That’s right, the Swiss drug maker has been advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a nationwide warning to consumers that several of their OTC medications may be mixed up with powerful painkillers. Officials advised consumers to stop using the products following hundreds of complaints about broken or incorrect tablets winding up in pill bottles.

Novartis Recall

Novartis recalled 1,645 lots of OTC drugs.  These drugs may have accidentally been packaged at the Lincoln, Neb., facility with powerful prescription painkillers made at the same facility. The opioid drugs are sold by Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc., of Chadds Ford, Pa.

Novartis OTC drugs recalled:

• Excedrin
• Bufferin
• NoDoz
• Gas-X

 Opioids that these packages may contain:

• Percocet
• Endocet
• Opana
• Zydone

Initially Novartis is recalling only certain bottles of headache medicine Excedrin and caffeine caplets NoDoz with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2014. The company is also recalling some packages of pain medicine Bufferin and stomach medicine Gas-X with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2013, or earlier.

Denials and Corporate Positioning

The FDA conducts periodic inspections on drug manufacturing facilities, because some of the worst problems with both prescription and OTC drugs happen at the production and packaging point. During one of these recent inspections, FDA inspectors discovered a manufacturing fault that could allow pills to become stuck in the machinery and carry over to the packaging of other products.

The agency says the investigation is ongoing and would not comment on potential penalties against Endo or Novartis. Though the agency is having Novartis recall their OTC drugs, FDA officals say that the painkillers are not being recalled because they are essential medications for many patients and the risks of stray pills are low. Hoever, regulators are concerned about a possible shortage of Endo’s painkillers due to the shutdown of the Nebraska facility.

“The likelihood of finding a wrong tablet in an opiate pain medication dispensed to patients is low and patients should not be unduly alarmed,” FDA’s Dr. Edward Cox told reporters.

So, even though this recall is probably not going to cost Endo much at all, they still came out with a statement saying that it is “not aware of any confirmed product mix-ups that reached patients or caused any injuries,” regardless of the hundreds of public complaints to the FDA, which, if the company had been doing its due diligence, it would be monitoring. In fact, any complaints or notifications are required to be addressed by the company within a matter of days according to FDA rules.

A spokeswoman for Novartis said late yesterday that only Gas-X is produced on the same manufacturing line as the opioid drugs.

“FDA is working with Endo and Novartis to minimize the degree of impact. The degree of shortage will depend upon how quickly safeguards can be put in place to prevent this manufacturing issue from happening in the future,” the FDA said in a statement on its website.

Check Your Medicine Cabinet

What alerted consumers to a problem was broken and mismatched pills in their OTC bottles and packages. This is scary because they, or their children, might take pills that could potentially kill them. Particularly with OTC drugs that have a very low instance of overdose, thus, people often take beyond the recommended dose for extreme headaches or gas pains.

Look closely at your prescriptions and look for the expiration dates. The FDA recommends customers make sure all the tablets are similar in shape, color, size and marking. If one or more of the tablets look different, patients should return the medicine to their pharmacist.

Consumers should visit www.novartisOTC.com for a full list of recalled products, and they can call Novartis at 1-888-477-2403, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Patients can also call Endo Pharmaceuticals’ call center at 1-800-462-3636.

How serious is the Novartis painkiller mix up?

Very serious. The FDA goes through steps to assure that OTC drugs are okay for the general public. That means that young people and elderly people, small people and large people, will not be adversely effected for taking the recommended dose as labeled. However, prescription dosage is on a case by case basis, prescribed only by a doctor, in order to treat serious medical ailments. Exspecially in the case of Opioids.

Opioids are so dangerous that Washington state has changed state law to require all pain medications to be scrutinized and overseen by pain medication specialists outside of the patient’s physician. This is to avoid the rash of deaths and addiction associated with these highly volatile medications.

The CDC warning and the changes to Washington State laws should be enough to show that both Novartis and Endo are taking this issue far too lightly. Announcing the recall on a Sunday when nobody is watching the news and playing the denial game is no way to save patients from the potentially deadly consequences of this situation.

