Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer - Defective Products

Defective Chinese Drywall Lawsuits Press Forward

Pete Strom — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:43:12 GMT

Chinese Drywall, a wide flat board used to create interior walls, is alleged to be emitting sulfur-based gases that:

cause your home to smell like rotten eggs,
corrode air-conditioner coils,computer and electrical wiring, and
cause chronic health problems including sinus problems, a scratchy throat, itchy eyes, as well as other symptoms that go away when you leave the home.

As we have reported, all of the pending faulty Chinese Drywall claims have been consolidated into the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The assigned Multi-District "MDL" Court held a status conference today in New Orleans, Louisiana. We attended the status conference and are proud to supply you with the following report:

During the status conference, the Court advised that it has posted a markings catalog on its website under the "Drywall MDL" tab. The parties also discussed the vaious pretrial orders, copies of which are available on the Court's website.

In accordance with the Court's request at the status conference held last month, inspections have begun and ten properties have been tested. The protocol for these inspections has been amended and an additional ten homes will be tested.

The court will set bell weather trials for January through March 2010. Bellwether cases are actual trials of a small number of cases selected out of all of the pending cases to offer a picture of what a jury may decide in subsequent cases. It is very clear that the Court wants these cases moving.

The court set the next status conference for October 15, 2009. We will keep you updated.

Strom Law Firm is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina. Our firm proudly handles personal injury, criminal defense, defective products, class actions, pharmaceutical liability, toxic torts, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, workers compensation, social security, veteran's benefits, qui tam, predatory lending, tax investigations, business litigation, and wills and estates. Our lawyers proudly edit the Columbia, South Carolina Injury Board as well as the Strom Law Blog as a pro bono effort to provide the public valuable information. Our lawyers are licensed in: South Carolina, New York, and Georgia

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Strom

Health Risks from Denture Cream turn Smiles into Frowns

Amanda Wick — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:51:06 GMT

As the saying goes, you are never fully dressed without a smile. For years Poligrip and Fixodent have helped those with dental work such as dentures and bridges keep their teeth in place. Users with difficult fitting dentures have stood by these products and used them several times per day. Although denture cream is placed in your mouth and may potentially be swallowed or absorbed into the blood stream, the FDA classifies denture cream as a Class 1 low risk dental device, meaning Poligrip and Fixodent were not even required to advise you as to what is in the cream. Denture cream users are now faced with the reality that denture cream products contain zinc and may lead to problems including:

* Paralysis

* Numbness

* Loss of Sensation

* Tingling in the Hands or Feet

* Muscle Weakness

* Unexplained Pain

The zinc poisoning caused by Poligrip and Fixodent can cause permanent injury if it is not diagnosed early and treated. Several lawsuits have already been filed claiming that Poligrip and Fixodent should have tested these creams and warned consumers that they are dangerous.

Are you a denture cream user who has unexplained symptoms? Contact a denture cream attorney who can help protect your rights. Strom Law Firm is a personal injury and criminal defense law firm centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina. Our firm proudly handles personal injury, criminal defense, defective products, class actions, pharmaceutical liability, toxic torts, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, workers compensation, social security disability, veteran's benefits, qui tam, predatory lending, tax investigations, business litigation, and wills and estates. Our lawyers proudly edit the Columbia, South Carolina Injury Board as well as the Strom Law Blog as a pro bono effort to provide the public valuable information. Our lawyers are licensed in: South Carolina, New York, Georgia, Florida, and the District of Columbia.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Amanda Wick

CPSC Recalls Igloo Coolers Due to Lacerations

Amanda Schlager — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:11:26 GMT

On September 24, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled nearly 7,000 Igloo coolers due to a hazardous latch.

The stainless steel latches on the Igloo Marine Elite Coolers have been reported to cause lacerations to consumer’s arms and legs. So far, eight incidents have been reported. The injuries sustained from the sharp latches have been severe enough to require stitches.

The Marine Elite Cooler model of Igloo coolers was sold exclusively to West Marine stores nationwide from January 2008 to July 2008. The recall includes white colored models with stainless steel latches in the 72 quart, 94 quart, 128 quart and 162 quart sizes.

Consumers are urged to stop using this model cooler immediately and to contact Igloo for a free replacement latch kit. Customer service representatives for Igloo can be reached toll-free at (888) 257-0934. Information can also be obtained from their website www.igloocoolers.com/safetyalert.

If you are injured as a result of using this product, or any product, seek medical attention. Keep copies of your medical records and the bills you incur as a result. Representatives of the Company that made the product will often ask you for this information should you call in to report your injury. They may also ask you for other items you may need to provide them, such as a broken part, a UPC code from the purchased item, or other proof of purchase, like a receipt. Sometimes, a Company will have a very streamlined process for dealing with these injuries and will compensate you for your injuries by simply submitting the proper materials.

However, my clients frequently report that their experience with the Company’s representative was frustrating and sometimes completely unhelpful. Some clients have even been told by the Company’s representatives to just “call a lawyer.” While this isn’t always necessary, it can be useful. A lawyer can help you navigate the process, ensure you have all the proper materials, and may seek damages for pain and suffering, in addition to your medical bills.

If you are injured as a result of a defective product, please keep the product, your receipt, and any other materials associated with it. While you do not need a lawyer, you should consider seeking legal help if you find the company to be non-responsive to your requests.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Amanda Schlager

Olivier brand Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil Recalled Due to Contamination

Jenny Albano — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:50:39 GMT

Olivier Oil Products, Inc., in conjunction with the FDA, is recalling Olivier brand Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil because it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Symptoms of botulism include: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. There have been no reported illnesses.

The recalled products were sold at William-Sonoma stores across the U.S. and to Olivier Napa Valley stores in Truckee and St. Helena, California. The dip with the following lot codes are affected by the recall: OPA 34171; OPA 23471; OAP 17271; OAP 17671; OAP 36061; OAP 36161; OPA 33961.

The Olivier brand Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil is packaged in an 11.76 ounce jar and the lot code is on the side of the glass jar where there is no label.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture is conducting recall audits checks to make sure that all potentially contaminated products are removed from stores and disposed of correctly.

When disposing of the dip, double-bag it and make sure bags are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash. Retailers should only place the recalled product in locked receptacles that are not accessible to the public.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Voluntary Recall of Play Yards After Infant Dies

Pete Strom — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:46:59 GMT

After the death of a 10-month old boy, Kolcraft Enterprises is voluntarily recalling approximately 425,000 infant play yards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that a 10-month old infant was strangled on the changing table's strap that was hanging down into a Kolcraft's "Sesame Beginnings" Travel Play Yard.

The recall affects twelve Kolcraft play yards, all of which have raised changing tables containing a restraint strap that forms a loop beneath the changing table, creating a strangulation hazard for children in the play yard.

In addition to strangulation concerns, one play yard presents a suffocation hazard. The Contours 3-in-1 Play Yard has a raised rocking cradle that can trap a child against the side of the cradle and result in suffocation. Kolcraft reports that they have received about 45 reports of trapped children.

The recalled play yards were sold in a variety of colors and patterns and were manufactured in China. Retail stores nationwide sold the play yards between January 2001 and September 2007 and were priced between $50 and $130.

If you have a Kolcraft play yard, you should stop using in now and contact Kolcraft for instructions on free replacements and repairs. Kolcraft's recall instructs consumers to immediately cut off restraint straps from changing tables and to always remove the raised changing table before putting a child in the play yard.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Strom

Mattel Announces 3rd Recall in a Month

Pete Strom — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:52:47 GMT

Mattel and the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced its third recall in a less than a month late Tuesday. The company is recalling more than 800,000 Chinese-made toys that contain excess lead paint.

Most of the recalled toys include Barbie accessories that were manufacturing beginning September 30, 2006. Other recalled toys include Big Big World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys made by the Fisher-Price unit of Mattel.

Mattel's previous recalls came August 1, 2007 and August 14, 2007, also because of excessive lead paint. Lead paint is especially dangerous for children and can cause brain damage if ingested.

More than 80% of the world's toys are made in China, making toy sellers nervous that buyers will avoid there products in the upcoming holiday season. Mattel, though, claims they are increasing their supervision of toy production at all levels. Mattel has also announced a plan to implement random testing and inspection of their suppliers.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Strom

Botulism Forces Plant Closed and Recall of More Than 90 Canned Products

Pete Strom — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:41:01 GMT

Production at Castleberry's Food Company has stopped due to cans testing positively for botulism. Four reported cases of botulism can be traced back to Castleberry's products. Each of the four people with botulism consumed Hot Dog Chili Sauce Original. This botulism outbreak led Castleberry's to expand its previous recall of canned meat products.

It recalled more than 80 types of canned chili, beef stew, corned beef hash and other meat products in addition to the 10 brands it has recalled Thursday. Company officials said they were working closely with the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture to determine just how widespread the problem is, but they could not provide information about what quantity of the products in question are still on store shelves.

Botulism is a rare but very serious illness that is produced by bacterium. Symptoms of the illness include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. If botulism goes untreated, the illness can cause paralysis of the arms, legs, trunk and respiratory muscles. Botulism caused by consumed contaminated food products usually occur 18 to 36 hours after eating the contaminated food, but can occur anywhere from 6 hours to10 days after consumption.

As an attorney who has experience handling food poisoning and contamination cases, my heart goes out to those already affected by the Botulism outbreak.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Strom

Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butter Have Been Linked to a Nationwide Outbreak of Salmonella

Pete Strom — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:53:05 GMT

Jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter that have product codes beginning with 2111 have been linked to a nationwide outbreak of salmonella that has sickened 370 people from 42 states. I have been amazed at the number of calls and emails our firm has received this week from people who had eaten Peter Pan or Great Value brand peanut butter and developed Salmonella which causes diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping.

We have heard stories from families that had a house full of sick children. They were taking them to the doctor and continued to feed them peanut butter, not knowing it was the cause of the salmonella poisoning. We have filed a class action for everone who has been inured and are taking additional peanut butter injury cases. I have also heard from skeptics that have Peter Pan or Great Value Peanut Butter with product code beginning with 2111 that say they are still eating the recalled product. God bless them!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Strom

Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Recall

Pete Strom — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 20:28:48 GMT

The FDA has issued a recall notice regarding the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch. These devices were used to repair ventral hernias caused by thinning or stretching of scar tissue that occurs around incisions after surgery. The working component of the patch is a "memory recoil ring" that causes the patch to spring open after surgeons fold it flat in order to insert it into the body.
Sadly, this "memory recoil ring" that is so critical to the the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch is prone to breakage during the stress of placing it inside the body. Should this device break, it can cause a number of serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as bowel perforation and/or chronic intestinal fistulae, or abnormal connections of passageways between intestines and other gastrointestinal organs.

The following are the batches of the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch
BardÂ® ComposixÂ® KugelÂ® Extra Large Oval, 8.7" x 10.7", all lot numbers
BardÂ® ComposixÂ® KugelÂ® Extra Large Oval, 10.8" x 13.7", all lot numbers
BardÂ® ComposixÂ® KugelÂ® Extra Large Oval, 7.7" x 9.7", all lot numbers
BardÂ® ComposixÂ® KugelÂ® Oval, 6.3" x 12.3", all lot numbers
BardÂ® ComposixÂ® KugelÂ® Large Oval, 5.4" x 7", lot numbers 41L, 41M,41N, 43L, 43M, 43N
BardÂ® ComposixÂ® KugelÂ® Large Circle, 4.5", lot numbers 41L, 41M, 41N, 43L, 43M, 43N

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Strom

Peter Pan Peanut Butter Salmonella Recall Update

Pete Strom — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:17:00 GMT

This Peter Pan peanut butter recall is much more serious than I originally thought. We have received a number of calls today from families from around the country. One person is in the hospital for salmonella poisoning and others are telling me of episodes of nausea, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

I am advising people to go the doctor if they are still having salmonella symptoms. We are accepting all types of cases stemming from Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter. That includes clients who did not receive medical treatment but did have an illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 290 people from 39 states who have gotten sick from Salmonella Tennessee, the Salmonella type associated with this outbreak. Forty six (46) patients are known to have been hospitalized and there have been no reported deaths.
The 39 states with reported illness are: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Strom