The Recall Lawyers

Frigidaire Self-Clean Gas Range has been recalled by the manufacturer for inspection and/or repair. According to reports, the bake/broil feature on the oven poses a fire hazard because there can be a delayed ignition. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has received one reported incident. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

The recall involves gas ranges (shown below) have model # LGGF3043KFM and serial numbers within the following range: VF20457216 to VF20457555. Both indentifying numbers are located just below the bottom right portion of the oven door near the base of the range. The recalled ranges were sold at exclusively at Lowe's stores from February 2012 through March 2012.

To avoid injury, consumers should stop using the bake and broil functions immediately. If you have any questions, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Importer Bluestem Brands and distributor Tone World International have issued a recall for approximately 405 recliner chairs. According to reports, the surface paint on the wooden legs of the recliner contains excessive levels of lead in violation of federal lead paint standards.

The fabric on the recalled recliners (shown below) is jacquard in a paisley design. The phrases "Manufactured By Xiamen Xinzhjheng Foam Products Co. and "Made in China" are printed on a label located on the underside of the recliner chair. The chairs were sold in fingerhut catalogs, fingerhut.com and gettington.com from July 2011 through January 2012.

If you have any questions, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Flushmate has issued a recall for its Flushmate III Pressure Assisted Flushing System because the units pose impact and laceration hazards. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the units can burst near the vessel weld seam releasing stored pressure. This pressure can shatter the tank and lift the tank lid, posing laceration or impact hazards to consumers.

The recall is for Series 503 Flushmate III systems installed inside toilet tanks. The systems were sold nationwide at Home Depot and Lowe's stores and toilet manufacturers for about $108.00. To avoid injury, consumers should turn off the water supply to the recalled unit and stop using the system. For more information, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued recalls related to light fixtures for two firms: Bel Air Lighting, Inc., based in California, and Thomas Lighting, based in Illinois.

CPSC and the companies announced a voluntary recall June 19th. Bel Air's recall includes its outdoor wall mount lanterns (shown below), which have typically been sold at Lowes nationwide. According to the recall announcement, these products may suffer an electrical short circuit in the internal wiring, posing a risk of fire, burn or electric shock to consumers. Nearly 100,000 products are involved in the recall. Bel Air has received reports of seven incidents, including two of lantern's catching fire. No injuries have yet been reported.

Thomas Lighting has also recalled 28 models of its ceiling flush-mounted light fixtures (one recalled model shown below), made between June 1, 2010 and November 25, 2010. All recalled fixtures have a diameter from 7.5" to 13", a round base or canopy affixed to the ceiling, a dome-shaped cover. They may have metal or clear or frosted glass finished and may contain one to three light bulbs. They were sold by electrical distributors and lighting wholesalers nationwide from July 2010 until July 2011. Customers are encouraged to contact Thomas Lighting at (800) 764-0756 if they believe they may have a recalled product. The report does not recommend investigation by the customer.

According to the recall, the light fixture's socket wire insulation may degrade, leading to charged wires becoming exposed and causing electricity to pass to the metal canopy of the fixture. This may post a fire and electric shock risk to consumers. Close to 85,000 products are subject to the recall. So far, the company has received 11 reports concerning these products, which resulted in the home's Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) tripping. No injuries have yet been reported.

Consumers of either company's recalled products are stop using these products and to turn any lights off connected to these products immediately.

The defective products lawyers at JONES WARD are dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date product recall information available. And we have the tools necessary to litigate defective product cases. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective or recalled product, contact us immediately. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.882.6000 or layne@jonesward.com.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is upgrading its investigation into Chevrolet Trailblazer SUVs (shown below) due to an increasing number of reports of electrical fires starting in driver doors. According to the NHTSA, 28 door fires have been reported, thus far.

The problem, investigator say, relates to the driver's side power master switch. NHTSA has reported that claims have been made that the fires occurred when the vehicle was turned off and unattended. So far the investigation will cover over 340,000 vehicles.

