Massachusetts Personal Injury News
News Articles
- Recalls for October: Strollers, Pans, and Fire Alarms
Earlier this month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced several voluntary recalls with a number of various companies for products that needed to be adjusted and repaired due to serious safety concerns the products posed to consumers. Approximately 800 Tike Tech Single City X3 and X3 Sport Jogging Strollers have been recalled over… read more…
- 5 Entrapped Babies Prompt Graco and CPSC Recall of 2 Million Strollers
Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Graco Children’s Products, Inc. are voluntarily recalling approximately 2 million of the Graco’s strollers because of entrapment and strangulation hazards. This recall includes Graco’s Quattro Tour and MetroLite models sold from November 2000 to December 2007. Review this chart to see if your baby’s stroller is… read more…
- Recall: Bike Brakes May “Crack”
Last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled Revl carbon brakes for bicycles due to concerns over the brakes cracking over time and causing the brakes to potentially fail and the rider to fall or to crash as a result. The recall is a precautionary measure, as there have not been any reported injuries… read more…
- Can Refrigerators Cause Fire?
Yes, defective refrigerators can cause fire. Last year the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled 1.6 million Maytag refrigerators due to a fire hazard. The CPSC and Maytag Corporation of Newton, Iowa issued the recall because an electrical failure in the refrigerator’s relay posed a risk of fire. The relay is the component that engages the… read more…
- Fun Stuff Recalls Toys Due to Choking Hazard
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Fun Stuff Inc., of Newport News, VA, is recalling about 14,400 units of Click Armband Bracelets, 7,900 Klick Klick Balls and 14,400 BoBo Balls children’d toys due to risk of choking. Though no injuries have been reported, the CPSC received a report of a ball detaching… read more…
- Children's Jewelry by SmileMakers Recalled Due to Cadmium Risk
Another children’s product is being recalled due to high levels of cadmium this year. This time it’s the children’s jewelry by SmileMakers. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with SmileMakers, announced the voluntary recall of 66,200 Charm Bracelets and 2,200 Rings yesterday. The full name of the products are: Children’s Happy Charm Bracelets and… read more…
- Beado Toys Recalled for Choking Hazard
Rhino Toys Inc., the manufacturer of bead play toys is recalling about 5,500 units of the Beado hand-held toys in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toys were recalled due to choking hazard issues, after discovering the plastic wires can detach from the hubs allowing the beads to slide off and… read more…
- Mass. Company Recalling Tracheostomy Tubes after 3 Reported Deaths
April 28, 2010 – Washington – A Massachusetts-based company is recalling tracheostomy tubes after 3 deaths were reported in connection with the medical product. The tubes, which are placed in the throat, are meant to help people who are on ventilators to breathe. There have been 1,200 complaints that the tubes were leaking.Star Tribune reports… read more…
- Insurance Companies Seek to Collect Claims on Recalled Toyotas
April 26, 2010 – The massive Toyota recall has affected more than just the automaker and consumers. Insurance companies are now beginning to seek collection on claims for recalled Toyotas. Toyota is already dealing with a government imposed $16.4 million fine along with numerous lawsuits, including product liability, personal injury and wrongful death.The nation’s largest… read more…
- Toyota Pays $16.4 Million Fine, But Denies Breaking Law
April 21, 2010 – New York, N.Y. – It doesn’t look like Toyota’s problems are going away anytime soon. First, it was a recall of nearly 8 million Toyota vehicles, because of unexpected acceleration and braking issues. Now, Toyota has recalled 600,000 Sienna minivans and is reported to be on the verge of recalling the… read more…
- Toyota Recalls 600,000 Sienna Minivans
April 20, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Toyota is faced with yet another challenge as the auto manufacturer announced a recall on 600,000 Sienna minivans last Friday. This new Toyota recall is because of potential rusting spare tire cables that could break, creating a safety hazard while driving. This latest recall of the Sienna minivans… read more…
- Toyota Halts Lexus GX 460 Sales Globally
April 19, 2010 – U.K. – Last week, Consumer Reports issued a warning to consumers not to buy the Lexus GX 460 model after routine handling tests indicated the likelihood of a rollover accident in real-world driving. Toyota had said that it would try to duplicate the same vehicle testing that Consumer Reports had done,… read more…
- New Safety Risk for the Lexus GX460 SUV
April 15, 2010 – New York, New York – Adding to Toyota’s mounting problems after millions of vehicle recalls is a new safety risk for the Lexus GX 460 SUV. Consumer Reports has issued a warning against this Lexus SUV model after routine handling tests that demonstrated the likelihood of a rollover accident occurring while… read more…
- Internal Emails from Toyota Reveal Knowledge of Accelerator Problems
April 13, 2010 – Washington – Recently revealed internal Emails through Toyota reveal that there was clear knowledge of acceleration problems in their automobiles. An executive at the company wrote in an Email that they needed to come clean about the problems. The Associated Press obtained documents wherein it is revealed that Toyota admitted consumers… read more…