Defective Drug Attorneys

Phillips Webster is a team of experienced defective drug attorneys with a proven track record of successful defective drug litigation. If you or a loved one have experienced serious injury or death due to a defective drug, call us today for a free consultation and to find out your legal rights.

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The primary deadly effect is the way that they are propelled out of their compartment and the force in which the bag is inflated. This has been shown to be seriously detrimental to elderly people riding in the front. Particularly elderly women who have tend to have more brittle bones. It is also detrimental to children who honestly should not be riding in the front seat anyway.

But a new defect is now killing and injuring normal sized adults and prompting a massive recall announced by Honda Motor Company today.

Deadly Airbag Recall

Honda Motor Co. plans to recall 900,000 Honda and Acura vehicles for defective airbags and inspect an additional 603,000 vehicles. The inspections are intended to review whether cars that have been serviced for car accidents or airbag replacement were actually refitted with the defective airbags. Honda said it doesn’t know how many of those vehicles might have been repaired with the defective parts manufactured by parts supplier Takata in Japan.

There is suspicion that, in a car accident, the driver’s side airbag can deploy with so much force that the metal inflator casing that holds and channels explosive propellant can rupture causing metal and plastic shards to spray towards the driver causing them serious personal injury or wrongful death.

“The propellant was packed improperly and that allows the propellant to burn off too quickly and it explodes and pieces of the casing are causing the injuries,” said Chris Martin, a Honda spokesman.

Altogether, there have been 18 personal injuries and two deaths caused by the faulty airbags.

Not the First Honda Airbag Recall

This problem has plagued Honda in the past and has caused Honda to be far more diligent about their testing. Defective Honda airbags have prompted four previous recalls dealing the same issue. This latest recall – the largest of it’s kind — has expanded the total to more than 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S.

Honda’s actions come after a driver was personally injured in a vehicle that had not been part of the previous recalls pointing to a larger problem. This is driving concerns over the market that some people may still be driving unrepaired vehicles listed in previous recalls and also be driving with defective Takata products that may have been installed after the defect was initially discovered.

“We really need to get all these cars repaired and there are a lot of customers out there who have not brought their cars in after we have sent them mailers,” a Honda spokesperson said. “This is a very serious thing; people need to get their cars fixed. This is not something to wait on.”

We agree. All Honda drivers need to contact their dealer if they have an effected Honda.

Honda Vehicles Recalled

Honda confirmed that the problem does not affect any vehicles newer than the 2003 model year when the

The latest recall now includes:

• Honda Accord – 2001 and 2002
• Honda Civic – 2001 to 2003
• Honda Odyssey – 2001 to 2003
• Honda CR-V – 2002 and 2003
• Honda Pilot – 2003
• Acura 3.2 TL – 2002 and 2003
• Acura 3.2 CL – 2003

Honda will begin sending recall notices to owners of these vehicles later this month.

It also said the Honda owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009 and select option 4; Acura owners can go to www.recalls.acura.com or call (800) 382-2238 and select option 4 to get more information.

Seattle Defective Airbag Attorney

The experimentation of side impact airbags should not be on customers. Extensive tests should be made prior to the car entering the market because these are very serious accidents that could lead to the loss of a loved one. A missed or faulty deployment could mean the difference between living through the accident and a life long disability or wrongful death. Please fully research your vehicle prior to purchase.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an car accident due to the negligence of another driver due to speeding, some of the best advice you can give is to find an attorney that is experienced in personal injury litigation. Call Phillips Webster for a free consultation on your legal rights.

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• Medical Care Costs and Personal Injury
• Settlements in Personal Injury Lawsuits
• Everything You Need to Know About Car Accidents

Well, when it comes to the topic of safety and better question to ask yourself is which one NOT to pick. That’s what the US Public Interest Research Group’s (PIRG) annual report on safe toys is all about. Along with help from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) they set them in categories.

