I recently blogged about the Kellogg's cereal recall. Last week, CQ Today (8/4, Ferguson) reports "the House Energy and Commerce Committee is looking into the June recall of millions of boxes of Kellogg's Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks cereals after the company found that a substance in the package liner could produce a bad taste and smell." Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bart Stupak (D-MI) "wrote on Aug. 2 to the company's chief executive, A.D. David Mackay," asking "about Kellogg's use of a packaging chemical that one study has linked to lung cancer in adults." They asked Kellogg "to document its investigation into the recall;" any "assessments of the potential health risks posed by the chemical, 2-methylnaphthalene;" and "the procedures it uses to ensure that products are not exposed to dangerous chemicals."
Let's hope Congress can get to the bottom of this issue so that it doesn't happen again.
Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. Mr. Zambri has been named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition), as well as a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
According to a recent story in Trading Markets.com, "Appliance Recall Check is a new service that helps consumers identify recalled appliances in their homes. Most of the 195 million recalled appliances in American homes are not identified until there is a fire or other tragedy. Many other appliances with functionality recalls are replaced at the consumer's expense even though a manufacturer is responsible.
The first time a homeowner may be aware of an appliance recall is when a fire marshal tells them about the recall after a house fire. The story is not the 1.7 million dishwashers in the recent Maytag recall, but the more than 195 million other recalled appliances now in American homes.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov) website home page assures consumers that "You can find information on over 4,500 product recalls and recall alerts using the various searches on this page". That is true. The problem with the manufacturer and CPSC sites is that a consumer must wade through each of the individual recalls to find out if their dishwasher or other appliance is a potential hazard. This type of search is like searching the list of phone numbers in a phone book to find a specific name instead of looking up the name of the person.
There is a solution that allows consumers to search for recalls on each of their household appliances including heating, cooling, hot water, laundry and built in kitchen appliances in one, easy location. Think of this database as your "phone book" for recalls.
www.ApplianceRecallCheck.com allows for entering the brand, model and serial number of all of the household appliances in a residential home. Within two business days, the service will return a report containing information about recalls. If there is a defect, the report will include:
Nature of the Recall
Where the product was sold
How to remedy the defect
How to get the item repaired/replaced (usually free)
The report also includes the manufacturer's contact details, the business hours of the manufacturer and what to do if the manufacturer fails to respond to a claim.
Appliance Recall Check is a service providing database search of existing Consumer Product Safety Commission appliance recalls based upon model and serial numbers. This service allows a single entry of Make, Model and Serial numbers in list form as opposed to consumers searching multitudes of individual recalls for each category of individual appliances."
Don't wait until your home is destroyed by fire to learn of a recalled appliance. Take advantage of this new service to determine whether any of the appliances in your home or those you plan to purchase are included in a recall notice.
As recently reported by the Associated Press, another child's death has been caused by the powerful suction of a swimming pool. Parents claim that pool industry officials are trying to weaken pool safety standards, "It's not something we'll ever get over, but we're hoping to make a difference so other families don't have to suffer the same fate. The laws are trying to be rolled back by the pool industry and we really want to make sure that we're there to protect the children." Pool officials deny those claims and advocate for the best approach for the prevention of such tragedies.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an annual average of 385 pool - or spa-related deaths occurred from 2005-2007. Another 4,200 children are treated in emergency rooms each year for pool-associated injuries. Laws have been enacted and debated in some jurisdictions regarding the necessity of anti-entrapment devices or covers for pools.
Scott Wolfson, director of public affairs for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, said the agency is committed to working with the families on education campaigns and other efforts to ensure pool safety.
"We certainly understand their position," Wolfson said. "We want this law to save lives. We care deeply about what happened to the families."
Until laws are powerful and consistent enough to prevent such pool tragedies for children, raising awareness of pool safety is the goal of advocates, similar to earlier efforts regarding bicycle helmet requirements. Compared to the cost of a life, entrapment hazard drain covers are inexpensive.
Kellogg's recalled 28 million boxes of kid-popular cereals, including Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops and Honey Smacks, this summer. The company blamed elevated levels of a chemical in the packaging. The big problem: no one knows how dangerous the chemical can be to human, especially children.
