Choking Hazard Causes American Eagle To Recall Toddler Girl’s Pants And Shorts

According to Norwalkplus.com, clothing manufacturer American Eagle Outfitters has voluntarily recalled 1,200 pants and shorts for toddler girls due to the possibility of a choking hazard.

According to the Department of Consumer Protection, the Pittsburgh, PA-based clothing company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the voluntary recall of several different girls’ clothing items.

Included in the recall were a variety of styles of jeans, pants, and shorts that have a metal clasp mounted at the waistline of the items. It is possible that the clasp can become detached from the waistline of the item and pose a choking hazard for toddler girls. Consumers have been urged to stop dressing their children in these items immediately and return them to the retailer.

American Eagle sold the items through www.77kids.com and their retail stores during the months of July and August 2010. The items were sold for between $24 and $34. Sizes involved in the recall were for 12 to 18 months up to 5 years. According to Norwalkplus.com, an online magazine, the following styles and garments are involved:

• #3007 – Skinny Cords;
• #3012 – Boyfriend Vintage Wash;
• #3013 – Cut-Off Bermuda shorts;
• #3029 – Flare Vintage Blue Wash;
• #3030 – Flare LT Wash;
• #3034 – Flare Rip and Repair;
• #3035 – Roll Cuff Bermuda shorts.

The company is providing all consumers who have purchased these items with a postage-paid envelope and return instructions so that they receive a full refund on the items.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. To learn more about how we can put our experience to work for you in your Pennsylvania product liability claim, contact us today for a free consultation by calling 1-800-318-LAW-1 or by using our online form.

Toyota Set To Recall Sienna Mini-Vans Due To Possible Brake Failure

As if Toyota has not had its share of recall woes in recent months, the company is poised to announce another vehicle recall in January.

According to Reuters, Sienna mini-van owners are to be notified that there is a defect in the brake system that could reduce the vehicle’s ability to stop safely. Some 110,000 Sienna mini-vans will be involved in the recall, 92,000 of which are here in the U.S. The issue apparently involves the use of the parking brake which could damage the overall braking system.

According to Toyota officials, there have not been any accidents or injuries to date associated with this brake issue. However, a brake system failure is a critical issue and can result in fatalities for drivers of the vehicle and passengers.

The braking problem was supposedly corrected when Toyota installed differently designed parts on all Siennas that were manufactured after this past November 5.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through team work and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your defective auto parts injury claim, contact us today online for a free consultation or call us toll free at 1-800-318-LAW1.

Car Accident Round-up — A Car Crashes At President Bush’s Texas Home

Car Crashes Onto Lawn At President Bush’s Home In Texas

A man who was visiting one of President Bush’s neighbors crashed into the front lawn of the president’s residence, reported abcNEWS/U.S. A Secret Service spokesman said the driver was questioned and released. The Bushes were home but never in danger.

Teenager Dies In Car Accident In California

A 19-year-old was the victim of a car accident this week in Sacramento County after she pulled her car into the path of a pickup truck, reported The Sacramento Bee. Tavernor Road has stop signs in both directions at Clay Station Road where the accident happened. At this time it was unclear if she stopped and then entered the intersection or if she slowed and rolled into the intersection.

Florida Restaurant Closes Temporarily Following Car Accident

Examiner.com reports the “Two Blondes and a Shrimp” restaurant in downtown Sanford was closed after a small blue sedan jumped onto the sidewalk and came to a stop when it ran into the restaurant after hitting several other buildings. The driver hit the gas instead of the brakes at a nearby intersection and went speeding down the sidewalk at about 50 mph. No one was severely injured.

Texas Man Killed When He Ran Into a Farm Plow

A 25-year-old Munday man was killed when his southbound car ran into a farm plow just south of Rhineland in Knox County. The plow was being towed behind a John Deere tractor which was headed north on Farm Road 267. He was pronounced dead at the scene, reports KTXS.com.

New York Woman Hospitalized After Hitting Utility Pole

The Saratogian reports a woman was hospitalized after her Jeep Laredo ran off the road and struck a utility pole before slamming into a tree. The accident happened on Ballard Road just past the Dimmick Road intersection in Wilton. She was taken by helicopter to Albany Medical Center.

Injuries or death as a result of motor vehicle accidents can be devastating. Under Pennsylvania’s laws, if you have been injured in a vehicle accident that was caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, you may be entitled to recover damages that include medical costs, property loss, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Please call the experienced vehicle accident lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright at 1-800-318-5291 or use our online contact form for a free assessment of your case. We have offices conveniently located in Stroudsburg, Carbondale, Hamlin, Hazleton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre, PA.