Investigators say they will evaluate Trailblazers with the same production dates and models as the affected vehicles. They will also look at similar General Motors Co. vehicles, including the GMC Envoy. GM has promised to look into its Trailblazers, Envoys, Buick Rainers, Saab 9-7x and Isuzu Ascenders.

GM informed NHTSA that it has received 167 reports and nearly 700 warranty claims alleging the driver's door module melted and burned. NHTSA has received 83 similar complaints that the driver's door module melted and burned or that the window switches acted erratically or stopped operating.

GM has alleged the primary issue may be the window switches, and that these problems could be due to a short circuit. GM further told NHTSA that because of a possible short circuit, the plastic switch covers could heat and melt, and that in "exceptionally rare circumstances", this could cause the plastic to ignite and become a fire.

For now, no recall has been issued. As more news is reported regarding these vehicles, we will be sure to update our blog.

The auto recall lawyers at JONES WARD handle all types of vehicle and product recall cases. And we pay attention to newly issued recalls and investigations. Should you or a loved one suffer an injury, be sure to give us a call. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.882.6000 or layne@jonesward.com.

The Food and Drug Administration announced this week that oysters, clams, mussels and some types of scallops imported from Korea may be contaminated with norovirus--a virus that can cause stomach pains, nausea, and diarrhea. The products may have been exposed to human fecal matter. The FDA recently discovered that problems with Korean sanitation have caused the potential for this contamination.

The FDA is working with Korean officials to bring Korean imports up to the proper standard. It is said that Korean imports only make up a small part of the US seafood market.

Norovirus is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened or compromised immune system.

Continue reading "Imported Korean seafood said to be contaminated" »

Honda Motor Co. has announced a recall of its popular 2012 Civic. The recall is due to a defect in the vehicle's drive shaft. The defect may cause the drive shaft to completely detach from the body of the vehicle. If this happens, the vehicle could suffer a sudden loss of power or it could roll away when parked. The defect is said to be the result of a flaw in the manufacturing process.

This recall effects 50,190 vehicles currently on roads in the U.S. Consumers who own the 2012 Honda Civic are encouraged to contact their dealer immediately in order to have the vehicle inspected and repaired if necessary.

The attorneys of Jones Ward PLC represent dozens of individuals who have been injured by defective vehicles. Any collisions involving a 2012 Civic should be investigated to determine if this drive shaft defect was a cause.

Continue reading "Honda Civic Recalled for Drive Shaft defect" »

Last Tuesday, Senate chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) urged rental car companies to repair vehicles that are the subject of recalls before renting or reselling them. She also encouraged customers to reject from using those companies until they make the effort to do so. Sen. Boxer chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

According to reports, the major rental car company Hertz has already pledged to do so earlier this year. Other major rental car companies, including Enterprise, Avis and Dollar Thrifty have not yet made the commitment.

Sen. Boxer was joined by Cally Houck, whose two daughters Raechel and Jacqueline died in 2004 while driving a PT Cruiser rented from Enterprise that was under recall. The Cruiser lost control and collided with a semi-tractor trailer. Enterprise is estimated to operate more than half the rental car market in the U.S.

Although rental car companies have informed authorities that they do no rent vehicles subject to recalls before they are repaired, investigators have found otherwise. And many of these vehicles end up being sold without the necessary repairs. Enterprise allegedly informs dealers or auctions when they sell their damaged vehicles when a recall hasn't been remedied.

Other companies report making all necessary repairs before selling their vehicles, including Dollar Thrifty, which has an estimate 7% share of the market.

But Sen. Boxer and others are not so easily convinced. She is currently drafting legislation with a New York Senator, Charles Schumer, to require rental car companies to repair their vehicles before selling or renting them.

The proposed legislation furthers important safety public goals. Every car renter expects their rented vehicles to be as safe as possible. And not repairing recalls puts customers at serious danger. This pressure by Sen. Boxer and others provides accountability for those companies who we trust to provide us with safe rental services.

As the auto recall lawyers at JONES WARD know, recalls are serious. The consequences from not repairing a recall are often severe and can be fatal. If you or a loved one has been injured, please give us a call. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.882.6000 or layne@jonesward.com.

Chrysler has recently added nearly 140,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs (shown below) to a March safety recall, involving rear suspension of the vehicles. With the addition, the total number vehicles included in the recall is nearly 350,000.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vehicles' lower-control arms in the rear suspension can rust and break, leading to an increased risk of a crash. Although the manufacturer states they have not received any reports of crashes or injuries from the problem, the increased recall is meant to promote safety of these vehicles.

The recall includes Jeep Liberty SUVs in states where salt is used on roads and highways to melt ice and snow during the winter season. These states include: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington D.C.

The March recall included close to 200,000 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty SUVs. The recent addition has expanded to include Libertys from 2006 and 2007. According to the manufacturer, it will inspect and replace the recalled parts for free. NHTSA reports that Chrysler has indicated since April 2012, it has received eight reports of the problem, all in the above-mentioned states that use salt to remove ice and snow.

The recall lawyers at JONES WARD are dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date recall information as it gets reported. We handle all variety of defective products and personal injury claims to meet our clients' needs. If your or a loved one has been injured by a recalled automobile, a defective product or otherwise, please give us a call. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.882.6000 or layne@jonesward.com.

A newly released study reports that popular prescription drugs to treat Type-2 diabetes may increase the risk of vision problems, including blindness. The study investigated thiazolidinediones, which includes the well-known drugs Actos (shown below) and Avandia.

The study, one of the largest of its kind, found that although these drugs may protect against the complications of Type-2 diabetes, they may also increase the risk of macular edema, or swelling in the central part of the retina, which can lead to blindness in one or both eyes.

These findings are not the only adverse effects associated with these popular diabetes medications: we recently reported Actos' link to bladder cancer and Avandia's link to heart problems has been known for several years. You can read those posts here and here.

The recent study, published in The Archives of Internal Medicine, looked at over 100,000 patients suffering from Type-2 diabetes. The study followed the subject for nearly a decade. Particularly concerning, the study found that a patient using Actos or Avandia were at a two to three times higher risk of developing macular edema. About 1.3% of the drugs' users developed diabetic macular edema, compared to 0.2% of those patients not on the drugs. Unfortunately, combining the drugs with traditional diabetes treatments, including insulin, appeared to increase the risk further.

The FDA and the study's principal author are now encouraging Actos and Avandia users to have their vision checked regularly, more so than the annual check-up most of us follow. Fortunately, it appears right now that there may be some ways to decrease your chance of diabetic macular edema while on these drugs. Patients who took ACE inhibitors seemed less at risk; and lowering blood pressure levels and keeping glucose levels in check were ways to reduce the risk as well.

Although the study found there was no way to absolutely know why these drugs might cause retina damage, according to scientists, the problem may be correlated with greater sodium and fluid retention or changes in blood vessels.

The defective drug lawyers at JONES WARD PLC are dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date prescription drug information as it comes out. Our nationwide pharmaceutical practice aims to help those who have been injured by dangerous drugs and medical devices. If you or a loved on has been injured by a defective drug, please give us a call. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.882.6000 or layne@jonesward.com.

Most people believe spray tanning is a safe alternative to harmful UV rays caused by the sun or traditional tanning. However, recent studies reveal that spray tans contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which has been shown in scientific studies to cause genetic mutation to cells. No studies have been conducted on humans yet, but medical professionals warn that DHA has been linked to cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), currently has approved DHA for external use only, meaning it is not approved for ingestion or inhalation. The FDA also found it should not be applied to a person's lips or eye region. DHA is approved for use in tanning lotion.

The recent problem that has raised concern involves spray tanning, when the material containing DHA is sprayed all over the body. This method is advertised as providing a more even and natural looking tan. When the material containing is sprayed on the body, however, there is a greater chance of ingestion and/or inhalation. And the FDA has not investigated the safety of DHA used in spray tanning booths. In fact, according to reports, tanning booths that offer "all over" spray tans are not FDA approved at all.

