Flour Recall Could Cause Consumer Injury

2013 is certainly beginning to shape up as the year when food safety has come into focus.  With so much intense scrutiny on the products we ingest and the resulting injuries, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seemingly increased its efforts to protect people.  Recently, the FDA has recalled a limited number of flour because of the presence of foreign objects in the flour bags.  

Limited lots of King Arthur Flour reportedly contain small blue polyurethane balls used in the sifting process.  These balls could potentially contaminate the flour and could provide a choking hazard.  While the company says these balls are easily viewed in the flour, they have been recalled as a precautionary measure to prevent consumer injury. 

Danger to Consumers

When food or food products are tainted with foreign objects, consumers are at significant risk for injury.  This could range from a variety of conditions, including:

• nausea, vomiting
• heart attack, stroke
• blood clots
• bacteria infection
• internal organ damage
• death

Depending upon how our food or food products are tainted, there could be a variety of illnesses or injuries that consumers could experience.  If you have ingested tainted food, you should seek immediate medical help.  You should also contact a skilled product liability attorney to help you obtain the relief you need.

Feds Charge Peanut Corp Execs for Deadly Salmonella Outbreak

If you've been scanning the news today, then you've likely seen that federal prosecutors have indicted key people in a now disbanded peanut processing corporation.  If you recall in 2009, over 700 people in 46 states were injured with salmonella from peanuts.  9 of those people later died.  It was the biggest food recall due to salmonella concerns in the history of the US.  

Today, federal prosecutors are alleging that key executives had knowledge that these peanuts were tainted with salmonella and released them anyways, endangering the lives of their customers.  This serious allegation includes charges of fraud and conspiracy. If federal prosecutors are successful in their case, executives of the former Peanut Corp of America will face jail time.  Of the 5 executives charged, one has already pled guilty.  The rest await trial.

The Danger for Consumer Injury

If the executives of Peanut Corp America knowingly released salmonella infected peanuts into the food supply, as the US Justice Dept claims, then there was a high potential for consumer injury. When people eat products tainted with salmonella, they become infected with the bacteria and are at great risk for the following injuries:

• nausea, vomiting
• dehydration
• organ damage
• liver damage
• joint pains
• painful urination
• chronic carthritis
• death

Salmonella poisoning can sound like no big deal, but knowingly infecting people with salmonella tainted products means the executives knowingly risked people's health and even death.  Salmonella may sound harmless, but it can be deadly. 

If you have become ill or have lost a loved one due to salmonella tainted products, you should contact a skilled product liability attorney today.  Protect your rights and consult a skilled product liability attorney to determine whether or not you can be compensated for these injuries.

Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled Amid Listeria Bacteria Fears

If you're like many people in America, your New Year's resolution likely focused upon getting healthier or losing weight.  If you've changed your eating habits to include more fresh greens, you may be surprised to learn that recently, a manufacturer of alfalfa sprouts, named Life Force, has recalled nearly a ton of their products.  

Following a "surveillance sampling" of their products, Life Force found that some of its products may be contaminated with Listeria, and volunteered to recall approximately 1,953 pounds of its alfalfa sprouts products in order to prevent injury to consumers.  These alfalfa sprouts, due to expire between January 26 and 31 were sold through Life Force's retail chain between January 10 and 18. The FDA recommends returning the items for a refund or throwing the products away. 

The Danger of Injury to Consumers

Typically, the Listeria bacteria invades human bodies through the gastrointestinal tract.  Consumed as a part of food infected with Listeria bacteria, this can cause humans to become extremely ill and could carry a high potential for death in people with weak immune systems such as children, the elderly, and even those who have had their immune systems compromised due to disease.

Once infected, people can become extremely ill with the following symptoms:

• vomiting, nausea
• fever
• dehydration 
• vision problems
• circulation problems
• death

If you have been injured consuming tainted products such as these alfalfa sprouts, please seek immediate medical attention. You might also want to consult a skilled product liability attorney to gain compensation for your injuries if you are eligible.

Bugaboo International Recalls Over 50,000 Strollers Due to Fears of Child Injury

High end strollers have been very popular among parents these days.  But according to a recent stroller recall notice, apparently they can be extremely dangerous in some situations. According to the recall notice from Bugaboo International, there's a button that can dislodge on their donkey and cameleon strollers, causing the handle to detach and risk injury to the child.

Over 50,000 of these strollers have been recalled, mostly in the United States.  Approximately 46,300 strollers in the United States are being recalled and another 4,440 are being recalled in Canada.  Out of the recalled lot, approximately 58 parents have reported the issue, causing concern for injury to children in the stroller. Both of the recalled strollers were sold between 2009 and 2012, so newer versions of these strollers are not included in the recall. 

