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Black and Decker Agrees To Pay $960,000 Penalty

by on August 10, 2011 in product liability

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Black and Decker has agreed to pay a civil penalty of just under $1 million for failing to report a defective product.

According to the CPSC news release the CPSC alleged Black and Decker failed to report several safety defects and hazards concerning the Grasshog XP as well as withheld information the CPSC requested during the investigation.

Federal law mandates manufacturers, distributors and retailers report to the CPSC within 24 hours after obtaining any information of a product defect or hazard.

According to the news release, Black and Decker knew about the rising incidents and injuries with the Grasshog from May 2006 to October 2006, but did not give the CPSC full details until October 2006.

Also, since the CPSC did not have the full information, the case was initially closed after Black and Decker allegedly withheld information during the investigation.

By the time of the recall in July 2007, there were more than 700 reports of issues with the Grasshop trimmer and 58 injuries resulting from its use.

The company agreed to pay $960,000 as a penalty.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured by a defective product, we may be able to assist you. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

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‘Zach’s Law’ To Help Promote Soccer Goal Safety

by on August 2, 2011 in Accident, accidental death, product liability

Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill into law Tuesday that aims to increase the safety of soccer players on the field.

The Movable Soccer Goal Safety Act is dubbed ‘Zach’s Law’ after 6-year-old Zach Tran who was killed in October 2003 when an 18-foot by 6-foot, 184-pound goal tipped over and struck him in the back of the head as he was practicing.

The bill requires “any organization that sets up, moves, or stores a movable soccer goal to follow all applicable guidelines for anchoring, securing, and counterweighting (the) goal.”

Additionally, beginning this month the act will ban the manufacturing or sale of movable soccer goals that are not tip-resistant.

Tran’s family was with the governor as the bill was signed. Since Zach’s death, the family has begun an organization called Anchored for Safety, which helps educate the public on the dangers of unanchored soccer goals. According to the site, 36 deaths can be attributed to non-anchored soccer goals since 1979.

Illinois is the first state to impose such safety measures.

If you or your loved one has been injured by a defective product, you may have a products liability case. You need lawyers who are compassionate and will fight for you. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

House Bill 1130

Anchored For Safety

 

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Honeywell Recalls 77,000 Thermostat Units

by on August 1, 2011 in CPSC, product liability

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Honeywell issued a voluntary recall of 77,000 units of electric baseboard and fan heater thermostats Thursday.

According to a news release from the CPSC, the thermostat can overheat, causing it to melt and smoke and posing a burn hazard to the consumer. Honeywell has reportedly received 16 reports of thermostats melting, but has not received any reports of injuries.

The recalled thermostats are rectangular, white, programmable thermostats with either the name “Honeywell” or “Cadet” printed on the front.

The models were sold at home improvement stores, HVAC and electrical stores and through contractors from January 2000 through December 2007. They retailed for $80 – $300 and were made in Singapore.

The affected models are:
Honeywell   CT1950A1003
Honeywell   CT1950B1002
Honeywell   CT1957A1008
CADET           T4700B1030
CADET           T4700A1040
Honeywell   T4700B1014
Honeywell   T4700A1016

The recall urged the consumers to immediately stop using the thermostats by turning them off or setting them to 45 degrees. The company is offering free replacement models.

For more information, contact Honeywell toll-free at 1-888-235-7363 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST on weekdays or visit their Web site.

If your or your loved one has been injured by a defective product, our firm may be able to assist you. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

CPSC release

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Bunk Beds Recalled After Iowa Preschooler Dies

by on June 17, 2011 in Accident, accidental death, product liability, wrongful death

Big Lots has voluntarily recalled about 30,000 metal bunk beds after a 3-year-old Iowa boy became entrapped in the frame and died.

According the to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission the Burlington, Iowa boy became entrapped at the head and neck in March 2010.

Officials found the weight of the futon’s metal frame prevented the child from breathing and escaping. Even though CPR was administered to him, he died at the hospital from compression asphyxiation.

They also found an additional hazard. The space between the last rung and the futon is too small, which means a child could fall through, but not his or her head.
The metal bunk beds have an upper twin bed and a lower futon that can convert to a bed.

The recalled beds were sold between January 2009 and April 2010 for approximately $200. The have model number BFB1008 on the upper support rail.
Officials said consumers should immediately stop using the beds and contact Big Lots for a free repair kit including ladders and other parts.

Consumers with questions should contact Big Lots toll-free at 866-244-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. They can also visit the company’s web site at http://www.biglots.com or email at talk2us@biglots.com .

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, our offices can help you. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

CPSC release

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