Toys With A Potential Chocking Hazard

Choking on small toy parts, on small balls, on marbles and balloons continues to be the major cause of toy-related deaths and injuries. Between 1990 and 2010, over 200 children died from a choking incident.

To test a chocking hazard can be done at home by simply setting the toy or toy part in a standard toilet paper tube — it’ll be about 1.75 inches in diameter. If a toy, toy part or ball fits in it, it’s too small for kids who put things in their mouths.

Latex balloons are not recommended for children under 8. Broken latex balloon parts on the floor are very dangerous to toddlers and crawlers, but even older children are at risk for inhaling a piece of a balloon that explodes while being inflated.

Toys that PIRG says have pieces that are potential choking hazards include:

• Wooden blocks set (ToySmith)
• Sesame Street Oscar Doll (Sesame Workshop)
• Dinosaur multi pack, similar sea life and turtle packs (Greenbrier International)
• HABA fruit in a bag (HABA)
• Green rubber grape (iwako)
• Orange bear (4M2U)
• Flat baby blocks and square counting blocks (Greenbrier International),
• 4 dollar box items (Rhode Island Novelty)
• Play ball x2 (Squishland)

Toys With A Potential Toxic Hazard

Dozens of studies have shown negative health effects of exposure to phthalates (plastics that break down into toxins) into in the womb or in child development. Environmental Protection Agency studies show exposure leads to an increase in premature delivery and reproductive defects. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 permanently banned toys containing three phthalates and set temporary limits on three others. No toy or childcare article can contain more than 1000ppm of each of the six phthalates.

There is also a fear that the toy could contain lead. Lead has been show to be toxic to all human beings, lowering immune systems, and causing serious problems in the nervous system, kidneys, liver, blood, and bones. This could cause death.

Toys were found to be potentially dangerous due to higher levels of lead or other toxic chemicals than PIRG considers acceptable:

• Funny Glasses (Joking Around)
• Sleep Mask (Claire’s)
• Little Hands Love Book (Piggy Toes Press)
• Whirly Wheel (LL)
• Spritz Medals (Spritz)
• Hello Kitty eyeshadow/keychain (Hello Kitty)
• Tinkerbell Watch (Disney Fairies)
• Peace Sign Bracelet (Family Dollar)
• Honda Motorcycle (Honda)

Toys With A Potential Noise Hazard

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed one in five U.S. children will have some degree of hearing loss by the time they reach age 12; this may be in part due to many children using toys and other children’s products that emit loud sounds such as music players. The National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders advises that prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels (equal to a train whistle or loud traffic) will cause gradual hearing loss in any age range. Many toys exceed this.

The PIRG noise hazards list includes:

• Elmo’s World Talking Cell Phone (Fisher-Price)
• Victorious Stereo Headphones (Nickelodeon)
• Hotwheels’ Super Stunt RAT BOMB (Hotwheels)

Hazardous Toy Recalls

Last year, the CPSC recalled almost 200,000 individual toy units for violations of lead standards. Lead, when ingested, interferes with nervous system development and causes a host of other health issues. That makes it hazardous for anyone, but extra dangerous for children — and a bad idea on anything they might put in their mouths.

Also last year, the CPSC recalled more than 3.5 million toys and other children’s products because of choking hazards. Since 1990, of the more than 400 children’s deaths associated with toys, more than half were caused by choking on balloons, small toy parts and small balls.

“It is very important for parents who have older kids, as well as little ones who still put things in their mouth, to keep the older kids’ small toys and balls away from the younger children,” says PIRG.

Defective Design Lawyers

This is not just a warning for Christmas, but year round people should check the recall and ban list before they go shopping for toys of any occasion. When recalls are announced, it is generally done as a preventative measure not as a reactionary measure, though too many times they are in reaction to tragic circumstances such as the wrongful death or serious injury of a child. This is when parents need experienced representation to seek the justice.