- Nike/Bauer Children's Hockey Sticks Recalled For Lead Danger
April 12, 2010 – New York, NY – Bauer Hockey, Inc., of Greenland, NH has voluntarily recalled junior and youth hockey sticks, shafts, and blades due to lead exposure dangers. Injury Board reports that this recall affects 67,000 products in the United States. These hockey products would have been purchased by consumers at sporting goods… read more…
- Men's Supplement Stud Capsule Recalled For Safety Concerns
April 9, 2010 – Tampa Bay, FL – A dietary supplement for men, Stud Capsule, is being voluntary recalled by its maker, Kanec USA Inc. The product recall was announced in early April after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the supplement to contain an ingredient that renders Stud Capsule an unapproved new drug…. read more…
- Toyota to Receive a $16 Million Fine
April 7, 2010 – New York, NY – Coming on the heels of Toyota Motor Corp.’s recall on millions of vehicles sold in the U.S. and worldwide, is a record-setting civil penalty being sought against the automaker. The federal government is seeking to impose a maximum $16 million penalty against Toyota.The Toyota recall included millions… read more…
- Child Dies in Theme Park Accident at Walt Disney World
April 5, 2010 – Lake Buena Vista, Florida – On April 1, 2010, Chase Brubaker, 9, of St. Petersburg, was killed when the bicycle he was riding collided with a Walt Disney World bus at the Florida theme park. This tragic accident occurred on the theme park’s property and remains under investigation. It is not… read more…
- Tom’s Potato Chips Added to Massive HVP Recall
April 2, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Tom’s Barbeque Potato Chips have been added to the massive food recall related to reports of a contaminated food additive that is common in a wide variety of popular snack foods. According to WebMD, Lance, Inc. has recalled Tom’s Chips because they contain hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), a… read more…
- Children’s Jackets and Vests Recalled Because of Strangulation Hazard
April 1, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – A clothing company, North-Sportif Inc., has issued a voluntary product recall on their line of children’s vests and jackets because of the possibility of strangulation. According to BusinessWeek, the recalled children’s clothing products were sold at Burlington Coat Factory from October 2002 until January 2010. Included in the… read more…
- Natural Wellness Recalls MasXtreme Dietary Supplement
March 30, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Natural Wellness has issued a voluntary product recall on their dietary supplement MasXtreme, Lot # 911035. According to eNews Park Forest, MasXtreme contains unspecified amounts of Aildenafil. This could be dangerous to some consumers as this substance shares some properties of Sildenafil, which is found in a drug… read more…
- More Than 20 Million Baby Products Recalled in 2009
March 30, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Nursery products were at the top of the list for product recalls in 2009. According to WalletPop, there were about 40 recalls on nursery products last year and more than 21 million items were included in the call-backs. The recalled baby products resulted in 9 child deaths… read more…
- 1 Million Infantino Baby Slings Recalled Due to Risk of Suffocation
March 26, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Two different models of Infantino baby slings have been recalled for critical safety reasons. According to WeAreCentralPA.com more than 1 million Wendy Bellissimo and Sling Rider slings, both manufactured by Infantino, have been recalled in the United States. An additional 500,000 slings have been recalled in Canada. The… read more…
- Toyota Recalls Highlander Hybrid
March 25, 2010 – Boston, Mass. – Toyota has added yet another vehicle to their massive 2010 recall list, recalling Highlander Hybrids for serious safety issues. According to Safety Research & Strategies, Inc., like many other Toyota vehicles, the Highlander Hybrid floor mats often interfere with the accelerator pedal, causing the car to unexpectedly accelerate,… read more…
- Toyota Addresses Controversial Repair For Faulty Accelerator Pedal
March 24, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Concerned owners of recalled Toyota vehicles have been awaiting an explanation for a letter that the auto manufacturer recently sent to dealerships about how to address Toyota’s faulty accelerator pedal issue. According to USA Today, Toyota has responded to the accusations by claiming that the Associated Press misinterpreted… read more…
- Toyota's Gas-Pedal Fix For Recalled Cars Might Anger Some Consumers
March 23, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Toyota continues to ruffle feathers as it responds to the massive Toyota recalls which began earlier this year. Toyota owners who have been affected by the vehicle recalls may want to know what recommendations the manufacturer has offered to dealerships in coping with the acceleration issues in some… read more…
- Honda Recalls Elements and Odysseys Due to Brake Problems
March 22, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Toyota is not the only auto manufacturer experiencing safety issues and multiple recalls this spring. News broke last week that Honda will recall more than 410,000 vehicles, in addition to the Honda recalls announced earlier this year.The Christian Science Monitor reports that Honda will recall 2007-2008 Elements and… read more…
- Voluntary Cleviprex Drug Recall Expanded