The link between DHA and cancer, although not conclusive, has raised eyebrows in the medical community. DHA, some doctors say, is particularly unsafe when inhaled, and many are concerned about its potential to cause lung cancer. When inhaled, DHA may enter the lungs and be absorbed through the bloodstream, causing extensive damage to DNA and increasing the risk of tumors.

The FDA recommends spray tan recipients to be sure to cover all mucous membranes, such as their mouth, nose and eyes. A recent ABC investigation revealed that most businesses offering spray tans do not offer their customers any protection in this regard. As a result of the investigation, spray-tanning facilities have promised to step up employee training to comply with the FDA recommendations.

What is particularly concerning to the dangerous products lawyers at JONES WARD is the potential for DHA and similar substances to cause this and like injuries to young women, who are the targeted demographic for spray tans and other similar services. And the fact that spray tan providers may be uneducated of their own products and may not be supplying their customers with protective safety gear makes this even worse. As more information is uncovered, the products liability lawyers at JONES WARD will be sure to update you.

The attorneys at JONES WARD are experienced in these types of cases. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a spray tan product, or other dangerous product, please give us a call. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.662.8000 or layne@jonesward.com.

Kolcraft has issued a recall of its Contours Options three- and four-wheeled strollers because the mechanism used to adjust the handlebars poses a risk of fingertip laceration and amputation. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a child or adult's finger can become caught in the opening formed when locking or unlocking the hinge mechanism used to adjust the handlebars. The hinge can lacerate and even amputate a finger if caught in this opening.

Kolcraft and the CPSC have received five reports of injuries. Two of these reports involved adults whose fingers were either lacerated or smashed because of the hinge mechanism. Tragically, the other three reports involved children whose fingertips were amputated.

Consumers can identify the recalled strollers (shown below) by model number, which can be found on either a label sewn into the seat pad or a sticker above the left wheel. Contour Options strollers included in this recall have model numbers stating with: ZL002, ZL005, ZL008, ZL015 and ZL018. To avoid possible injury, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers.

Companies such as Kolcraft should take the safety and the protection of its customers and consumers very seriously. A company's duty to the public requires it to take immediate action upon being informed of a potential defect with its product. To properly carry out this duty, a company should have systems in place, which allow it to trace and account for all potentially affected products and then quarantine or destroy any remaining inventory.

The attorneys of Jones Ward PLC represent hundreds of persons all across the country who have been injured by defective products, prescription drugs and medical devices. If you have any questions about any type of defective or recalled product, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recently taken two dietary supplements manufactured by USP Labs, LLC off the market due to a finding that the supplements contain an ingredient that increases the risk of heart problems, among other things.

The two products at issue are Oxy Elite Pro and Jack3D. These products are marketed as dietary supplements meant to enhance workouts. According to the agency's April 24th warning letter to the company, the products' labeling declares dimethlyamylamine (DMAA) a dietary ingredient of both products. The FDA, however, says even if this is true, DMAA is a new dietary ingredient subject to the agency's notification requirements.

DMAA is thought to be a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Studies indicate it increases vascular resistance, blood pressure, and myocardial work. It is also believed to provide a euphoric feeling. According to the FDA's warning letter, "dimethlyamylamine narrows the blood vessels and arteries, which increases cardiovascular resistance and frequently leads to elevated blood pressure. This rise in blood pressure may increase the work of the heart such that is could precipitate a cardiovascular event, which could range from shortness of breath to tightening of the chest and/or a possible myocardial infarction (heart attack)."

The FDA further concludes that there is no evidence that would show the products were lawfully marketed, because the product manufacturer failed to comply with FDA notification requirements. Importantly, the FDA notes that even if the products did comply with the required notification procedures, there is no product history or safety evidence "establishing that dimethlyamylamine, when used under the conditions recommended or suggested in the labeling of [these] products, will reasonably be expected to be safe..." Oxy Elite Pro and Jack3D have been declared adulterated because they contain a new dietary ingredient "for which there is inadequate information to provide reasonable assurance that such ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury."