If you or a child are seriously injured or hospitalized by Fisher-Price products then you need a skilled lawyer with experience in Product Liability Litigation to assure that you get the compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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• Manufacturer Defect Lawsuits and Liability
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However, certain lines of this medical device have been found to cause more problems than helped. You see, it is a device that is meant to replace a natural function in the body that keeps the organs in place and helps a woman’s internal organs functioning normally.

It is essentially a “surgical net” made out of prolene, a synthetic monfilament nonabsorbable polypropylene suture that is a finely constructed synthetic mesh that us generally used for skin closure. It is intended to hold up the bladder and uterus to avoid discomfort and urinary problems.

The need for a transvaginal mesh arises when the muscles within the vaginal cavity that hold up the bladder and uterus weaken to the point that they can no longer adequately support the organs, thus causing them to sag, putting significant pressure on the area restricting the passing of urine and other complications such as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

Installing a transvaginal mesh is a 20-minute outpatient procedure that is considered not invasive. But reversing the procedure is far more involved and could involve a more significant procedure depending on the seriousness of the ailment that caused with need for the removal of the device.

Problems Associated with Transvaginal Mesh

Since the medical device was introduced in 1996, it seems to have been going through a bumpy road of testing. Perhaps because much of this testing is human testing. Though in theory the concept behind transvaginal meshs seems sound, the reality is that they are far from fully developed and in some cases have been found to be highly detrimental to the patient. This is because they can cause some serious ailments.

Transvaginal mesh problems:

Erosion – This is exactly what it sounds like, the actual depletion in the strength or integrity of the materials that allow the mesh to keep the organs in place. When this happens, the material must be adequately removed before a new mesh is put back in.

Infection – This is probably one of the worst consequences of the device. The mesh cuts into the flesh of the organs and the open wounds get infected. This is different from the normal bladder infection, which is located inside the organ. An internal infection could result in hospitalization, could spread to other organs, or could result in death of the patient.

Granuloma – This is a build up of cells around the mesh that could result in calcium deposits around the organs where the mesh touches them. This has a chance of forming into an infection and may cause complications when removing the device.

Incomplete voiding – This refers to the draining of urine from the bladder. Incomplete voiding causes patients to go frequently and could result in painful bladder infections if the buildup is too great or too long.

Pain – This could be associated with many factors such as the improper installation of the device, slippage, the improper placement of the device, infection, and internal personal injuries caused by the mesh.

Intraoperative Injuries – These are injuries that happen to internal organs that may require surgery to fix. When related to a transvaginal mesh, they can happen to various organs including the bladder, gastrointestinal tract, or uterus.

Transvaginal Mesh Research

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that they have been aware of the problems with transvaginal meshs of various brands since 2006. They have received thousands of complaints about some of the most defective devices, from those that are badly designed to those that plainly don’t work but were sold anyway.

An example of sheer ineffectiveness was the transvaginal mesh offered by Boston Scientific, who ended up pulling their product for the market under pressure from the FDA. Of course there were other companies right there to pick up where Boston Scientific left off. With this the FDA has given some warnings and guidelines for the installation, use, and replacement of the devices.

Recommendation regarding transvaginal meshs:

Educate – Familiarize yourself with the different types products and procedures.

Awareness – Just by reading this article you are more informed than many transvaginal mesh patients. Make sure you ask lots of questions and know everything about your product and procedure.

Reactions – Be aware of the health issues that arise from the device, because they could feel unrelated to your device when in fact they are being caused by the device.

Document – Request product specific information and literature including the serial number of the specific unit. Try to get the actual package it came in and keep a photocopy of label specifics.

Removal – Prior to removal make sure you get a second opinion and a complete explanation of the reasons and procedure. Also, make sure there you ask about any findings post procedure.

Defective Medical Device Lawyers

Defective medical devices can seriously effect a woman’s health and could possibly do permanent damage to vital internal organs. This could result in extensive hospitalization and a series of surgeries that may not have been required is the device had been properly designed and tested.

