Product Liability

In conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), five retailers are halting sales of the Tots in Mind, Inc. crib tents and play yard tents and a voluntary recall is now being issued. The CPSC is urging parents and child caregivers who own these products that toddlers and infants are at risk for injury or death due to the strangulation and entrapment hazards presented by these items. The CPSC is aware of 27 tent failures between January 1997 and April 2012, including one fatality and one catastrophic brain injury, from the crib tents and play yard tents.

As Tots in Mind, Inc., the manufacturer of these items, is no longer in business, the retailers who sold these recalled products have stepped up and are issuing refunds or store credits to consumers. Consumers should contact the stores where the product was purchased to receive either the refund or store credit, which is dependent on the retailer. Information on the retailers and how they can be reached is below:

• Amazon: Amazon.com
• Bed, Bath, & Beyond/BuyBuyBaby: (800)-GOBEYOND, bedbathandbeyond.com, or buybuybaby.com
• Burlington Coat Factory: (888) 223-2628, burlingtoncoatfactory.com
• Walmart: (800) 925-6278, walmartstores.com
• Toys R Us/Babies R Us: (800) 869-7787, toysrus.com, or babiesrus.com

The recall includes various models of approximately 330,000 crib or play yard tents. Consumers can identify their tent by the Tots in Mind logo label located on the non-mesh portion near the top of the tent. The CPSC advises parents and caregivers to stop use of the product immediately.

Families and child caregivers trust that the products and toys intended for children are safe and harm-free, but when a manufacturer fails to adequately test a product for safety or has insufficient manufacturing standards, an innocent child may suffer injury or even death. The product liability lawyers in Chicago at the Bradley Law Firm are committed to helping families across Illinois receive the compensation they need following a devastating child injury accident. To discuss your case with a member of our law team, call (312) 252-1488.

According to a Los Angeles Times report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stepped up their investigation into the BMW 7-Series luxury cars. The inquiry covers almost 122,000 BMWs from the 2002 to 2008 model years. During the eight-month investigation, which began in August, safety regulators have discovered 16 crashes and five injuries caused by the vehicle’s transmission control problems. The cars have a push-button start and electronic transmission controls, and in some cases owners believed their car was in park when it was actually in neutral. The NHTSA states in its reports that, basically, the car may roll away unexpectedly and crash due to the alleged defect.

The NHTSA has officially upgraded the BMW inquiry to an engineering analysis, which brings it one step closer to a recall, in order to further “assess the potential safety consequences of the alleged defect.” Documents from the safety agency indicate that BMW has received 50 complaints about the problem. In one complaint, the driver of a 2002 745Li said the car was parked at a daycare center near Atlanta when it rolled approximately 40 yards and crashed into a nearby embankment. Another instance saw a driver’s parked vehicle, a 2006 750 BMW, roll backward about 100 feet and crash into a lamppost. Fortunately, no one was injured in either case.

BMW has thus far been unable to diagnose the failure, and the automaker is fully cooperating with the NHTSA’s investigation.

Automobile makers have the responsibility to produce a vehicle that is completely safe for consumer use. One small defect, however, can cause a deadly accident and cost an innocent person his or her life. If you have been injured by a defective auto part, seeking legal assistance from a skilled Illinois product liability lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected throughout your case. At the Bradley Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping consumers harmed by a dangerous product obtain compensation for their injuries and losses. To discuss your case with us, please call (312) 252-1488.

Citing the recent rash of television tip-over accidents in the Chicago area, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing a life-saving reminder to parents across the country: anchor both your televisions and furniture. The Chicago Tribune reports that falling TVs have injured or killed five young children in the greater Chicago area in less than four months, prompting experts and child safety advocates to call for public education and increased safety measures. The most recent tip-over case involved a two-year-old girl who was struck by both a TV and a dresser, but fortunately survived the incident. According to research conducted by the federal safety commission, 169 children died after TVs fell on them from 2000 to 2010.

