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FDA Does Not Implement Ban BPA In Products

by on March 30, 2012 in defective product, FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has decided the chemical BPA needs more study and they will not ban it from goods in the U.S. … at least not yet.

BPA stands for Bisphenol A and it is used in the production of plastics and resins, including some water bottles and food cans. It is also used in other types of goods like compact discs and some cash register tape, according to the FDA press release.

It has been put in the spotlight in recent years by advocacy groups worried that the exposure to the chemical may negatively affect development of all people, but especially young children. Many companies have voluntarily removed BPA from their products in response to the concerns.

The FDA has decided after “extensive research” on BPA that at this time, there is unsufficient scientific data to show the low level exposure many get in their every day diets are unsafe and should be regulated. They said that levels that enter the body are a lot lower than previously believed and any that enters a child or adult’s bloodstream is quickly metabolized.

Plastic containers with a recycle code of 3 or 7 may contain BPA. Levels of BPA exposure increase when the container is heated and comes in contact with food.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured by a defective or dangerous product, you may want to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney today. Call us for a free, immediate consultation.

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Proposed Legislation Would Add Federal Oversight For Rental Car Companies

by on February 29, 2012 in Accident, accidental death, defective product, new law, product liability

Last week, a mother who lost her two girls in a 2004 fiery crash involving a rental car that was under a safety recall was able to get Enterprise Holdings to pay attention to her plea.

The PT Cruiser Cally Houck’s daughters Raechel and Jacqueline Houck were driving had been recalled because of a power steering fluid problem. The power steering fluid apparently caught fire as the girls drove the car and caused the girls to lose control of the vehicle, drive across a grassy median and slam into an oncoming semi tractor-trailer. They had rented the vehicle from Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Houck posted an online petition on change.org and within two days 130,000 people had signed her petition in support of an act that would bring about federal safety legislation. The Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act would require car-rental companies to ground any vehicles that are under federal safety recall and to repair the problems before leasing or selling the vehicles. New-car dealers have had to abide by such rules since the 1960s.

Enterprise went to Washington to discuss such legislation for the first time last week. The company has been resistant for years, but with control of more than half of the rental-car market, the Houcks believe it is key to get them on board. Enterprise owns both Alamo and National chains.

Just two years ago, the Houck family received a $15 million settlement after Enterprise accepted responsibility for the girls’ deaths. Houck said she wants to make sure this doesn’t happen to any other family.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured by a defective product or in a car accident, you may have a personal injury case. Contact your Chicago personal injury attorneys today to find out how we can assist you. Call for your free, initial consultation.

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Kia Recalls 146K Cars With Defective Airbags

by on January 18, 2012 in Accident, defective product, product liability

Kia recalled almost 146,000 vehicles due to defective airbags, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall involves Kia Optimas made from 2006 – 2008 and the 2007 – 2008 Kia Rondo. The release said a flawed spring system may become damaged over time, disabling the driver’s side airbag.

The official recall is expected to begin in March. The company said they became aware of the problem last week, but were not aware of any injuries or airbags that did not deploy due to the defect.

The release said Kia will attempt to notify owners and dealers will replace the affected part. Owners may call 1-800-333-4542 to get in touch with the company and find out more information. You can read the full recall notice by clicking here.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured while using a defective product, the attorneys at Dwyer & McDevitt are here to assist you. We are your Chicago personal injury attorneys and may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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IL Consumer Group Releases Annual Dangerous Toys List

by on November 23, 2011 in Accident, defective product, product liability

Findings from a new survey show toxic and dangerous toys are still available on store shelves.

The Illinois Public Interest Research Group’s 26th annual “Trouble in Toyland” report released Tuesday showed several toys on store shelves showed levels of lead and phthalates as well as toys that posed a choking or noise hazard.

Key findings in this year’s report showed three key points:

  • Some toys with high levels of toxic substances were still available at retail shops, including toys containing phthalates and lead. Both are shown to have adverse health effects on young children.
  • Some toys with small parts that could be choking hazards were still available for children three and younger.
  • Some toys that exceeded hearing standards recommended by the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders were also available.

The group is seeking to educate consumers, especially parents and caregivers about potential hazardous toys before the holiday season.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured by a hazardous toy or another hazardous product, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Dwyer & McDevitt, Ltd. will fight to help you obtain fair compensation. Contact our offices today for your free, initial consultation.

IL PRIG Survey Press Release

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NHTSA Investigates Chevy Volt Fire

by on November 12, 2011 in defective product, NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced they are launching an investigation into the safety of lithium-ion batteries used to power electric vehicles after a Chevy Volt caught fire at a federal testing center.

According to news reports, the fire occurred several months ago; weeks following a crash-test with the same vehicle. Officials have concluded the crash damaged the Volt’s battery. They think the damage later caused the battery to ignite and that the risk of fire is not likely any greater than gasoline powered cars on the market.

The Chevrolet Volt is manufactured by General Motors Co.and is a plug-in electric car. About 5,000 of them have been sold.

Officials are seeking to check into the safety of all electric vehicles and their batteries.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Dwyer & McDevitt can assist you. Contact us today for your free, initial consultation.

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Aqua Dots Settles; Owes $1.3M Civil Suit

by on November 1, 2011 in CPSC, defective product

Spin Master, Inc. agreed to pay a civil penalty of $1.3 million after the Consumer Product Safety Commission alleged the company knew about a defect and hazard associated with Aqua Dots, but failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by law.

The CPSC said not only did the company fail to report the hazards, but they continued to import and sell Aqua Dots even though the items were a toxic and banned hazardous substance.

Aqua dots had been part of a child-geared craft project containing small beads that, when sprayed with water, would stick together to create various objects.

In fall 2007, the company received reports that children and a dog had become sick and received medical care after ingesting the Aqua Dots.

In mid-October 2007, the company learned that the Aqua Dots contained 1,4-butylene glycol (TMG), which metabolized to the controlled substance, gamma hydroxybutyrate. They also discovered that TMG was harmful if swallowed and targeted the kidneys as well as a person’s central nervous system.

They continued to receive reports of children who had become ill after ingesting the Aqua Dots through the time the voluntary recall was announced. The company failed to report to the CPSC within 24 hours about the know hazards, which is required by federal law.

In early November 2007, the CPSC received reports of children becomming ill and the CPSC, along with Aqua Dots announced a voluntary recall.

The kits were available from various retailers from April 2007 until they were recalled in November 2007 and ranged from $17 to $30.

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CPSC Issues Second Recall Of Dehumidifiers After More Fires

by on September 24, 2011 in Accident, defective product

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission along with LG Electronics have reannounced a recall for a batch of dehumidifiers known to have caused several major damages.

According to the CPSC, the dehumidifiers were first recalled in December 2009 after 11 separate incidents were reported, including four serious fires. Since the initial recall, the company has received 16 additional reports of arcing, smoke and fire associated with the dehumidifiers.  The fires caused more then $1 million in damage.

The recall includes about 98,000 units. The company said only about two percent of consumers affected have actually called to receive the free repair kit, which leaves the rest of consumers who own the units venerable to the dangers of this unit.

The recalled units were sold at The Home Dept, Walmart, Ace Hardware and other stores from January 2007 through June 2008 for about $150. They were sold under Goldstar and Comfort-Aire brands and are white with a red shut-off button.

If you have an affected unit, contact LG Electronics for a free repair kit. If you or your loved one has been seriously injured in an accident with a defective product, you may need a Chicago personal injury lawyer. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

CPSC: Humidifier Recall

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