According to a report by the Washington Post, "Dozens of consumers reported a strange taste and odor, and some complained of nausea and diarrhea. But Kellogg said a team of experts it hired determined that there was 'no harmful material' in the products. How Kellogg's came to that conclusion is puzzling, though, since the federal agencies responsible for " ensuring the safety of food and consumer products, are in the dark about the suspected chemical, 2-methylnaphthalene. The Food and Drug Administration has no scientific data on its impact on human health. The Environmental Protection Agency also lacks basic health and safety data for 2-methylnaphthalene -- even though the EPA has been seeking that information from the chemical industry for 16 years." I'm not comfortable relying on the manufacturer, are you?
There is a larger problem beyond simply the potential health risks associated with the chemical found in Kellogg's products, namely the apparent gap in the government's knowledge about chemicals we find in the products that make there way to our tables everyday by consumers nationwide. As the Post article points out, "Under current laws, the government has little or no information about the health risks posed by most of the 80,000 chemicals on the U.S. market today." That's 80,000 chemicals!
There are bills pending in Congress that would reshape the manner in which the government regulates chemicals, forcing companies to prove that new chemicals are safe before using them and requiring health and safety assessments of existing chemicals, such as 2-methylnaphthalene--the chemical found in Kellogg's cereals. Although food manufacturers have complained that new laws might hamper innovation and competitiveness, it is clear that safety must trump their desire to maximize profits.
I encourage you to contact your local and federal legislators to urge them to pass laws that regulate our foods better to ensure the foods are safe before they are disseminated for consumption.
Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
As we have posted several times in the past, drop side cribs are inherently dangerous, having caused numerous deaths and injuries. The popularity of these cribs is because they make it easier for caregivers to access the beds. The dangers come from poor design, poor assembly instructions and broken pieces, leading to unexpected side rail failure, making entrapment hazards, suffocation or strangulation. During the past five years, nine million of those cribs have been recalled. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) warned parents in May, 2010 to stop using them. New York has joined the growing list of states to prohibit sales of drop side cribs.
Featured below is the complete warning from CPSC from May, 2010, reproduced in its entirety for our readers:
Officials emphasized that users should never place the Nap Nanny in a crib or near any other objects on the floor. The danger is higher on earlier Nap Nanny models, which do not have D-rings. Consumers with earlier models can obtain an $80 coupon toward a newer, safer model by calling Baby Matters LLC at (888) 240-4282 or by visiting the company's recall page.
About the author:
Catherine Bertram is board certified in civil trials and was recently nominated as a 2010 Super Lawyer for personal injury law in Washington, D.C. Ms. Bertram has 20 years of trial experience and is unique in that she was formerly the Director of Risk Management in Washington, D.C. Ms. Bertram is a member of the bar for the U.S. Supreme Court. She is a partner with the firm and lectures regularly to lawyers, nationally and locally, regarding trial strategy, complex medical issues and other related consumer safety issues. She has also recently published a chapter in a surgical textbook. She can be reached by email at cbertram@reganfirm.com or by phone 202-822-1875 in her office in Washington, D.C.
There are 270 million cellphones in use and, according to the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, cell phones have caused 636,000 crashes, including 2,600 deaths, 342,000 injuries and a financial toll of $43 billion each year.
Despite recent public campaigns to get people to put down their phones while driving, 81 percent of people saying they use cellphones. That means by one calculation that at any given time almost 1 million drivers in cars are talking while on the nation's highways. In a study released last week, research released last week on Beltway drivers in Virginia put the number at one in four.
Yesterday, on Fastlane, DOT's official blog, they announced a second national summit on distracted driving will be held Sept. 21 to highlight the problem and find ways to combat it, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday. In 2008, more than 20 percent of crashes that year involved distracted drivers. This is a great step in the right direction. We need the country's top experts to work together to stop this needless loss of lives.
At this point, this is a public health crisis. How many people need to be permanently injured or die before we take action?
An "anemic safety culture", and "layers of safety deficiencies" made the tragedy all but unavoidable, according to Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "Metro was on a collision course long before this accident," Hersman said. "The only question was when Metro would have another accident."
Mr. Regan and the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long are one of the lead lawyers representing Metro passengers who were killed or seriously injured in this tragedy. "WMATA knew for years that there were serious safety problems with the subway system and yet they refused to take simple safety measures to protect the passengers" according to a statement released by Mr. Regan.
Investigators determined that Metro knew about the problems as early as 2005, when the same inadequacies caused a near-miss collision near the Rosslyn station. The operator averted a collision by hitting the emergency brake after the Automatic Train Control system failed to detect the train in front.
Track circuits in the Automatic Train Control system malfunctioned thousands of times each week, and eventually, Metro simply turned off the alarms caused by the malfunctions.
The Board also found that Metro failed to inform its technicians about the automatic train control system; failed to oversee automatic train control maintenance; and continues to use 1000-series rail cars even though they pose an "unacceptable risk".
As a result of the tragic death of a child using a donated crib in a day care center, a portion of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 was named in his honor. The Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act includes four specific new requirements intended to protect young children:
"Requires the CPSC to assess the effectiveness of any voluntary consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler product s and promulgate consumer product safety standards that are substantially the same or more stringent than the voluntary standards.
Makes it a violation of the CPSA for certain commercial entities (including, but not limited to manufacturers, distributors, hotels, motels, or similar transient lodging facilities and day care centers) to manufacture, sell, lease, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce any crib that is not in compliance with such standard.
Requires each manufacturer of a durable product for infants or toddlers under five years to provide consumers with a postage-paid consumer registration form, maintain a record of consumer contact information to improve recall effectiveness, and permanently label the product with the manufacturer's name and contact information, model name and number, and the manufacturing date.
Requires the CPSC to study and report to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) consumer registration form effectiveness in facilitating recalls and whether such forms should be required for other children's products; and (2) recall notification technology. Allows the CPSC to authorize the use of recall notification technology in lieu of registration forms when the technology becomes at least as effective as the forms."
According to the American Camp Association (ACA), more than 10 million American children will attend summer camp in 2010. For the vast majority of them, camp will no doubt be a positive experience--an opportunity to get outside, try new things, build self-esteem, and form new friendships. However, it is equally certain that some of those 10 million campers will have their camp experiences (and lives) shattered by sexual abuse at camp. So what can you do to best protect your child this summer?
I want to lead off by presenting two unsettling facts:
No camp is immune to sexual abuse. Camping programs as diverse as YMCAs, the Boy Scouts, publicly-funded camps, and a camp run by the Obama daughters' private school have all faced allegations of child sexual abuse.
Camps cannot, and should not, be expected to shoulder the full responsibility of protecting campers from sexual abuse. Parents are equal and invaluable partners in the fight to protect children from abusers.
So do not shy away from the topic of child sexual abuse--meet it head-on. You owe it to yourself and to your child to be informed. Any good camp director will not be offended by a parent asking the tough questions about a subject as important as child sexual abuse.
Three weeks ago, we wrote about the dangers of children overheating in hot cars. A recent article in the York (PA) Daily Record should serve as a timely reminder to all of us to be extra vigilant about not leaving our children in cars as temperatures begin to soar this summer.
06/28/2010 10:20:33 PM EDT
"A Seven Valleys man was arrested Sunday after leaving a 7-month-old infant alone in a vehicle for about 30 minutes in the heat, according to Southwestern Regional Police.
Charles T. Frey Jr., 36, of Seven Valleys was arrested in connection with endangering the welfare of a child, disorderly conduct and leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle.
A resident of a North Codorus Township apartment complex called police after observing the man drive up in a vehicle and walk into a residence without the baby.
Officers responded and found the child in a Ford Explorer. The vehicle was not running and the windows were left open, police said.
The baby was crying, and his face was bright red, police said. The temperature at the time was 92 degrees with a heat index of 96 degrees.
The boyfriend of the mother of the child was located in a nearby apartment. He could not observe the child in the vehicle and said that he had forgotten about the baby, police said.
The child was left alone for about 30 minutes.
A Seven Valleys ambulance crew found the infant to be conscious, alert and physically well."
Fireworks maim, and even kill, American adults and children every year. As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the safety issues that surround fireworks usage. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides some sobering statistics:
"In 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 6 civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 56% of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.
The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-9 or 10-14 as for the general population.
On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires."
However, a great many of these injuries can be prevented by following some common-sense safety guidelines such as those laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
Every year, germs in pools, lakes, rivers, and water parks sicken thousands of Americans, most frequently with diarrheal illnesses (caused by germs such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, norovirus and E. coli, according to the CDC). Collectively, the illnesses they contract are known as recreational water illnesses, or RWIs.
While you should not let RWIs scare you away from your favorite water activities this summer, we want to provide you with a few key points of safety information:
What are RWIs?
How are RWIs spread?
What can you do to protect yourself and your family from RWIs?
American pool-goers often associate the simple presence of lifeguards with safety, yet every summer, swimmers drown in guarded pools. The presence of a lifeguard is of little use if he is not actively working to protect the swimmers in the pool. So as a swimmer (or as the parent or caretaker of a swimmer), what are some of the signs that can help you tell the difference between a well-guarded pool and a less well-guarded one this summer?
A recent posting on the Greater Greater Washington blog about the new bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue reminded us that the beginning of summer is a great time to take a moment to think about bike safety. As Salvatore Zambri, a founding partner of Regan Zambri & Long, posted earlier for the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, 600,000 people are treated annually in U.S. emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries (data from the CPSC). It is predicted that an additional nearly 1,000,000 people are treated by physicians for less serious injuries also stemming from biking mishaps.
At least three (somewhat interrelated) theories exist as to how best to manage the often tense relationship between cyclists and drivers on the road.
The most common school of thought says that bikers should adhere to bike-specific traffic rules. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments does an excellent job of presenting this position, complete with state-by-state guidelines for the DC Metro area.
A related position proposes that the safest approach to biking in traffic is to essentially act just like all of the motorists on the road. In other words, pretend your bike is a car, and ride as you would drive.
At BicycleSafe.com, they take parts of both of those above, but place a much greater emphasis on active strategies to make yourself most visible to motorists, thereby decreasing your chance of being hit by a car.
On Friday, June 4, 2010, McDonald's announced a voluntary recall of some 12 million Shrek-themed promotional glasses that it sold in May and June, after finding trace amounts of cadmium in the cartoon designs baked onto them. Cadmium, a naturally occurring element, is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) that has been linked to several other health issues.
If you have any of the pint-size McDonald's glasses featuring images of the characters Shrek, Fiona, Puss n' Boots, or Donkey, you are advised to stop using them immediately.
Every summer, dozens of American children overheat and die of hyperthermia in parked cars. Hyperthermia, the opposite of the more familiar term “hypothermia,” is essentially the extreme overheating of the body. While most parents tend to believe that this nightmare could never happen to them, these tragedies still continue to occur, year in and year out.
According to a 2005 study published in Injury Prevention, 27% of these deaths involve unsupervised children gaining access to unlocked cars, while the remaining 73% (averaging 30-40 children per year) result from a child being left behind (generally inadvertently) in a car by an adult.
In a June 1, 2010, blog for the New York Times, writer Paul Stenquist reports that at least seven incidents of the latter variety have already occurred in 2010, even as summer temperatures have yet to hit much of the country. But searing summer temperatures are not necessary in order for the interior of a car to become lethally hot.
Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season for many families. Children's excitement mounts as they count down the days until school is over and the neighborhood swimming pool opens. Unfortunately, though, it is also the season during which many children will needlessly drown. Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related child-deaths in America, and they can and should be avoided.
"From 2000 to 2006, drowning was the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among US children between 1 and 19 years of age," according to statistics provided in the recent Policy Statement - Prevention of Drowning issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, "in 2008, approximately 3800 children younger than 20 years visited a hospital emergency department for a nonfatal drowning event, and more than 60% of those children were hospitalized."
Since 1993, when the first "Click It or Ticket" campaign began in North Carolina, seat belt enforcement campaigns have become standard nationwide in an effort to to reduce highway fatalities.
According to the annual "Click It or Ticket" press release from the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), 45 million Americans continue to ignore warnings and encouragements to use seat-belts while riding in motor vehicles. Included among the statistics from NHTSA: "...in 2008 alone, nearly 14,000 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants lost their lives on U.S. roadways. Nearly half of them could have been saved if they had been belted." The following shocking statistics from 2008 show the results of not wearing seat belts:
70% of teens killed in traffic accidents were not wearing seat belts;
65% of those between ages 21 to 34 involved in fatal crashes were not wearing seat belts between 2004-2008;
65% of male passenger fatalities were not buckled up; 45% of females were not;
68% of fatalities among pickup drivers and passengers didn't wear seat belts;
62% of SUV occupants killed were not wearing seat belts; and
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of nighttime drivers and passengers who died were not wearing seat belts compared to less than half (45%) of those killed during the daytime.
Hundreds of thousands of Simplicity and Graco cribs were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on April 29, 2010. Parents should stop using these cribs immediately and follow the advice on CPSC recall notices. We have reproduced the recall notices below in their entirety for our readers.
"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing the recall of all Simplicity full-size cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames. This recall includes fixed-side and drop-side cribs. These cribs pose a risk of serious injury or death due to entrapment, strangulation, suffocation and fall hazards to infants and toddlers.
The crib's tubular metal mattress-support frame can bend or detach and cause part of the mattress to collapse, creating a space into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged, entrapped or fall out of the crib.
CPSC has received a report of a one-year-old child from North Attleboro, Mass. who suffocated when he became entrapped between the crib mattress and the crib frame in April 2008. CPSC is aware of 13 additional incidents involving the recalled cribs collapsing due to the metal mattress- support frame bending or detaching, including one child entrapment that did not result in injury, and one child who suffered minor cuts to his head when his mattress collapsed and he fell out of the crib.
CPSC staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these cribs immediately and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Do not attempt to fix these cribs.
Due to the fact that Simplicity and its successor, SFCA Inc., are no longer in business, CPSC has limited information about the number of cribs sold. All Simplicity drop-side cribs have previously been recalled for a hazard involving the drop side. Simplicity drop-side cribs could still be in use by parents or caregivers who are unaware of the recalls or by those who received a repair kit to immobilize the drop side from Simplicity when the firm was still in business. This recall involves ALL Simplicity cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames regardless of model number.
Crib Name Model Number All Simplicity Cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames regardless of model number Model numbers unknown Some of the known model numbers include:
Aspen 4-in-1 8755
Chelsea Deluxe 4-in-1 Convertible Sleep System 8324
Graco 4-in-1 Ultra Sleep System 4600
Graco Aspen 3-in-1 8740
Simplicity Crib and Changer Combo 8994
Simplicity Ellis Deluxe 4-in-1 Convertible Sleep System 8676
Simplicity Nursery-in-a-Box Convertible Crib 8910
Some model numbers are followed by letters, indicating the color or finish of the crib. The name "Simplicity Inc." or "Simplicity for Children" appears on a label on the crib's mattress-support frame and/or the crib's end panels. The cribs were manufactured in China.
The recalled cribs were sold at Walmart, Target, Babies R Us and other stores nationwide for between $150 and $300. Consumers should contact the store where the crib was purchased to receive a refund, replacement crib or store credit.
Important Message from CPSC:
CPSC would like to remind parents not to use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Any disengagement can create a gap, which could fatally entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib with tape, wire, rope or by other means. Infants and toddlers have died in cribs with makeshift repairs.
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov."
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability, medical malpractice, and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Following the unprecedented number of toy and child furniture recalls in 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was enacted to address safety issues, including mandatory third party testing for certain children's products, lead certifications for both domestic products and imports, and tracking labeling requirements.
In a recent unanimous ruling, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to allow toy giant Mattel Inc. to conduct in-house safety testing in their "firewalled laboratories" rather than submit to third party testing. According to CPSC, the approval was granted because Mattel could prove that its in-house testing could provide equal or improved consumer safety than that provided by an external laboratory. Consumer advocate Don Mays, senior director of product safety at Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, protests that, "It's a little bit like the fox guarding the henhouse." and added that " There is a potential conflict of interest." Smaller companies which don't have the resources for internal testing laboratories criticized the CPSC's decision as being "extremely frustrating and unfair."
Confidence in the safety of children's products is of extreme concern for every parent. I am inclined to agree with Mr. Mays--it smacks of a conflict of interest to have Mattel police its own products without independent oversight. Too much is at risk--the safety of kids. The CPSC ought to seriously and quickly reconsider its position.
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product defects, medical malpractice and serious truck and car collisions. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
If you believe in urban legend, you might think that lawn mowers attack their victims. In reality, lawn mowing is an extremely dangerous activity that is frequently viewed as just one of those chores routinely delegated to children.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 230,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for accidents related to lawn and garden tools. Most lawn mower-related injuries, including limb amputations, broken bones, severed toes and fingers, burns and eye injuries, are caused by carelessness and can be prevented by obeying simple safety tips.
"CPSC advises consumers to learn about the hazards of each piece of equipment, and take the following precautions to prevent injuries to children and themselves:
Children should never be in the yard while you're mowing, and they should never ride on the mower. More than 800 young children get run over or backed over by riding mowers each year. This happens when children fall while being given rides, or when they approach the operating mower.
Never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Be alert and turn off the mower if children enter the mowing area. Use extra care when backing up or going around corners, shrubs, trees or other obstacles.
Many children suffer serious burns to their hands and arms when they touch the hot muffler of running or recently running engines. Keep children away from power equipment.
Be sure you know how to operate the equipment. Know where the controls are and what they do. Make sure the equipment is in proper operating condition and guards or other safety devices have not been removed or disabled.
Dress appropriately for the job. This includes: sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes, eye protection, heavy gloves, hearing protection when needed, and no jewelry, which can get caught in moving parts.
Before mowing, walk around the area in which you will be working to remove any objects like sticks, glass, metal, wire, stones and string that could cause injury or damage equipment. Nails and wire are the most hazardous objects thrown by mowers, capable of killing bystanders.
Never work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs come in several models, including portable plug-in types and as part of some extension cords.
Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.
Before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts, unplug electric tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools.
Be sure that power tools are turned off and made inoperable if they must be left unattended. This will help prevent use by children.
Handle gasoline carefully. Remember never to fill gas tanks while machinery is operating or when equipment is still hot. Do not fuel equipment indoors. Wipe up spills. Store gas in an approved container away from the house. Finally, never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline."
Common sense safety precautions are critical in prevention of many accidents. Of course, sometimes injuries result from product defects. If a lawn mower is defective, the safety of its user is threatened. Serious defects can lead to mechanical failures that cause terrible injuries.
If you have questions about this issue or others concerning your safety or that of your children, please feel free to email me @ szambri@reganfirm.com or call me at 202-822-1899.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Chilling statistics, aren't they? According to BicycleSafe.com, real bicycle safety is about not getting hit even more so than about wearing helmets. Most bicycle safety guides emphasize the importance of wearing helmets. However, helmets don't prevent bicyclists from getting hit by another vehicle in the first place. BicycleSafe.com focuses on avoiding getting hit by cars. The ten illustrations following explain the most common ways to get hit and how to avoid those collisions:
Collision Type #1: The Right Cross. This is the most common way to get hit (or almost get hit). A car is pulling out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway on the right.
Ways to avoid this collision:
Use headlights, both on your bicycle and on your helmet.
Honk your horn.
Slow down, especially if you haven't made eye contact with the driver.
Ride further left.
Collision Type #2: The Door Prize. A driver opens his door right in front of you. You run right into it if you can't stop in time.
How to avoid this collision: Ride far enough to the left to not run into an unexpected door opening.
Collision Type #3: The Crosswalk Slam. You're riding on the sidewalk and cross the street at a crosswalk, and a car makes a right turn, right into you.
How to avoid this collision:
Get a headlight.
Slow down.
Don't ride on the sidewalk in the first place.
Collision Type #4: The Wrong-Way Wreck. You're riding the wrong way (against traffic, on the left-hand side of the street). A car makes a right turn from a side street, driveway, or parking lot, right into you. They didn't see you because they were looking for traffic only on their left, not on their right. They had no reason to expect that someone would be coming at them from the wrong direction.
How to avoid this collision: Don't ride against the traffic. Ride with traffic, in the same direction.