The defective design legal team at Phillips Webster has been following this issue since it was brought to the attention of the public nearly six years ago. Since then we have been prepared to answer questions listen to the stories of real people affected by defective fentanyl patches. Call the Defective Device Attorneys at Phillips Webster for a consultation on how you can get the justice and compensation you deserve.

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• Defective Products
• Defective Drugs
• Medical Malpractice

Foodborne illnesses are caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Harmful chemicals can also cause foodborne illnesses if they have contaminated food during harvesting or processing. Most foodborne infections are undiagnosed and unreported, though the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that every year about 76 million people in the United States become ill from pathogens, or disease-causing substances, in food. Of these people, about 5,000 die.

Some of these can be avoided by identifying the symptoms, the type of illness, and deciding to seek help sooner than later.

Symptoms of a Food Borne Illness

The symptoms of a foodborne illness is very similar to that of the stomach flu virus, which can be just as dangerous. Though it may not last as long, foodborne illnesses can be more violent and excruciatingly painful. These reasons alone are a good reason to go to the emergency ward for relief.

Abdominal cramps – The cramping for a foodborne illness is somewhat unique as it can come in waves, but you may find yourself lying on the floor in fetal position begging for relief about every five or ten minutes. If it stays constant, go to the hospital.

Nausea and vomiting – Many times the illness comes after everything is digested, so you may find yourself dry heaving or even spitting up stomach acid. If you are extricating yellow or bloody substances, seek immediate medical attention.

Diarrhea – This is probably the largest culprit to dehydration, a major problem with foodborne illnesses. If there is blood at any time in the stool, seek immediate medical attention.

Fever – Fevers are common and you should take your temperature. Once you are over 102º, you are dangerously hot and should seek medical attention.

Dehydration – Like we said above, this is one of the largest concerns for medical professionals and can be alleviated through drinking lots of liquids or IV solution administered at the hospital.

Types of Food Borne Illnesses

Some illnesses get more airplay in the media, not because they are more common, but because they are more familiar. Many people can get varying exposures to each of the ailments listed below throughout their lifetimes and not even know that they’ve been run the gamut.

E. coli O157:H7 – This is a bacterial pathogen humans typically get ill from following the consumption of food or water that has been contaminated with microscopic amounts of cow feces. The symptoms are often severe and bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps, without much fever. In 3% to 5% of cases, a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur several weeks after the initial symptoms. This severe complication includes temporary anemia, profuse bleeding, and kidney failure.

Salmonella – This is also a bacterium that is widespread in the intestines of birds, reptiles and mammals. Humans can catch it via a variety of different foods of animal origin.  The illness typically includes fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. For people with poor health or weakened immune systems, it can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.

Campylobacter – This is considered the most commonly identified bacterial cause of diarrheal illness in the world. It is a bacterial pathogen that causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These bacteria live in the intestines of healthy birds, and most raw poultry meat has Campylobacter on it. Eating undercooked chicken, or other food that has been contaminated with juices dripping from raw chicken is the most frequent source of this infection.

Calicivirus, or Norwalk-like virus – This is also an extremely common, yet fairly underpublicised cause of foodborne illness. It is rarely diagnosed, because the laboratory test is not widely available. It causes an acute gastrointestinal illness, usually with more vomiting than diarrhea, that resolves within two days. Unlike many foodborne pathogens that have animal reservoirs, it is believed that Norwalk-like viruses spread primarily from one infected person to another.  Infected kitchen workers can contaminate a salad or sandwich as they prepare it, if they have the virus on their hands.  Infected fishermen have contaminated oysters as they harvested them.

Listeria – Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. If you develop fever and chills while pregnant or if you are very sick with fever and muscle aches or stiff neck, consult your doctor immediately. A blood or spinal fluid test (to look for the bacteria) will show if you have listeriosis.

Product Liability Lawyers

Contracting these illnesses are very common in places like BBQs and restaurants that may not properly store or prepare their food. I know, it may seem crazy , but it happens. Further, the products that are both grown and manufactured, if not properly handled and transported, can end up with serious contamination over a whole shipment causing people across whole states or sections of the country to become sick. Coming in contact with these instances it is absolutely critical that you inform the CDC immediately to avoid further illness or death.

