San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer - Defective Products

Cribs are not the only dangerous product- Cords on window blinds can choke or strangle a child

Claude Wyle — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:38:54 GMT

I wrote last week about the recall of Stork Craft cribs. That recall was prompted by the four infant deaths from suffocation caused by a badly designed product—the drop side crib. While I applaud the media attention given to these infant deaths from defective products, I want to make sure that everyone is aware that there are many additional dangerous products.

For example, in November of this year, a 2-year-old Maryland boy, Thapelo Kwofie, was strangled after his head became entangled in window cords.

In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about one child dies each month from strangling in cords from blinds or shades. Manufacturers of defective blinds have recalled 5 million window treatments – which the agency lists among the top five "hidden dangers" in the home – in just the past few months.

For the first time, the safety commission now recommends using only cordless window treatments in any home where there is a danger of death of a child by such an accident, including where children live or visit, such as a grandparent's house or day care center.

As defective product attorneys, we join Parents for Window Blind Safety in urging you to inspect all the window blinds in your home. Even many blinds that were considered safe in recent years have been found to be dangerous.

How to make window treatments safer

1. Install only cordless window treatments in all homes where children live or visit, especially in children's bedrooms.

2. Move all cribs, beds and furniture away from windows.

3. If not using cordless shades, cut the ends of pull cords, so that the loop can't form a noose.

4. Don't allow cords to dangle. Wrap cords around a hook that's high off the floor out of a child's reach.

5. If using Roman shades with hidden strings on the back side, raise the shades high enough so children can't reach them.

Free safety kits to retrofit window blinds are available at windowcoverings.org.

Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission, Window Coverings Safety Council

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

More Top Tips For Avoiding Dangerous Toys

Claude Wyle — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:34:13 GMT

To choose appropriate safe toys for children, be a label reader. Look out for the toy labels that give you age and safety recommendations and then use that information as your guide. But, don't rely 100% on the labels. Inspect the toys yourself. Choose toys appropriate for the age, abilities, skills and interest level of your child. Pick toys with sturdy construction, such as well-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts, and avoid toys with lots of little accessories or items that may be swallowed or aspirated. These are dangerous toys for little children. This next tip is key, as we see mistakes here turn tragic too often.

Keep the toys which are appropriate for older children away from younger siblings or neighbors.
For any and all children, especially those under age 8, avoid toys with sharp edges or points, or that stiff plastic wrapping that can cut. Once the gifts are open, do not delay throwing out plastic wrappings before they become potentially hazardous play things.
Next, please understand that projectile toys such as darts and sling shots, or air rockets, are only for older children, and that failure to take proper precautions improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
Next, when charging batteries, children should be supervised by adults. Either chargers or adapters can present burn hazards to children. It is a good idea to pay attention to all instructions and warnings on battery chargers.
And, after you have paid careful attention to just what toys are safe to buy, then you should remember to supervise your children closely.
To see further detail and to subscribe to emails from CPSC's web site, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08086.html

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

Avoiding Dangerous Toys; Top Tips For This Year

Claude Wyle — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:09:45 GMT

This year, 61 different toys, involving more than 25 million product units, were recalled by the CPSC. While, currently, toys are undergoing more inspection and more intense scrutiny than ever before, it pays to be a smart and safe shopper. The following are some of the top toy safety tips for this Holiday Shopping Season.
First, you should know that the leading causes of toy related deaths are choking and aspiration, or breathing in of toy parts. We keep saying it. Avoid toys with small parts for children younger than age three, which can cause choking or aspiration. Next,

Next, Avoid Toys With Magnets For Children Younger Than Six Years Old. The magnets in toys these days are very strong and can cling together inside a child if they are swallowed. This may lead to serious injuries, surgeries, or death, if the magnets come loose and a child swallows the magnets. You should avoid building sets with small magnets, and keep an eye out for recalls involving toys with magnets.
Next, for Riding Toys, such as skateboards, in-line skates, and Razor type scooters. They go fast. They don't steer, or stop well. They should not be used on steep grades. They wobble when you go just a bit too fast. Children go fast, and falls can be deadly. Always (even in the driveway) Always use proper helmets and pads and other safety gear, and make sure that helmets and safety gear are sized to fit. Please visit our toy safety attorney blog tomorrow for more important information about how to avoid dangerous toys.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

Toy Safety -The ABCs of Toy Safety (Awareness Benefits Consumers)