The Risk of Injury with Defective Strollers

If a stroller is defective or faulty, children are at great risk for injury.  Without control of the device, parents could potentially watch their child injured in many ways, including:

• falling
• choking
• slamming into something
• breaking bones
• heavy items falling on them

The possibilities are nearly endless because of the many  situations that could arise when a stroller's handle detaches.  What is clear is that parents could potentially lose control of the device and children may be injured.  

If Your Child Has Been Injured

If your child has suffered an injury due to a defective stroller, you could be entitled to compensation for those injuries.  You should not be forced to suffer because a product does not perform within its safety guidelines. If your child is injured, call a skilled product liability attorney today to discuss your rights.

Fisher Price Recalls 800K Infant Sleepers Fearing Mold May Cause Infants Injury

As a parent, there are a variety of items that seem like life savers when your child is being fussy or difficult.  One such item is the Fisher- Price Newborn Rock N' Play Sleeper, which many parents describe as the only thing that helped them get their child to sleep.  Those days of blissfully sleeping through the night may be a distant memory for parents because today the Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled the item, warning parents to inspect the estimated 800,000 sleepers sold since September 2009. 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Fisher- Price Newborn Rock N' Play Sleeper carried risk of mold exposure for infants.  Between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame, mold could grow and flourish.  Fisher- Price reports that they have received 600 reports of mold.  Additionally, 16 infants had been treated for respiratory reactions. Could mold cause severe injury for your child? 

The Dangers of Mold Exposure 

Mold sounds pretty harmless, but it can be extremely dangerous to people when they've been exposed to it over time.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people exposed to mold could experience the following reactions and injuries:

• shortness of breath
• lung infections
• hives, skin rashes
• memory problems
• headaches, migraines
• swollen glands in your neck
• open sores on your skin
• hair loss
• asthma and other breathing disorders
• ear infections
• fatigue
• nausea, vomiting

These are common injuries that adults experience. Now picture your infant being exposed to mold over prolonged periods of time.  This could be extremely serious for a child who has not yet developed an immune system capable of fighting the ill effects of mold exposure. Could you live with injuring your child on a constant basis?

If Your Child Has Been Injured

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is taking steps jointly with Fisher- Price to warn parents that they could be exposing their child to mold.  They are asking parents to inspect their sleepers to guard against injury.  However, if your child has suffered severe injuries you suspect are the result of exposure to mold in this product, you may want to seek out the advice of a skilled product liability attorney.  By contacting a skilled product liability attorney, you can find out whether your child's injuries may qualify you for compensation.  Call a skilled product liability attorney today to discuss your case and how to help restore your child's good health. 

Honda Announces Major Recall of US Vehicles

The folks over at Honda have been busy. Last October, they issued a massive recall of over half a million Honda Accords due to concerns over fire risks in engines.  Now, Honda has announced another massive recall wherein they plan to recall over 871,000 vehicles for a potential parking security defect.  According to Honda, there's a potential that when people place the car in park, it may still roll away.

To Honda's credit, they have responded with quick recalls after only 2 minor reports of injuries associated with these potential car defects.  But does this kind of response indicate prior knowledge of the problems?  Or is it indicative of a car company who is consumer focused despite what will be a hefty price tag for the car maker? 

Recall Details- Affected Vehicles

Honda is recalling nearly a million cars world wide.  This includes:

• 347,244 Honda Odysseys
• 276,850 Honda Passports (years 2003-2004)
• 247,179 Acura MDX's (years 2003-2006)

According to the car maker, 807,000 of these vehicles are located in the United States and the rest are located in Canada.  Car owners are encouraged to call their dealership for more information about the recall and to see if their vehicle is included in the recall list. 

Based upon the car maker's investigation, this issue could be potentially serious.  Honda released information which stated when the car's transmission wasn't in park, the interlock device could become worn enough where the key could be removed. Therefore, if the transmission was not parked and the driver had not put up the parking break, the vehicle could potentially roll into the street and cause a car crash. 

If You've Been Injured and Need Legal Info

In a country with strict product liability laws, these recalls seem prudent.  In the United States, our product liability laws allow for unlimited liability damages whereas many Asian countries like China and Japan have strict liability laws limiting the amount of compensation an injured victim may receive.

If you've been injured by this potential defect, call a skilled personal injury and product liability attorney.  An experienced lawyer can help you to determine whether or not you have a case and what you might be able to expect from your lawsuit.  

Congressmen Demand FDA Protect Consumers from Brazilian Blowout Allegedly Toxic Formula

If you were wondering what happened to the controversial Brazilian Blowout, you may not have to wonder for much longer.  A few years ago, reports began to circulate that stated consumers had been experiencing adverse reactions from their Brazilian Blowout treatment.  Many stylists had come forward, claiming they refused to use the product because of toxic chemicals, and the press ran many stories about the dangers associated with the Brazilian Blowout treatment.  A costly lawsuit seemed to drive the point home that this product was allegedly toxic. 

Now Congressional members have added their complaints to the mix.  Fox News reports that 3 members of Congress- Edward Markey (D- Mass.), Jan Schakowsky (D- Ill.), and Earl Blumenauer (D- Ore.) have written a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) admonishing the agency that they should do more to protect consumers.

The Dangers of Brazilian Blowout Treatments

Brazilian Blowouts are popular hair treatments intended to straighten and smooth frizzy hair.  The product is made by GIB LLC.  Consumer complaints have steadily risen over the years, including many consumer calls for the manufacturer to voluntarily recall the product.  Last year, the FDA sent a letter to the manufacturer, warning that their products were "misbranded" and contained potentially dangerous levels of formaldehyde (which is widely known as a chemical used in funeral homes) despite labels stating the product was formaldehyde- free.  However, there has been no follow up action.

In California, GIB LLC was found guilty of violating Prop 65, which required labels to warn consumers of carcinogens in the product.  This cost the company $600,000 in fees, penalties, and costs. 

These Congressional members believe hairstylists are at risk working with these dangerous chemicals as well as patrons who are at risk being treated with these chemicals. Rep. Markey stated to the media, " The FDA should immediately take action to stop the sale of these potentially carcinogenic hair straightening products, and continue to evaluate whether to ban formaldehyde from hair straighteners altogether."

Should these concerns escalate to a ban of the product, the United States would be joining Canada, Ireland, and Australia, who have already banned these products for allegedly dangerous chemicals. 

Have You Been Hurt

Many patrons have experienced a variety of injuries and strange occurrences after receiving a Brazilian blowout.  This includes:

• losing all their hair
• scalp damage
• skin damage
• asthma attacks
• esophageal damage
• nose bleeds
• eyes burning
• nasopharyngeal cancer
• leukemia

Hair stylists remain at the greatest risk because they are performing the treatment multiple times per day.  When the formaldehyde is heated, a toxic gas is being released into the air, which the hair stylist or technician is likely breathing multiple times per day.

If you have been hurt by your Brazilian Blowout treatment, or if you have been injured administering this treatment, you may be entitled to compensation.  Call a skilled product liability attorney today to help you get the justice you deserve.  

FDA Recalls Peanut Butter Products and Suspends Plant Operations

Food recalls are big news these days, especially when the recall involves a popular product.  A couple of months ago, people in 20 different states had fallen ill with salmonella that they thought was caused by consuming peanut butter.  After an investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended operations at the Sunland Inc. peanut butter factory in New Mexico. 

Using its recently expanded authority to suspend production and prohibit food distribution, the FDA has mandated recalls of Sunland Inc's allegedly infected batches of organic peanut butter.  The company had voluntarily instituted a recall of allegedly infected Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter with SKU number 97111.  But the FDA determined further action was necessary after 41 people in 20 states had fallen ill with salmonella bredeney.

How Salmonella Could Sicken People

Salmonella bredeney is a bacteria that could sicken people when ingested.  This bacterial infection could develop within 12 to 72 hours and last potentially 4 to 7 days according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.)

People who ingest food that is infected with the salmonella bredeney bacteria could experience the following symptoms of illness:

• diarrhea
• fever
• abdominal cramps
• dehydration
• death

If left untreated, symptoms could progress to potentially deadly consequences. People who fall ill with these symptoms are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention to prevent complications such as severe dehydration and death.

If You Were Sickened By Peanut Butter Containing Salmonella

If you developed salmonella poisoning after consuming peanut butter, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.  Depending upon the severity of your illness and your medical treatment, you may want to discuss how a skilled product liability attorney might be able to help you recover your medical costs.  Call today to find out how you can obtain the help you need.

Nestle Recalls Nesquick for Salmonella Contamination Concerns

Would You Like Your Nesquick with a Side of Salmonella?

Nestle USA recalled its Nesquick chocolate powdered drink mix today when a supplier notified them of salmonella concerns. Omya Inc. produces calcium bicarbonate, which initiated its own recall of the ingredient when they became concerned over salmonella contamination.  The chocolate powder in question was made last month in October and has an expiration date of October 2014.

To the best of Nestle's knowledge, there have been zero reported sickness as a result of the potentially contaminated chocolate powder. However, the company issued the recall in order to prevent any salmonella outbreaks among the public.

“We apologize to our consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience created by this incident,” Nestle USA said in a statement.

Signs That You Have Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonella is a bacteria which can cause food borne illnesses. Humans can become very ill if they are exposed to salmonella through tainted food products, poor hygeine, or even infected humans or animals.