If you or someone you know has became seriously ill and had to be hospitalized as a result of product contamination, then it is important that you find an experienced Product Liability Attorney to represent you so that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call the Product Recall Attorneys at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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• Manufacturer Defect Lawsuits and Liability
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, in cooperation with phil&teds USA Inc., of Fort Collins, CO, announced today a voluntary recall of their line of phil&teds Jogging Stroller, the line aptly named “Jogging Stroller.” About 22,000 units are being recalled in the United States and 7,200 in Canada.

Stroller Recall

These strollers look like terrible designs to begin with. They have all of the dangerous design of the old stroller such as flimsy seating and small cheap wheels. But these units only have three wheels, all of the same size, giving the stroller less stability than if it had four cheap wheels. You would think that this is why they are being recalled. But no! They’re being recalled because they’re a hazard to the parents.

Since the units hit the market in 2008, the company has received three reports of incidents resulting in injuries to the adult users including a finger tip amputation and two reports of lacerations. This happens when folding and unfolding the stroller, a consumer’s finger can become caught in the hinge mechanism, amputating it causing a deep gash.

The designer and importer, phil&teds, has these produced in China. They were sold at Specialty juvenile stores nationwide from May 2008 through July 2010 for between $350 and $450.

Specifically, the recall involves “sport v2” and “classic v1” model single-seat jogging strollers. These products are pretty standard in design but are discernable from the rest of the market since they lack the common feature of the two large back wheels. They’re strollers built to look a little like a common stroller with a metal frame, cloth seat and a canopy, but instead of four wheels they are three-wheeled units.

The sport v2 model stroller was sold in red, orange, green, black, charcoal, navy and in graffiti print. Sport v2 serial numbers included in the recall are 0308/0001 to 0510/0840. The classic v1 model strollers were only sold in red. Serial numbers for the classic v1 are 0308/0001 to 0510/0906. The first four digits of the serial number is a month/year date code and the last four digits are for the individual stroller. Serial numbers are printed on the inside of the folding hinge. The phil&teds logo is located on the crotch piece of the harness on both models.

Phil&ted’s website addresses the recall by saying, “We are extremely proud of our safety record, our proactive approach to product management, and our long term relationship with parents, all over the world.  Sometimes, new concerns arise outside the testing and production framework that require immediate attention. We are proud to make positive, pro-active product improvement measures.”

The CPSC says that consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact phil&ted USA to arrange for the shipping of a free hinge-cover kit and repair instructions. For additional information, contact phil&teds USA at (877) 432-1642 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company’s website at www.philandteds.com/support.

Product Recall Lawyers Protect Consumers

There is a reasonable expectation that these products will do what they are manufactured to do, which is transport your child safely and collapse into an easily transportable unit. If these units are hazardous in these processes then the company is liable for the design flaws the cause the injuries to your child. Many parents agree and have decided to hire a defective design lawyer with years of experience in defective design litigation.

If you or someone you know has a child that has been injured by a Graco product, some of the best advice you can get is to find experienced council to be able to walk you through a product liability lawsuit so that you’re compensated adequately. Call a Stroller Recall Attorney at Phillips Webster for a consultation and to find out your legal options.

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• Manufacturer Defect Lawsuits and Liability
• The Drop-Side Crib Recall
• Defective Design

Now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, in cooperation with White-Rodgers of St. Louis, Missouri, today announced a voluntary recall of their home heating and cooling thermostats. The CPSC and the company are advising customers to stop using recalled products immediately due to fire hazard.

Defective Product

The problem is that the unit constantly charge the backup AA batteries used to power the thermostat’s clock. This is a major design flaw that in fact has caused problems in many other products. This can cause the batteries to leak, resulting in a fire hazard as the battery acid comes in contact with electrical wiring. It is a design flaw that should have been noticed and considered upon design and testing of the unit.

The CPSC initiates a recall with the philosophy that there are more people who do not report problems rather than people who do. White-Rodgers is aware of three incidents involving minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recall units, manufactured in China, specifically involves all White-Rodgers programmable thermostats with model numbers 1F88-XXX and 1F85RF-275 and date codes beginning with 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 and 1001 through 1039. The model number is printed on the thermostat’s front pull-down panel door. The date code is located inside the removable front cover.

You know that you have one of these because the White-Rodgers and/or the utility company’s name and logo are printed on the front of the thermostat. The reason why the power company’s logo is on there is because these thermostats are able to be controlled by power companies in homes that took part in energy demand reduction programs.

Some states bought them by the thousands and installed them. More than 40 utility companies to consumers nationwide who took part in energy conservation programs and by various HVAC wholesalers for about $150.

The CPSC is advising consumers to remove the two AA batteries from the thermostat and contact White-Rodgers for a free repair kit. If battery removal causes changes in furnace operation, contact White-Rodgers. For additional information, contact White-Rodgers toll-free at (888) 624-1901 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.regcen.com/Thermostat.

Defective Design Lawyers Represent Consumers

It is the responsibility of the company to adequately design and test their products prior to rolling them out to the market for consumers to purchase. Of course there are long term problems that can’t be predicted, but there is also research available in products produced in the past that set a precedent for hazards that can effect a myriad of other products in the future. The constant charging of battery units is one of those design flaws.

If you or a loved one have experienced property damage or a full fire or suffered serious personal injuries or wrongful death due to the defective design call Product Liability Lawyers at Phillips Webster for a free consultation as to how you can get the compensation you deserve.

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• Manufacturer Defect Lawsuits and Liability
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The hundreds of recalls we’ve reported to you over the years that cost retailers and manufacturers billions of dollars annually in both the cost of the recall and lawsuits don’t seem to sink in. And now, because of cutting corners, three boys are without parents and a California Ford dealership is readjusting its business model.

Yesterday, a San Diego County, California jury returned a record wrongful death verdict of $14,465,864 for the deaths of two parents against a Ford dealership. Before the trial, a settlement was reached with other defendants for $8,300,000, bringing the total to $22,763,000. This is the largest in the history of San Diego County, California for such a case.

The lawsuit and verdict stems from a July 31, 2006, accident in which Casey Barber was driving his Ford E350 Sportsmobile van on Highway 98 near Page, Arizona with his wife Melanie. The right-rear tire-tread suddenly separation caused the vehicle to lose control and roll over. The two suffered fatal personal injuries in the crash.

The Barbers are survived by their three young sons, who were the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

They had bought their vehicle from a Mossy Ford of San Diego. Plaintiffs’ counsel proved at trial that Mossy Ford improperly failed to take the tire out of service in August of 2005 and instead performed a faulty tire repair. This conduct caused the tire tread separation and led to the fatal rollover accident.

As a condition of the post-verdict settlement, the Barber family insisted that Mossy Ford agree to immediately begin to follow industry guidelines regarding tire repair practices and to implement a training program to better train its technicians about safe tire repair practices to improve consumer safety.

Mossy Ford agreed to these settlement conditions.

This tragic story may seem like it has a silver lining, but the only silver lining would have been if the Barbers had survived and recovered from their injuries. Perhaps this verdict, and lawsuits like it will prompt other dealerships around the country to be more diligent about their business practices.

Phillips Webster had no involvement in this lawsuit.

If you or someone you know has been adversely affected by a defective automobile, it is essential that you contact a legal representative that is experienced in defective product litigation. Call Phillips Webster to speak with a legal professional about how you can get the compensation you deserve.

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• Toyota Recalls
• Crashworthiness
• Defective Tires

As great as they are in humid climates and for people with serious breathing issues, they also can make things very dry around the house, promoting the chance of flammability. That’s why it is so important that they do not cause fires or emit fumes.