Claude Wyle — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:11:45 GMT

A is for Awareness. What toys pose the greatest risk? See future entries for more details about dangerous toys. B is for Benefits of; the Consumer Product Safety Commission which is increasing its inspections, and the removal of dangerous toys and defective products from the market. Because of increased scrutiny, more companies are testing their products and reporting possible safety issues before recalls. And finally C is for Consumers. Consumers can and should stay informed and be aware of dangerous product recalls by signing up for direct e-mails about recalls at www.cpsc.gov.
Remember the key to a Happy Holiday Season. (A) awareness, and knowing the (B) benefits, for (C) consumers.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

"Cars" Backpacks Sold At Target Recalled Because of Dangerous Magnets

Claude Wyle — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:08:58 GMT

This last Tuesday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 110,000 children's backpacks because they contain potentially dangerous small magnets. Safety officials said that the movie "Cars" themed backpacks contain game pieces with tiny plastic magnets that can break free, and which might be ingested by children. The potentially dangerous children's backpacks were sold at Target stores from February to September, 2007. Remember, if children swallow these tiny magnets, they may stick together inside their bodies and require surgical intervention to remove them. If you bought one of these backpacks for your child, please beware of the potential danger of this product, and consider returning the backpack to Target or wherever you bought it.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

Cribs Recalled After Two Infant Deaths

Claude Wyle — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:25:27 GMT

Simplicity for Children has just issued their fourth recall in two years. The cribs, manufactured in China, are marketed under the Graco brand name. Simplicity recalled the product after two infants died because the drop-rail sides of their cribs were installed upside down. Both infants became trapped in the drop-rail, and suffocated to death..

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

Mattel Accepts Part of the Blame for Dangerous Recalled Toys

Claude Wyle — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:48:44 GMT

In a rare move, Mattel apologized to China and to its customers for its part in the recall of 21 million dangerous and defective toys. Mattel uses Chinese manufacturers to make about 65% of its toys, and derives a huge percentage of its profits from Chinese made toys. Mattel admitted that a substantial portion of the recalled toys were recalled not from Chinese manufacturing defects, but from Mattel's own design flaws, and that they had actually recalled too many toys. I wonder if Mattel will be so ready to accept responsibility for these dangerous toys that are full of lead paint when the injured children seek accountability for their personal injuries?

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

Quong Hop & Co. Recalls Tofu Due to Potential Contamination

Jenny Albano — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 22:19:41 GMT

Quong Hop & Co., in conjunction with the FDA, is recalling all the Soy Deli brand tofu that has a code date of December 17, 2007 and is also recalling some kinds of Soy Deli and Quong Hop tofu with a code date of September 23, 2007.

The other kinds of tofu being recalled includes a 30 ounce Soy Deli Nigari Tofu, a 12 ounce Soy Deli Water Pack Tofu, and the 16 ounce Quong Hop Water Pack Tofu.

These products are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as high fever, sever headache, stiffness, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection in severe cases can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women. Consumers experiencing any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

These products are sold in the Midwest and in the West Coast in supermarkets or natural food stores. The date code is printed on the front label and is printed in blue ink on the affected products. So far the company has not received any reports of illness from consumers.

The problem was found by the Washington State Department of Agriculture's Food and Safety Program during a routine test. Listeria monocytogenes was found in one 12 ounce pack of Soy Deli Firm Organic Nigari Tofu and the company is recalling all products produced in the same time period as a precaution.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Dole Announces New E.Coli-Related Salad Recall

Claude Wyle — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:06:47 GMT

Dole Food Co. announced yet another recall, this time of "Dole Hearts Delight" bagged salads in the United States and Canada Monday, after finding that the salads may contain E. coli. Although, according to Dole, no one has been reported sick from eating the salads, some salad in Canada has been found to contain E. Coli which will cause severe food poisoning. The recall covers bagged salads with best used by Sept. 19 labels.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

Crocs Shoes And Escalator Accidents

Claude Wyle — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:30:05 GMT

Crocs shoes, those popular plastic clogs with the soft soles that children love to wear, have been linked to accidents worldwide that involve the shoes becoming caught in escalators. Mostly small children are suffering toe and foot injuries in San Francisco and throughout the world. Officials at air and train terminals and malls have begun posting warnings to passengers about wearing the shoes on their moving stairways. Toes are getting caught in escalators because of these dangerous products. According to reports appearing across the U.S. and as far away as Singapore and Japan, foot entrapments occur because of the flexibility and grip of the Crocs shoes, which may be causing them to get caught in the "teeth" at the bottom or top of the escalator, or between the steps and the side of the escalator. Is your child wearing Crocs? Be extra careful when they step onto of off of an escalator. Or, better yet, hide them or throw them away, if they are dangerous.

For more information on this subject matter please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle