Pennsylvania Injury Attorneys Blog

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.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

Published on: November 28, 2013 | O'Connor Law

The attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

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.

Family Gives Back in Memory of Young Man

Published on: November 22, 2013 | O'Connor Law

Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect and give thanks for the things we have. It often prompts us to think of others less fortunate. So our staff was proud to hear of the efforts of our marketing coordinator, Samantha Cody, and her aunt who are gathering donated items this holiday season to help families affected by domestic violence. But their efforts aren’t just helping those in need; it’s a way for their family to remember Sammi’s cousin, Dave Guzick, who died in March as a result of an accident involving a distracted driver.

Sammi and her aunt are collecting everyday necessities such as bathroom tissue, soap, and detergent and placing them into laundry baskets that will be donated to Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC). SWIC is a non-profit organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence, here in Schuylkill County.

In an article on the RepublicanHerald.com, Sammi’s aunt said that since Christmas is a time for families to get together, they thought this would be a positive way to remember their nephew and cousin, who was only 24 when he died.

Remember Veteran’s Day

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

The attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law would like to thank all of those who have served our country, especially any veterans who have died in combat. We owe them a debt that we can never repay.

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.

O’Connor Law Has a Spook-iffic Time on Halloween

Published on: November 7, 2013 | O'Connor Law

As anyone who has worked for the law offices of O’Connor Law will tell you, Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. Staff and attorneys go all out, to come up with creative and eye-catching costumes. And this year was no exception.

Office festivities included prizes for best costume. There were flappers and pirate girls, a bus and bus driver, and the devil with the blue dress on…complete with accompanying song. Winners included:

First place: a tie between Mario Brothers (including Princess Peach, Mario, and Wario) and Katy Perry

Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease at South Whitehall Township Outpatient Facility

Published on: November 2, 2013 | O'Connor Law

This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued an advisory asking doctors to be on the lookout for patients who may have developed Legionnaires’ disease after visiting the Integrated Health Campus in South Whitehall Township.

According to an article on McCall.com, 6 cases of the disease, also called legionellosis, have been linked to the facility on Cetronia Road. Doctors should be alert for pneumonia-like symptoms among patients who may have visited the facility within 2 weeks of their illness.

The investigation into the incident focused on a decorative fountain located in the facility’s lobby. Remediation has been performed on the heath campus water system, which involved shutting down and draining the fountain, as well as sanitizing the facility’s drinking water system. As a result, the health department has cleared the campus to continue business as usual.

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.