Safety experts believe manufacturers should include straps or anchors with all new televisions, though they are currently not required to. An added recommendation is for stores that sell TVs to sell straps to consumers for use on older television models. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., an independent company that sets voluntary safety standards for the TV industry, can update the standards to specify that straps or anchors be sold with new TV sets, but presently have not taken any action on the issue and are focusing instead on increasing awareness. Overall, experts recommend any television in a home, whether an old or new model, such as a flatscreen, be anchored to prevent a dangerous child injury accident.

These recent TV tip-over accidents illustrate the need for families to be extra cautious with appliances and products when younger children are in the home. However, some products may pose a danger to a user regardless of the precautions he or she may take due to a manufacturing defect or flaw, which can result in serious injuries to an unsuspecting consumer. At the Bradley Law Firm, our skilled Chicago product liability attorneys are committed to helping IL residents obtain the compensation they deserve when they have been harmed by a dangerous or defective product. For a free consultation on your product liability claim, call (312) 252-1488.

A seatbelt is a safety restraint device required on all cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs (sport utility vehicles). Most seatbelts operate safely and effectively, and an estimated 226,627 lives between 1975 and 2006 have been saved due to these safety devices, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, safety belts are not foolproof, and when they malfunction, serious injuries or even death may occur as a result. A seat belt malfunctions when it fails to safely and effectively restrain a vehicle occupant.

In a recent year, Yourlegalguide.com reported that 4,159 vehicle occupants were killed by safety belts in motor vehicle accidents and 989,000 were injured. Statistics from the NHTSA do not indicate how many defective seatbelts were involved in these tragic incidents, but there have been more than a thousand seatbelt recalls for safety issues since 1996. Seatbelt defects can be caused by a number of factors, including: manufacturing or assembly errors, design flaws, lack of warning labels, and insufficient directions. The following are common types of injuries caused by defective seat belts:

• Head injuries;
• Chest injuries;
• Abdominal injuries;
• Spinal injuries;
• Upper or lower extremity fractures; and
• Death.

Injuries caused by a seatbelt tend to affect the upper body, and when a seatbelt breaks during a motor vehicle crash, the injuries resemble those of an unrestrained vehicle occupant.

If you have been injured by a defective seatbelt, it is important to know you have legal rights and can pursue compensation from the negligent parties responsible. The seatbelt injury attorneys in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm are committed to helping injury victims get the compensation they need to recover from a devastating accident. To see how our legal team can assist you, call (312) 252-1488 for a consultation.

A report from ABC News states that Minnesota-based food company Michael Foods is recalling more than one million hard-cooked eggs that were distributed in 34 U.S. states. The product recall was issued after lab testing conducted by a third party revealed some of the eggs may be contaminated with listeria. The company determined that a repair project in a packaging room was the most likely source of the contamination, and has taken “a number of corrective steps to address the issue and prevent recurrence.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the eggs were produced at the company’s plant in Wakefield, NE and were purchased by food manufacturers and distributors, but not sold directly to retailers. Currently, no illnesses have been reported in connection to the recalled eggs. The product was sold under these six different brand names: Wholesome Farms, Silverbrook, Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, and Pappetti’s. The following states are included in this recall:

Alabama; Arkansas; Arizona; California; Colorado; Florida; Georgia; Iowa; Illinois; Indiana; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Michigan; Minnesota; Missouri; Mississippi; Montana; North Carolina; North Dakota; Nebraska; New Jersey; Nevada; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Washington; Wisconsin; and West Virginia.

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, with the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems having the highest risk for infection. Healthier individuals will usually suffer shorter-term symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, stiffness, and headaches; however, a listeria infection may possibly cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Consumers expect that the products they buy, especially food, will be safe for consumption and use. However, when the maker of a product does not thoroughly test an item for safety, takes cost-effective shortcuts in manufacturing, or allows it to be exposed to dangerous toxins, unsuspecting consumers will be the one to pay the price. If you have been injured or become ill from a defective or dangerous product, the product liability lawyers in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm can help you hold any responsible parties accountable. Please call (312) 252-1488 for a free review of your case.