$4.75 Million Awarded in Virginia Fireworks Accident

What was supposed to be a spectacular fireworks show turned into horror when a high-powered “salute” rocket was fired into a crowd in Vienna, Virginia, during the Fourth of July 2007 fireworks.

A Fairfax County jury ruled Schaefer Pyrotechnics should pay a 39-year-old mother $4.75 million for the injuries and financial damage she suffered when the “salute” shell exploded next to her as she sat on Waters Field holding her 3-year-od son. 

She not only suffered severe burns on her head, face, arms and body, but she also has large penetrating shrapnel wounds and lasting brain injury from the concussion wave.

Her son, now 7-years-old, spent three days in a coma and also had burns and severe brain injury as a result of the explosion. The extent of his damage is still being assessed.  A separate lawsuit will be filed on his behalf.

The accident, which also happened several times that night at different sites, was caused when a “cake box” of mortars overturned and launched shells sideways instead of into the evening sky.

The Munley, Munley, & Cartwright law firm has years of experience in personal injury claims.  If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another, call our office today at 1-800-318-LAW1 for a free assessment of your case or use our Free Online Accident Case Evaluation

Fireworks Personal Injury

Braking Override Rules Needed?

Automobiles, like many consumer products, are regulated by state and federal laws.  Since 1970, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been responsible for finding ways to reduce injuries and deaths related to automobile accidents.  The NHTSA uses a variety of methods to improve automobile safety; one of its most important activities is creating and enforcing standards for automobile safety and equipment.[i]

The NHTSA acts a watchdog and ensures that companies produce safe and reliable motor vehicles.  Toyota’s recent motor vehicle recall is one example of when the NHTSA must be involved in an automobile safety concern.

Since 2006, Toyota drivers have been reporting a problem with spontaneous and random acceleration.  In addition, high profile news reports  about drivers who were unable to control their vehicles were released.  The reports included one about the tragic death of a family of four in California that was unable to stop the Toyota vehicle that had reached speeds of over 120 miles per hour.[ii]

According to a 2010 New York Times article, in 2007, Toyota began to investigate the acceleration problem, and in 2009, the company cited that the issue was related to the gas pedal becoming caught underneath the floor mat.[iii]

That same year, a total of 5.4 million vehicles were recalled, including the Camry, Avalon, Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander, Corolla, Venza, and Matrix as well as the Lexus IS 250, 350, and ES 350.  In 2010, however, Toyota discovered two additional acceleration and braking related problems.  First, several popular models such as the Camry and the Tundra had defective or “sticky” accelerators, and the company issued a recall that affected 4.5 million vehicles.  Second, there have been recent investigations into the braking system of the Toyota Prius; the NHTSA has received an increased number of complaints about the Prius’ braking system.  [iv]

The NHTSA is contemplating issuing a requirement to Toyota that a breaking override system be installed in all Priuses so drivers would be ensured that they could depress the brake pedal regardless of any acceleration speed.  The system is currently in some car models across different manufacturers, but there are no federal laws requiring this safety feature to be automatically installed in all newly manufactured vehicles.

The Effect of Defective Parts

Toyota has offered to repair, free of charge, the cars of current owners of affected  models.  In addition, the NHTSA has levied fines of over $16 million dollars against Toyota because the company was aware of the “sticky pedal” defect for over a year.[v] It is estimated that these defective parts were related to at least 93 deaths of drivers who were unable to stop their car.[vi]

If you believe you or a loved one was injured due to a defective part related to acceleration, you should explore your legal options.  Call the defective product lawyers of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C. at 1-800-318-LAW1, use our online form, or visit our offices in Scranton, Harrisburg, Stroudsburg, Hazelton, Hamlin, Carbondale, or Plains.

[i] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Who+We+Are+and+What+We+Do

[ii] ]Toyota settles suit over high-profile Calif. crash

http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/09/17/2082851/toyota-settles-suit-over-high.html

[iii] Agency Says Toyota Accelerator Problem is “A Serious Safety Issue, New York Times

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/agency-says-toyota-accelerator-problem-is-serious-safety-issue/

[iv] Toyota Settles Over Death of Family in High-Speed Crash

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/business/19autos.html?src=busln

[v] NHTSA Fines Toyota $16.4 million over sticky pedal recall

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2010/04/nhtsa-fines-toyota-164-million-over-sticky-pedal-recall.html

[vi] Toyota Settles Over California Deaths

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/business/19autos.html?src=busln

Pennsylvania County Prepares Plan for Handling Drilling Disaster

In preparation of EnCana Oil & Gas USA’s plan to begin drilling a well at a site in Fairmount Township, the Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency has begun creating an emergency response plan. Town officials are working closely with the energy company to identify the protocol to handle any local natural gas drilling-related catastrophe that might occur.