The following symptoms are associated with salmonella poisoning:

• diarrhea
• abdominal cramps
• fever
• severe dehydration
• death

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to salmonella poisoning and can experience severe dehydration and even death as the result of a salmonella infection.  For this reason, doctors advocate that these two groups seek immediate medical help for salmonella poisoning.

If You Were Injured By Salmonella in Nesquick

Salmonella poisoning could be deadly in some cases.  Do not wait to seek medical help.  Instead, keep yourself hydrated and if you are not keeping fluids down, seek immediate medical attention.  If you have suffered severe symptoms as the result of a tainted batch of Nesquick, you may want to contact a skilled product liability attorney to review your legal options.

Actos Judge Accused of Misconduct by Plaintiff Attorneys

As the Actos litigation heats up, so too do the emotions surrounding the issue.  In one of the stranger twists in this litigation, many attorneys have cried foul to Judge Rebecca Doherty’s efforts to reach out to a state judge to coordinate trial efforts.

Judge Doherty recently contacted New Mexico state Judge Sarah Singleton to coordinate their efforts.  Following the guidelines established in the Mass Tort Litigation Committee of the Conference of Chief Justices’ State Manual, Judge Doherty noted, “coordination, cooperation, discussion and interaction between and among federal courts and state courts is not a novel thing…rather, it is advised, encouraged, and welcomed by both the federal and state courts.”

It is likely that attorneys feared this federal judge would try to exert her influence over state litigation.  However, Judge Doherty assured attorneys that this was not the case.  She further warned litigating attorneys against an inflammatory tone intended to manipulate or intimidate the courts.

Why Is there Actos Litigation

Actos litigation initiated following a U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety warning that Actos could cause a 40% higher risk of bladder cancer in patients who have taken this drug for a year or longer.  This data was supported by Kaiser Permanente’s 10 year meta- study of Actos patients.  Across the nation and even across the globe, similar studies have further supported these claims.

Actos patients began to suffer the ill effects of bladder cancer and even die.  In response, injured patients and grieving family members filed suits in multidistrict litigation.  These Actos lawsuits have been going on since December 2011 and are expected to continue into 2013. As patients develop bladder cancer or die, more patients consider filing suit every day.

If You Have Been Injured by Actos

If you are an Actos patient that has developed bladder cancer, you do not have to suffer alone.  Call our experienced and knowledgeable Actos injury attorneys today for your free consultation.  We want to obtain the justice you deserve and get you the compensation you need.  Call us today and we can get to work on your case.

 

 

Patients at risk for heart attack

Many patients are at risk for heart risk and medical concerns without even realizing it. Recently, commonly used dialysis treatment drugs GranuFlo and NaturaLyte have been found to cause serious, deadly symptoms.

If you or someone you know has used GranuFlo and NaturaLyte, you may be eligible for a claim. Patients who have been treated with the drugs are being tested for pain and suffering. If you've suffered complications, continue reading and find out if you could be at risk for deadly medical conditions.

Here’s what you need to know about the serious side effects of GranuFlo and NaturaLyte: 

• Both drugs contain sodium diacetate. The high concentrations have been known to increase levels of bicarbonate. Once your bicarbonate levels reach a certain point, you will be extremely susceptible to heart attacks and other medical injuries.
• Metabolic alkalosis (or high bicarbonate levels) causes a variety of concerns, such as
• heart attack
• cardiac arrest
• stroke
•  low blood pressure
• death
• Patients who have been treated with GranuFlo and NaturaLyte are susceptible to bicarbonate overdose
• Those who have been treated with the products are at risk of suffering a heart attack within 48 hours of receiving treatment

Those who are most at risk

If you've been treated with GranuFlo or NaturaLyte, you are at risk. Fresenius Medical Care, the company who manufactured and distributed the drug, failed to notify other medical centers of the risks of taking the treatment.

As a result, the doctor or medical technician who administered the treatment on you might not have known about the high risks.

Contact a medical care facilitator immediately. If you have suffered complications shortly after receiving the dialysis treatment, then you could be susceptible to heart attack, stroke, and even death.

If you've been injured or ill as a result of taking the dialysis treatment, there is no reason you should suffer alone or in silence. Immediately contact an attorney to determine whether or not you're eligible for compensation.

Those who are most at risk for bicarbonate overdose include:

• Diabetic patients
• Patients with elevated bicarbonate levels
• Patients with history of diuretics or steroid use

What you can do

If you have been treated with GranuFlo or NaturaLyte, immediately seek medical attention and contact an attorney who can help protect your rights. GranuFlo and NaturaLyte are known to cause serious health concerns like heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke, and even death.

Our dialysis injuryattorneys are here to help you

Contact our experienced dialysis injury lawyers today to get the compensation and justice you deserve.

Don’t suffer alone. We’re here to help you through each step of the process.