The New Year has just begun, but there have already been a handful of recalls issued for a variety of products, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Major retailers, including Target and Big Lots, have issued recalls for defective products that may cause a serious personal injury. The following are four products that have already been recalled for 2012:

1. Big Lots Floor Lamp: Over 43,000 units of the “Classic Quarters Five-Light Floor Lamps” from Big Lots has been recalled because the wiring for the lamp sockets may become exposed and pose a risk of electric shock. In addition, the recommended 40 watt light bulb can cause excessive heat and melt the double plastic shades. The item was sold nationwide from April 2010 through November 2011 for $30 to $50. Consumers should return this item to the store for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call (866) 244-5687, or visit www.biglots.com.
2. IKEA High Chair: IKEA North America has issued a recall for its ANTILOP high chairs due to the chair’s restraint buckle opening unexpectedly, which can pose a fall hazard for the infant. The company has received eight reports of this happening, including three children who suffered minor injuries. The item was sold nationwide from August 2006 through January 2010 for about $20. Contact IKEA for a free replacement seat restraint by calling (866) 966-4532 or visiting www.ikea-usa.com.
3. Triple Eight Distribution Bicycle Helmet: Product testing of this youth bicycle helmet, marked with a “Little Tricky” logo, did not comply with CSPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Therefore, young consumers may suffer impact head injuries if they fall. This product was sold at sports stores and retailers nationwide, and online, from August 2006 through November 2011 for about $40. Consumers should contact Tripe Eight for a full refund at (888) 548-8518 or via www.triple8.com.
4. Target LED Flashlight: Affecting about 55,000 units, Target has recalled their six-piece LED flashlight set. When turned on, the flashlights can heat up, melt, or smoke, all which can pose a dangerous fire or burn hazard. Target has received reports of four incidents, two that included minor burn injuries to the user’s hands. The set was sold nationwide from October 2010 through December 2011 for about $10. Contact Target for a refund at (800) 440-0680 or www.target.com.

Manufacturers have the responsibility to produce products that are safe and reliable for public use. However, when a product has a defect due to poor manufacturing or inadequate safety testing, it can cause serious injury. The Illinois product liability lawyers with the Bradley Law Firm can help any IL resident who has been injured by a defective product obtain compensation for their injuries. For a complimentary consultation and review of your case, call (312) 252-1488.

Ford Motor Company is recalling about 1.1 million vehicles due to a fire hazard caused by severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps, which secure the tank to the vehicle. The corrosion may be caused by long-term exposure to road de-icing chemicals and may ultimately cause both fuel tank straps to fail, separating the fuel lines from the tank or causing the tank to fall to the ground.

All recalled vehicles are pickup trucks and include certain model year:

• 1997 through 2003 Ford F-150 pick-up trucks;
• 1997 through 1999 F-250 pick-up trucks less than 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR);
• 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage pick-up trucks; and
• 2002 and 2003 Lincoln Blackwood pick-up trucks.

These vehicles were manufactured from June 20, 1995, through August 4, 2004, and are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

The recall will officially begin around September 12, at which time Ford will notify owners of the recall and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Lincoln or Ford dealer to replace the fuel tank straps with ones that have more corrosion protection, free of charge. If replacement straps are not available, the dealer may temporarily install a support cable under the strap or permanently install a steel reinforcement over the strap. For additional information, owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236. The recall campaign number is 11S21.

Auto manufacturers have a duty to produce safe vehicles for consumers, but they don’t always fulfill this duty. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective vehicle or vehicle part in Illinois, the skilled product liability attorneys in Chicago at The Bradley Law Firm can advise you on the best course of legal action. To learn more about getting the compensation you deserve, call us today for a free confidential consultation at 312-252-1488.

In cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler is recalling 242,780 specific model year Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks as the result of a steering defect involving the tie rod assembly, which could cause the loss of directional stability in the front driver’s side wheel, increasing the risk of an auto accident.

The defect involves the left tie rod ball stud, which may fracture, subsequently creating directional instability in the left-front wheel. Though it most often occurs during slower maneuvers, such as tight turns, it nonetheless increases the risk of an injury crash.

The recalled Dodge Ram trucks include model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4×4 and Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4×2, which were manufactured from February 14, 2008, through March 28, 2011, as well as model year 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4×4, manufactured from February 14, 2008, through August 15, 2008.

No notification schedule has been determined as of yet. Once owners are notified, however, they will receive instructions to take their Dodge Ram to a Chrysler dealer for an inspection of the tie rod ends and replacement of the left outer tie rod if necessary. In addition, a front-end toe alignment will also be performed if necessary. For additional information, owners of the recalled trucks can call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403, or the NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Auto manufacturers, as well as all others that produce consumer products, have a responsibility to manufacture and sell safe vehicles and products. This responsibility is not always a priority, however, and consumer product manufacturers forgo safety for quicker production and higher profits. The skilled Chicago product liability lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm have years of experience in representing clients that have been injured by defective products in Illinois. We can help you hold at-fault parties liable for the losses and damages you have suffered. To find out how you may get the compensation you deserve, call us today for a free confidential consultation at 312-252-1488.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Administration (CPSC) recently announced the recall of 30,000 Big Lots metal futon bunk beds due to an entrapment hazard. The Ohio-based company Big Lots is in cooperation with the CPSC for this recall, which was prompted by the entrapment death of a 3-year-old boy in March 2010.

A child faces potential entrapment if they place themselves behind the futon or in the ladder area when the futon and its metal frame are lowered into the flat or bed position. These were the circumstances surrounding the entrapment death of the 3-year-old boy. The heavy metal frame trapped the boy by the head and neck, thus preventing him from breathing, or freeing himself. CPR was performed, and the boy was taken to the hospital, but the damage was too severe and the boy died of compression asphyxiation. Although there have been no fatal reports, another entrapment hazard was discovered in the small space between the last ladder rung and the futon mattress. This space may allow a child’s body to fit through but can potentially cause entrapment of the neck and head.

The recalled bunk beds were sold between January 2009 through April 2010 nationwide for about $200. They have a twin-sized upper bunk and a convertible futon bed bottom bunk on a metal frame and model number is BFB1008, which may be found on the label attached to the top bunk support rail.

Any Illinois owners of the defective metal futon bunk beds should immediately stop using it and contact Big Lots for a free at-home repair kit, so as to prevent an Illinois defective product injury. To receive additional information, consumers can call Big Lots at 866-244-5687 or email them at talk2us@biglots.com.

When product manufacturers fail in their duty to produce safe, quality products, it threatens the health and safety of children and adults. At The Bradley Law Firm, our skilled Chicago product liability lawyers help injured victims of defective products recover compensation from negligent manufacturers. To learn more about your legal options, contact us today at 312-525-1488.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a potential 71,043 certain model 2011 Jettas, manufactured from March 2010 through March 2011, will be recalled by Volkswagen America, Inc. beginning in May due to an electrical system malfunction.

The particular problem in the Jetta’s faulty electrical wiring and fuse layout is that the same fuse used by the signal horn and the anti-theft alarm system also protects the converter box. Should that fuse be blown, the converter box will become disconnected from the power supply, thus interrupting or completely shutting off various vehicle applications, such as the engine management system, lighting system, and windshield wipers.

The results of an unpredictable vehicle application shut down can be very serious for Illinois drivers. If the malfunction occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the windshield wipers or headlights may fail to work or the engine could stall, greatly increasing the risk of a sudden Illinois auto accident. This would be especially dangerous in the winter months when there is inclement weather.

Auto manufacturers have a responsibility to their consumers to provide an efficient, well-built, and, most importantly, safe vehicle. It is their job to ensure that their vehicles are constructed and electrically wired to the highest safety standards. When a defective auto component results in a car crash in Illinois, the manufacturer can be held liable for the financial losses and emotional suffering of all injured victims. Attempting to recover medical expenses from an auto manufacturer can be a very long and complicated process. Speaking to an experienced Illinois auto product liability lawyer can help you through such a difficult time.

If you have been injured in a traffic accident due to defective auto manufacturing or design, the knowledgeable Chicago product liability attorneys of The Bradley Law firm can help you understand your legal rights and will advise you on the best course of legal action for your case. For a free confidential consultation, call 312-252-1488.