This need for dehumidifier safety has caused the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with General Electric (your trusted name in everything from dishwashers to land-to-air ballistic missiles) and CEM Global (of China), announced today a voluntary recall of GE Dehumidifiers and CEM Professional Series Dehumidifiers.

Dehumidifier Recall

GEA Products L.P., of Louisville, Ky., and CEM Global LLC have their humidifiers produced by the same Chinese manufacturer, GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Ltd., of China. The manufacturer and the CPSC has been informed that a component in the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

This action comes in reaction to Midea and GE having received a total of 14 reports of incidents involving smoke and fumes emitting from the unit and a total of 8 reports of fires. In 6 of the reported fire incidents, property damage extended beyond the unit. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

GE and CEM are recalling all 30-pint and 40-pint portable dehumidifiers manufactured between November 2006 and August 2007, and during April 2008. The dehumidifiers are white with a front-loading water bucket and were sold at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Menards and other retail stores nationwide from February 2007 through June 2009 for between $140 and $180.

“GE” or “Professional Series” and digital controls are located on top of the dehumidifier. Model and serial numbers are located on the back of the dehumidifiers. Model and serial numbers included in the recall are:

The CPSC is telling consumers to immediately stop using the recalled dehumidifiers and contact Midea to determine if their product is included in the recall. Consumers with recalled dehumidifiers can return the product to an authorized service center for a free repair. Consumers should not return the recalled dehumidifiers to the place of purchase.

For more information consumers should contact Midea toll-free at (877) 593-8721 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.recallverification.com.

Seattle Product Recall Attorneys

The CPSC often recalls products because with the theory that for every person that reports problems, there are 10 people that don’t. This could mean that there are people who have been effected by their dehumidifier either causing serious breathing issues or fires without understanding the consequences or their legal rights.

If you or someone you know suffered medical problems or property damage from their defective dehumidifiers, it is important that you find an experienced Product Liability Lawyer at Phillips Webster for a free consultation as to how you can get the compensation you deserve.

Learn More About:

• Manufacturer Defect Lawsuits and Liability
• Recall
• Defective Design

Relatives of the deceased and the children’s guardians sued the United States tire manufacturer. The wrongful death lawsuit also named Ford Motor Company, the manufacturer of the vehicle and Valley View Hitch & Truck Rental, who rented the defective vehicle to the deceased prior to the incident.

Both Ford and Valley View settled their cases out of court for an undisclosed amount, but Goodyear decided to take the fight to the bitter end, and both bitter and sour is what the 6-1 Nevada Supreme Court ruling and its verbiage seemed to imply with regards to the conduct of Goodyear throughout the process.

Goodyear and their legal team were told that this was the end of the line. This was their last appeal on a previous lower court ruling that had awarded the $32.2 million. Justice Mark Gibbons, the state court reaffirmed Clark County District Court Judge Sally Loehrer’s ruling. It already had upheld the decision in July.

Loehrer ruled Goodyear failed to produce a witness, gave improper responses to questions and took the tactic of “stalling, obstructing and objecting.” She decided the company could not present a liability defense but could argue only the amount of compensatory damages.

Supreme Court Justice Kristina Pickering, dissenting, said the District Court chose “to believe one side’s lawyers over another’s with no evidentiary hearing, no cross-examination and a genuine dispute over willfulness, fault and prejudice.”

This lawsuit is just one out of many involving the controversy surrounding Goodyear Tires and Ford Motor Company, which has already cost both companies millions in settlements and individual verdicts. It also touches on the controversy surrounding rental cars and the rental company’s reaction to recalls.

This is a prime example of the legal system working for victims in order to find justice through fair compensation due to negligence surrounding a defective design of a product that the companies may or may not have known were defective.

If you or someone you know has been adversely affected by a defective automobile, it is essential that you contact a legal representative that is experienced in defective product litigation. Call Phillips Webster to speak with a legal professional about how you can get the compensation you deserve.

Learn More About:

• Toyota Recalls
• Crashworthiness
• Defective Tires