Product Liability

Toyota Stops Selling Some Models Due to Issue with Heated Seats

Published on: February 4, 2014 | O'Connor Law

It’s not an official recall, but Toyota has announced that it’s stopped selling nearly 36,000 cars at Toyota dealerships after finding that some heated seats were not flame resistant.

According to an article on CNN.com, some of the material used on seats with seat warming devices didn’t meet regulatory standards for flammability. Toyota has stopped the same of certain models of Camrys and Corollas with seat warmers. Avalon, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra are models that are also affected.

Because this is not a motor vehicle safety issue, Toyota is hoping to avoid an official recall. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration is considering the issue.

FDA Issues Warning about Acetaminophen in Combination Drugs

Published on: January 26, 2014 | O'Connor Law

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning this month to health care professionals asking them to discontinue prescribing prescription combinations drugs that contain more than 325 milligrams of acetaminophen as more than that amount can cause liver damage.

According to an article on CNN.com, acetaminophen is often used in prescription medications such as oxycodone (also known as Percocet), hydrocodone (also known as Vicodin), and codeine (such as Tylenol with Codeine). But consumers may not be aware that these prescription products, considered combination drugs, can contain acetaminophen. A patient who may need more relief from pain could take an additional dose of over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen. The FDA explained, “Many consumers are often unaware that many products (both prescription and OTC) contain acetaminophen, making it easy to accidentally take too much.”

The FDA asked manufacturers to limit the amount of acetaminophen in prescription combination drugs to 325 mg per capsule or tablet by January 2014. According to the article, more than half agreed, but some combination drugs with higher amounts remain on the market. As a result, the FDA will begin the process of withdrawing approval of prescription combination drugs from manufacturers that have not complied.

Recall of General Motors Trucks Due to Fire Hazard

Published on: January 13, 2014 | O'Connor Law

An article on CNN.com has reported that General Motors (GM) is recalling 370,000 trucks because of a fire risk.

The models being recalled are 2014 Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierra full-size trucks. The vehicles could have problems with their software that could lead to the overheating of exhaust components that could then lead to a fire.

In the article, GM confirmed that eight fires have come about from this issue. But so far, there are no injuries. GM said the fires occurred in areas where there has been very cold weather.

Harley-Davidson Recalls 29,000 2014 Touring Motorcycles

Published on: January 10, 2014 | O'Connor Law

Looking back on 2013, we’re reminded of one of the year’s largest motorcycle recalls that took place in October and involved just over 29,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The recall involved certain models of the 2014 Touring motorcycles, after discovering that the hydraulic clutch system could cause a safety issue for drivers and passengers.

Harley-Davidson voluntarily recalled the following model Touring bikes: FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE and FLHRSE. They also recalled the Softail CVOs and Trikes, models FLHTCUTG, FXSBSE and FLSTNSE. All were built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013.

In a new release, Harley Davidson explained, “Some of these motorcycles may exhibit a condition in which the hydraulic clutch system may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch. If the clutch does not disengage as intended, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, which could result in an accident.”

Recall of Baby Monitor Due to 2 Infant Deaths

Published on: November 24, 2013 | O'Connor Law

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of 600,000 Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors with Sensor Pads after 2 children died after being strangled by a cord extending from the sensor pad.

According to CNN.com, both infants pulled the cord from the sensor pad into the crib. One death took place in 2004 and the other death happened in 2011. When asked why so much time passed between the infant deaths and the recall, the CPSC is quoted in the article as saying, “There are times when we see information we can act upon, and there are times when we need to gather more information.”

The recall affects only the United States and the company is offering rigid cord covers to consumers. The sensor pad goes under the mattress to monitor the baby’s movements. Some models did not include cord covers, exposing an 11-foot long electrical cord which could be pulled into the crib by an infant.

Diet Pill Being Recalled After Links to Liver Damage

Published on: November 11, 2013 | O'Connor Law

USPlabs of Dallas is recalling their OxyElite Pro products after investigators linked the products to dozens of cases of hepatitis and liver failure.

According to an article on FoxNews.com, the cases were initially reported in Hawaii, then cases were linked to other states as well. The products, which are dietary supplements used for weight loss and to build muscle, are thought to have impurities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said one patient died, another required a liver transplant, and others are awaiting liver transplants.

The FDA issued a letter to USPlabs notifying the company that they must issue a voluntary recall, or the FDA could order a halt to distribution of the products. According to the article, this is the second time that the FDA has used its recall authority under their Food Safety Modernization Act.

Tires Detach from Truck and Hit Another Vehicle in South Whitehall Township

Published on: November 1, 2013 | O'Connor Law

Earlier this month, a Lehigh County woman was injured when a tractor trailer’s tires came loose and hit her car. Now, the driver of the truck is being charged with a vehicle code violation.

According to an article on SouthWhitehall.patch.com, the truck was travelling west on Route 22 by the Cedar Crest Boulevard exit in South Whitehall Township when its fifth axel tires detached and bounced into the eastbound lanes of traffic. The tires hit the woman’s SUV, causing her “moderate injuries” according to state troopers.

The driver of the truck was not injured, but was charged with a vehicle code violation.

Turkey Hill Recalls Ice Cream

Published on: October 9, 2013 | O'Connor Law

Turkey Hill has issued a voluntary recall of some ice cream flavors because they could have metal shavings.

According to an article on LancasterOnline.com, the ice cream packages have been sold at Turkey Hill Minit Markets in Pennsylvania, selected Wal-Marts in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and other small grocers and convenience stores in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Packages being recalled include 1.5-quart (48 oz./1.42L) “Fudge Ripple Premium” ice cream, 1-pint (16 oz./473 ml) packages of “Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Premium” ice cream and “Moose Tracks Stuff’d Frozen Dairy Dessert.” These packages would have been purchased after Oct. 1.

Attorney Miller of O’Connor Law Attends NJ Association for Justice’s Boardwalk Seminar 2013

Published on: April 20, 2013 | O'Connor Law

The attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law pride themselves on keeping up-to-date on their areas of practice. This week, Attorney Dave Miller is attending the New Jersey Association for Justice’s Boardwalk Seminar 2013 in Atlantic City, NJ. The two and a half day training event includes in-depth educational lectures on trial strategies and litigation techniques, including personal injury, nursing home neglect, and medical malpractice, just a few of the firm’s areas of practice. The seminar also provides attorneys the chance to visit with over 160 legal vendors and network with almost 2,000 other attorneys.

3.4 Million Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and Mazda Models Recalled for Airbag Defects

Published on: April 13, 2013 | O'Connor Law

Around 3.4 million cars are being recalled due to airbag defects, according to an article on CNN.com. The recall includes models from the 2001, 2002, and 2003 model years. The total count includes 1.7 million Toyotas, more than 1.1 million Hondas, 480,000 Nissans and 45,000 Mazda’s.

According to a statement by Honda, “It is possible that the passenger front airbag inflators in affected vehicles may deploy with too much pressure, which may cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury.”

Honda reported one crash where the passenger front airbag ruptured after being deployed with too much pressure. Toyota said it was aware of five airbag malfunctions.