries.

To help protect your family’s safety, we’ve come up with the following suggestions for minimizing the chances of anyone suffering any power lawn mower injuries.

Key Safety Tips for Cutting Any Lawn

• Reread the instruction manual. Although mowing the lawn may seem as easy as riding a bicycle, take the time to thumb back through your instruction manual occasionally, looking for safety precautions you may have forgotten. If you’ve lost your manual, you may be able to download one off the Internet. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer via the company’s Web site and request a new one;
• Periodically check the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Web site. Make sure your power mower (or rider mower) hasn’t been recalled;
• Check out the grounds ahead of time.Before wheeling your power mower out of the garage, carefully walk across the lawn areas that you’ll be cutting, looking for sharp objects, rocks and other debris. Remove those items by placing them in a garbage can before proceeding any further;
• Wear Safe Shoes. Make sure you’re wearing closed-toe shoes. Never wear sandals of any type;
• Keep Young Children and Petsa Safe Distance Away. Tell your kids that they’re not to play out in the yard – or even nearby – while you’re cutting the lawn. (Once you start cutting the grass, be prepared to stop the mower and give the same warning to any other children who may approach you.)Also, keep your pets a safe distance away — never let them play nearby while you’re cutting the lawn;
• Refuel Outside of the Garage But Not on the Lawn. After taking your power mower out of the garage, refuel it before heading into your yard. Always refuel when the motor is cool and turned off;
• Wear thick gloves. Be sure the mower is turned off when checking the blade settings and making sure all attachments are ready for use. To be extra careful, go ahead and disconnect or remove the spark plug while handling these tasks so the machine can’t suddenly start up on its own;
• No passengers on riding lawn mowers. It’s just too easy for children or others to fall off a riding mower so just cut the lawn and never, under any circumstances, let others sit behind you on the mower;
• Stop the Motor When Necessary. If you need to unclog the discharge chute, remove the grass catcher or cross over an unsafe area covered by gravel or other loose materials, turn off the motor. Also, be prepared to turn off the mower when crossing over a sidewalk or driveway since it’s too easy to cause a small rock to shoot off like a projectile;
• Wear safety goggles and proper earplugs. Be sure to protect your eyes with the right safety goggles and protect your ears from the loud noise. Some people also prefer to wear a small mask over their nose and mouth;
• Never let children under the age of twelve use a power mower. While kids need to do some chores, never let any of your children use your power mower until they’ve safely demonstrated to you – on numerous occasions – that they can properly maneuver it around your property. Adults should usually be the only ones using rider lawn mowers;
• Never smoke or drink any beverage while cutting the lawn. All of your attention must be kept on cutting the grass. Don’t even think about carrying a cell phone with you while cutting the lawn;
• Push the mower in a stable fashion. Avoid pushing the mower forward too fast or maneuvering it too quickly around objects. If you’re walking behind the mower, keep your feet a safe distance away from it;
• Never cut the grass when it’s getting dark. It’s much too easy to make poor safety choices when you can barely see the grassy area you’re trying to cut;
• Never use an electric mower in the rain or when the grass is wet. Also, be sure to only use a grounded extension cord with an electric mower. Always check the entire cord to be sure that none of it is frayed. Be sure to only mow in a direction away from the cord;
• Make sure to always store the lawn mower in a locked garage closet. Never store a power mower where anyone else can easily gain access to it. Whenever possible, maintain a locked closet area in your garage and store the mower in there. (Note: Never store a power mower or fuel cananywhere near a water heater or other appliance that has an open spark, flame or pilot light.)

If you can keep these safety tips in mind each time you cut the grass, you should be able to prevent most injuries.

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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.

Elizabeth Smith, J.D., M.A., is a freelance writer who has successfully written about general health, safety, legal, medical and business topics for over twenty years. She has also served as the author and co-author of two professional legal texts.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of all Britax B-Nimble Strollers due to possible brake problems. About 20,000 of these strollers were sold in the United States and close to 800 in Canada. In its notice, the CPSC tells consumersto stop using these strollers immediately and reminds everyone that it’s against the law to try and sell recalled products.

Britax has received about seven complaints regarding the brakes on these strollers.  However, no injury reports have been received. When the stroller brakes aren’t properly set or fully engaged they can move, putting children at greater risk for injuries.

Specific Identity of Recalled Strollers

Britax Child Safety, Inc., of Charlotte, North Carolina, imported these strollers. The company says that these Britax B-Nimble umbrella strollers were manufactured in China and sold online and in mass merchandise and juvenile product stores between September 2010 and June 2011. The strollers were sold for approximately two-hundred dollars ($200).

To help consumers quickly identify the recalled strollers, Britax has said that their  manufacturing dates and model numbers are noted on the right (or left) sides of their lower frames/tubes. The specific model numbers being recalled are:  U311771, U311773, U311775 and U311780. The strollers were sold in the following colors: black and white, green, black and silver and red.

Recommended Protective Action for Consumers

All consumers are asked to stop using these B-Nimble strollers at once and to contact Britax directly to request an “improved replacement stroller.” Consumers can reach Britax       toll-free by calling 1-(888) 427-4829, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Alternatively, Britax customers can contacta company agent at the firm’s Web site: www.britaxusa.com. (Canadians seeking more information about these same strollers sold in their country may want to read Health Canada’s press release available online at: http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1352).

Further Warnings for All Consumers

If you believe that you own other Britax children’s products, you may want to conduct additional research on the Health Canada and CPSC databases since the company has had other products recalled during the past two years.

One final warning for all consumers: Be extremely careful when buying any children’s products at professional resell stores since recalled items may not always be promptly removed from their sales floors.

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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.