March 18, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – The discovery of a metal substance in some vials of Cleviprex has created a need to expand the product recall of the popular hypertension drug. The Wall Street Journal reports that Cleviprex is an emulsion that needs to be injected to treat patients with hypertension. The foreign matter found… read more…
- More Than 100 Tainted Food Products Included In Massive HVP Recall
March 17, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – A massive food recall has been ordered for products containing an artificial flavoring additive that has been linked to salmonella contamination.The Money Times reports that in February, a customer noticed that a flavor-enhancer-hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or HVP-was tainted with salmonella, a bacteria that can cause painful stomach cramps,… read more…
- Misinformation Surrounding Toyota's Unexpected Acceleration Issue
March 16, 2010 – Boston, Mass. – While Toyota’s unexpected acceleration issue has been well-publicized, many consumers haven’t been given clear directives on what to do, should they find themselves in a dangerous situation in a recalled Toyota.Safety Research & Strategies, Inc. reports that despite the common misconception, turning off the ignition in a run-away… read more…
- NHTSA Criticized for Not Acting Swiftly in Toyota Recall
March 15, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Though many have criticized Toyota for its sluggish reaction to its unexpected acceleration issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now being asked to share some of the blame for the problems associated with the massive Toyota recall. According to The Washington Post, the NHTSA is… read more…
- Toyota Tundra Recall Includes All 2000 to 2003 Models
March 12, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – Toyota has once again announced an expansion of its 2010 recall. Added to the list are all Tundras manufactured between 2000 and 2003.Edmunds Inside Line reports that the problem with the recalled Tundras is not unintended acceleration, but, rather, corrosion of the vehicle’s frame. This damage could cause… read more…
- California Man Experiences Unexpected Acceleration in Toyota Prius
March 11, 2010 – Boston, Mass. – Toyota’s unexpected acceleration issue continues to be a problem for car owners around the country. A frightening and potentially deadly occurrence on Monday has prompted increased efforts to investigate the issues surrounding the massive Toyota recall.The Wall Street Times reports that a California driver had to call police… read more…
- At Least 500,000 Cribs Recalled After Infant Suffocation Deaths
March 10, 2010 – Washington, D.C.- Parents and guardians are being warned of dangerous cribs that are being recalled because of risk of serious injury or even death. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), all Generation 2 Worldwide and “ChildESIGNS” cribs that feature a drop side are included in the product recall…. read more…
- Professor Challenges Stated Cause of Toyota’s Unexpected Acceleration
March 9, 2010 – Boston, Mass. – A new wrinkle was recently added to the widely-publicized unintended acceleration issue related to the Toyota recall.MassLive reports that a professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has claimed that the problem actually lies with the manufacturer’s electronics system, and not the gas pedal as has been stated. On… read more…
- Defective Toyota Accessories May Be To Blame For Crash
March 3, 2010 – Boston, Mass. – Toyota’s refusal to accept responsibility for the car accidents attributed to unintended acceleration issues has been the source of frustration for those who have suffered property damage, personal injuries or the loss of a loved one in such crashes. According to Safety Research & Strategies, Inc. a man… read more…
- Lowell Man Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Toyota
February 19, 2010 – Boston, Mass. – A Lowell man spent $1000s of his own money after his Toyota collided with another car, causing extensive damage. The accident is said to be related to the unintended acceleration issue, prompting him to create the first class action lawsuit in Massachusetts in connection with the Toyota recall.The… read more…
- Toyota Camry Acceleration Issues Caused 8 Deaths in 2003-2004
February 18, 2010 – Rehoboth – Eight deaths that occurred more than 5 years ago appear to be related to the current recalled Toyota vehicles. According to Safety Research & Strategies, Inc., the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) current investigations into the unexpected acceleration issue found in many Toyota cars are warranted, but may… read more…
- Recalled Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Left on Chestnut Hill Store’s
February 15, 2010 – Boston – About 70 consumers became ill after a Boston supermarket failed to remove recalled drugs from the store's shelves.According to New York Injury News, the Food and Drug Administration initiated a product recall in 2009 involving drugs made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. The recalled drugs included Tylenol, Motrin, and St…. read more…
- Massachusetts Toy Company Fined For Selling Toys Containing Lead
February 5, 2010 – Rowley, Mass. – A Massachusetts toy company has been ordered to pay a $200,000 fine for importing toys that contained lead. According to The Boston Globe, Schylling Associates, Inc., which is based in Rowley, Mass., imported and distributed 1000s of toys that contained lead paint. The toys were sold to numerous… read more…