According to an Encana spokesperson, the local firefighters and emergency responders are not responsible for containing or fighting a gas well fire or gas release at a well site, however, they will be asked to provide support to Enanca’s specially trained teams.

Encana admits that “risks are inherent in the oil and natural gas industry,” but that safety is their top priority. They will look to local emergency responders to secure and evacuate the immediate area, in an emergency, while the designated well-control company representatives are enroute to the disaster site.

Barney Dobinick, who is also the Emergency Management Agency coordinator for Lake Township, feels “very comfortable” with the guidelines. Professionals from Luzerne and local counties attended a training event on a scenario to determine how all the resources can work together in the event of a catastrophe.

When the plan is complete it will be shared with area municipal officials for their approval and made available to the public. Dobinick anticipates a mid-June completion date.

At Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, we are familiar with the region, and we have extensive experience in holding companies and individuals who have injured others accountable for their conduct.

If you have suffered a mysterious illness or an injury caused by nearby gas drilling, we can help you build a compelling case to hold the energy companies responsible. Contact us now at 1-800-318-LAW1 or use our convenient online form.

Encana Natural Gas Drilling

Personal Injury Hazard Leads to Another Off-Road Utility Vehicle Recall

In cooperation with the CPSC, Bush Hog Off-Road Utility Vehicles have been recalled by the manufacturer, Bush Hog LLC, of Selma, Alabama. About 580 of these vehicles have been sold by Bush Hog dealers nationwide from April 2008 to December, 2008 and costs between $8.000 and $10,000. They were made in the United States.

The recall includes Models TH4400 (Trail Hand) and 4430 4X4 Off –Road utility vehicles and have Bush Hog printed on the cargo bed tail gate and on each side of the cargo bed. The hoods are red, green, or mossy oak.

The vehicle’s throttle cable can lock in freezing temperatures causing the engine not to return to idle when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator pedal, creating a potential loss of control of the vehicle.

Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact a Bush Hog dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Contact Bush Hog LLC toll-free at 877-873-0143 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, of visit their website at www.bushhog.com.

The Munley, Munley, & Cartwright firm has years of experience in handling personal injury claims. If you have been injured or lost someone because of a dangerous product, you have the right to file a claim against the manufacturer of that product. You may be able to recover damages that include medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Please call Munley, Munley & Cartwright’s lawyers at 1-800-318-LAW1 for a free assessment of your case or use our Free Online Accident Case Evaluation

Bush Hog Vehicles Recalled

Dakota Urology Clinic Sued for $5 Million in Medical Malpractice

Five plaintiffs are asking for $5 million in damages from the Siouxland Urology Center in Dakota Dunes, SD. claiming negligence, medical malpractice, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

In the 22 page class-action lawsuit the patients claim Siouxland Urology breached the standard of care by re-using certain disposable medical equipment which caused damages to the patients. Manufacturers recommend the equipment used in cystoscopy procedures be used only once. Siouxland Urology denies any unsterilized equipment ever came into direct contact with patients.

South Dakota Department of Health has ordered the Center to change its cystocopy practices and the Center is offering free blood test to check for HIV and Hepatitis for the 5,200 affected patients.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a form of medical negligence, you may have a medical malpractice claim. Our attorneys at Munley, Munley & Cartwright are experienced and successful medical malpractice litigators and we fight to protect the rights of patients. Contact us at 1-800-318-LAW1 or fill out our free Claim Evaluation Form.

Dakota Urology Medical Malpractice

$12 Million Awarded in Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death

The family of a New Jersey man, who died after having his wisdom teeth extracted in 2005, has been awarded over $12 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit according to Press Release Newswire.

The lawsuit alleged an oral surgeon extracted the 21-year-old’s wisdom teeth despite knowing he had an immunity disorder which precluded any surgery or other dental work. The young man had a swollen throat the next day as reaction to the surgery and later died of suffocation.

‘The Family of Lawyers’ at Munley, Munley, & Cartwright experienced, and successful, medical malpractice litigators – we fight to protect the rights of patients. If you feel you have been injured by medical malpractice, contact us now for a free claim evaluation at 1-800-318-LAW1 or use our online medical malpractice claim evaluation form.

$12 Million Verdict

Supreme Court Rules Against Preemption

In the highly anticpated case of Wyeth vs. Levine, the Supreme court has ruled that federal law does not preempt a state’s ruling that the drug Phenergan was inadequately labeled. Past rulings, such as Riegel v. Medtronic had established that FDA decisions on drug safety preempted state rulings, effectively shielding drug manufacturers from pharmaceutical injury claims.

This ruling is being viewed as a win for drug injury victims as it may allow others who have been injured by prescription drugs a chance to seek compensation.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a prescription drug, please contact our pharmaceutical injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

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