If the manufacturers do not take corrective action within the time limits imposed by the agency, they may be subject to seizure and other penalties. As more information surfaces, we will be sure to update you.

The defective drug and product lawyers at JONES WARD PLC are currently investigating these products and the severe dangers they pose. Our nationwide practice handles a variety of pharmaceutical and defective product cases. If you or a loved on has been injured, please give us a call. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.882.6000 or layne@jonesward.com.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported it has received 415 consumer complaints concerning Saturn Outlooks (shown below) and GMC Acadias. The complaints allege headlight failure.

The agency has not issued a formal recall, but has been asked to conduct a formal investigation. According to the NHTSA website, the request has been made based on an owner's complaint that the wiring harness inside the headlamp of his 2008 Saturn Outlook overheated and melted. The complaints cover Saturn Outlooks and 2007-2009 GMC Acadias (shown below).

The 415 complaints were reported to the agency between April 2008 and May. GM began a program in December to provide free replacements and reimbursements to customers who have already made repairs in their vehicles due to overheating headlamp bulbs. GM reports that more than 60% of 343,000 vehicles covered under the program have been repaired. Owners of the vehicles at issue have until December 21, 2012 to obtain the service.

In the meantime, GM reports that there are no confirmed crashes, injuries, or fires related to the headlamp issue. NHTSA says it will review the matter accordingly. If evidence accumulates, it will conduct a safety defect investigation.

The lawyers at JONES WARD PLC have the tools and commitment to handle a variety of personal injury and defective product cases, including motor vehicle accidents and motor vehicle recalls. If you or a loved on has been injured, please give us a call. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.882.6000 or layne@jonesward.com.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recently proposed guidelines to make it easier for Americans to obtain high-risk drugs without ever seeing a doctor. According to the four-page proposal, the FDA suggests that certain types of prescriptions drugs be made available over the counter.

Included in the proposal are cholesterol, or statins, diabetes, and asthma drugs, among others. The reason, according to the FDA, is that too many patients are not getting their prescriptions filled. Also, many potential patients are not going to see doctors to receive treatments allegedly needed.

The new proposal has received criticism that the drug companies are behind it. According to the criticisms, the drug industry is losing profits due to heightened regulation and an alleged lack of patient participation in the medical arena. Reports have arisen alleging the FDA is working with big pharmaceutical companies to support the proposal.

However, others in the medical community are alarmed at the proposal. According to these reports, the FDA has not backed up its new suggestions with medical evidence, to show that patients are able to self-diagnose and manage these medical conditions on their own and without going through a doctor. The FDA supports the proposals as removing unnecessary obstacles that prevent Americans from managing their own healthcare.

The FDA found that an estimated 20% of prescriptions in America go unfilled. The cost and time it takes to go to a doctor, says the FDA, may be a big factor in this statistic.

Part of the issue lies with the fact that, as the defective drug lawyers at JONES WARD PLC know, big pharmaceutical companies often push profit over safety, so anything they suggest in the drug regulatory regime is likely going to be for their financial benefit. As the gatekeeper of prescription drugs, it is the FDA's role to keep the drug companies in check, and to prevent profits over safety from becoming the defining policy of the drug industry. If the FDA and big pharma are truly working together for a common goal to decrease drug oversight, this blurs the line between regulator and the regulated.

Whether you are on either side of the issue, it will be a while before the proposals get approved or denied, it is still in its formative stage. The FDA is currently requesting comments on the issue.

The defective drug lawyers at JONES WARD PLC are dedicated to brining you the most up-to-date prescription drug information as it comes out. Our nationwide pharmaceutical practice aims to help those who have been injured by dangerous drugs and medical devices. If you or a loved on has been injured by a defective drug, please give us a call. For more information, contact attorney A. Layne Stackhouse at 502.882.6000 or layne@jonesward.com.