- Toyota’s President Apologizes But Does Not Recall Prius Hybrids
February 5, 2010 – Washington – Toyota’s chief apologized publicly on Friday for the mass product recall currently in effect on millions of vehicles, but to the surprise of many, did not initiate a Prius recall. According to the Los Angeles Times, industry insiders expected Toyota president Akio Toyoda to issue a product recall on… read more…
- New Chrysler Not Responsible for Product Liability Claims
A new company was formed following Chrysler’s bankruptcy, known as Chrysler Group LLC, which is controlled by Italy’s Fiat. This new company will not be responsible for product liability claims. According to Chrysler spokesman Mike Palese, “all bankruptcies are not alike, and in Chrysler’s bankruptcy the ability to form a new company free from the… read more…
- Disney Recalls Handy Manny Toy Tool Sets
A voluntary recall was recently announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with the Disney Store USA LLC of Pasadena, California. Approximately 20,000 Playhouse Disney “Handy Manny” toy tool sets are being included in the nationwide recall. The recall comes after a hazard was identified. The tools on the toy set… read more…
- Child's Death Prompts Recall of Hooded Sweatshirts
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a voluntary recall by Hill Sportswear Inc. of Paramount, California of children’s hooded sweatshirts, following a report of a child’s death. The CPSC received a report of a 3-year-old boy in Fresno, California who died after the drawstring in his hooded sweatshirt became stuck on a… read more…
- Massachusetts Attorney General Makes Deal with Bayer Over Yaz Ads
An agreement has been made with Bayer Corp. on Monday, February 9, 2009 with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, as well as 26 other states. The agreement had to do with allegations that Bayer’s 2008 marketing campaign of the birth control pill, Yaz, violated the terms of a 2007 agreement by not disclosing the uses… read more…
- Eli Lilly Agrees to $1.4 Billion Settlement in Zyprexa Probes
Eli Lilly and Co. has announced that it will pay approximately $1.4 billion to settle criminal and civil investigations into the marketing of its antipsychotic drug Zyprexa and has agreed to plead guilty to a federal misdemeanor. Lilly will pay $615 million to settle the criminal investigation and approximately $800 million to settle the civil… read more…
- Stork Craft Cribs Recalled
After receiving various reports of problems with the Stork Craft Baby Cribs, the cribs have been recalled. In a press release by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it was reported that there have been at least ten incidents involving this crib. The cribs, manufactured by Stork Craft Manufacturing, Inc., contain metal support brackets that… read more…
- Computer Batteries Used in Notebook Computers Recalled
Following multiple reports from consumers of batteries overheating in various types of notebook computers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which protects the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction, and Sony Energy Devices Corporation have announced a voluntary recall of the… read more…
- Case Against Wyeth in U.S. Supreme Court
The case against the drug manufacturer, Wyeth, has reached the U.S. Supreme Court and the outcome of the case could affect thousands of potential lawsuits by consumers against drug companies each year. Musician Diana Levine never considered that her trip to a health clinic would ultimately result in the loss of her arm and career. Levine… read more…
- Warning Sought for Energy Drinks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been urged to implement more regulations for increasingly popular energy drinks. A letter has been sent to the FDA, which was signed by one hundred scientists and physicians, that requests these regulations due to the high caffeine content that puts young drinkers at risk of caffeine intoxication… read more…
- FDA Ignored Evidence in Plastics Ruling
A scientific advisory panel has concluded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ignored scientific evidence and used flawed methods when determining that a chemical used in baby bottles and in the lining of cans does not pose a health hazard. The report was released last week and is highly critical. The panel, which consisted of… read more…
- Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Apple
A woman has filed a class action lawsuit against Apple over reception and speed problems with its iPhone 3G. The plaintiff, Jessica Alena Smith, bought an iPhone 3G in July after watching various ads that promoted the device’s increased speeds. Once Smith began using the iPhone, the Internet connection, e-mail and text messages were “slower… read more…
- Crane Failure Leads to Man’s Death
A 28 year old iron worker was killed in Quincy after a 30-story tall crane collapsed as it was being dismantled. The crane accident occurred at Fore River Shipyard and was the third death in three years resulting from a crane failure at this shipyard. Four other iron workers were injured when the support leg… read more…
- Couple Files Suit Against Ford Motor Company for Faulty Speed Control Deactivation (SCD) Switch
A West Virginia couple has filed a Federal Suit against Ford Motor Company. Their 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis burst into flames without warning due to a defective speed control deactivation (SCD) switch. This frightened the driver, which caused her to lose control of the vehicle and strike a tree. She was thrown from the vehicle and suffered serious… read more…