One study showed that riding the wrong way was three times as dangerous as riding the right way, and for kids, the risk is seven times greater.
Collision Type #5: Red Light of Death. You stop to the right of a car that's already waiting at a red light or stop sign. They can't see you. When the light turns green, you move forward, and then they turn right, right into you.
How to avoid this collision: Don't stop in the blind spot. Simply stop behind the car.
Collision Type #6: The Right Hook. A car passes you and then tries to make a right turn directly in front of you, or right into you.
How to avoid this collision:
Don't ride on the sidewalk.
Ride to the left.
Glance in your mirror before approaching an intersection.
Collision Type #7: The Right Hook, Pt. 2. You're passing a slow-moving car (or even another bike) on the right, when it unexpectedly makes a right turn right into you, trying to get to a parking lot,driveway or side street.
How to avoid this collision:
Don't pass on the right.
Look behind you before turning right.
Collision Type #8. The Left Cross. A car coming towards you makes a left turn right in front of you, or right into you.
How to avoid this collision:
Don't ride on the sidewalk.
Get a headlight.
Wear something bright, even during the day.
Don't pass on the right.
Slow down.
Collision Type #9. The Rear End. You innocently move a little to the left to go around a parked car or some other obstruction in the road, and you get nailed by a car coming up from behind.
How to avoid this collision:
Never, ever move left without looking behind you first.
Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane if it contains any parked cars.
Use a mirror.
Signal.
Collision Type #10. The Rear End, Pt. 2. A car runs into you from behind. This is what many cyclists fear the most, but it's actually not very common, comprising only 3.8% of collisions. However, it's one of the hardest collisions to avoid, since you're not usually looking behind you.
How to avoid this collision:
Get a rear light.
Wear a reflective vest or a safety triangle.
Choose wide streets.
Choose slow streets.
Use back streets on weekends.
Get a mirror.
Don't hug the curb.
Please be careful on the road whether you are driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle. Preventing accidents is everyone's responsibility.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
As warmer weather arrives, police are cautioning residents to be careful when they leave windows open to let in fresh air. Recent serious incidents involving young children falling from windows highlight an often-overlooked safety issue for children. Community safety experts offer the following guidelines:
"Every year children in our community fall from windows and land in area hospitals. Remember, children are top heavy; they can be looking out an open window one minute and falling through it the next. A screen offers little protection when the weight of a child pushes against it.
Here are some important safety tips to prevent children falling from open windows:
Always supervise young children. Life threatening injuries can happen in seconds to a child left unattended.
Close and lock windows whenever young children are around. If you need ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach (For example, open double hung windows from the top only).
Keep furniture and beds away from windows. Children can quickly climb onto window ledges and fall.
Keep window treatments (blinds, cords, drapes, etc.) out of children’s reach. They may injure themselves when climbing or be strangled."
The National Safety Council provides further detailed safety tips for children and windows. "Windows provide a secondary means of escape from a burning home. Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it. Remember that children may have to rely on a window to escape in a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances.
When performing spring repairs, make sure that your windows are not painted or nailed shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.
Keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that a child cannot reach, or in the case of a double-hung window, open the top sash only.
Set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows or patio doors. Falling through the glass can be fatal or cause serious injury.
Keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.
If you have young children in your home and are considering installing window guards or window fall prevention devices, be aware that the window guards you install must have a release mechanism so that they can be opened for escape in a fire emergency. Consult your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement.
Some homes may have window guards, security bars, grilles or grates already covering their windows. Those windows are useless in an emergency if the devices on them do not have a functioning release mechanism. Time is critical when escaping a fire.
Do not install window air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.
The degree of injury sustained from a window fall can be affected by the surface on which the victim falls. Shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass beneath windows may lessen the impact if a fall does occur."
Many children are injured every year in preventable accidents such as falling from windows. If you have questions about this issue or others concerning the safety of your children, please feel free to contact me.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Toyota said on Monday that the sudden-acceleration claim given by a San Diego man, who stated that his Prius hybrid car accelerated out of his control for 30 miles, was “inconsistent” with the findings of its initial examination of the car, according to the Associated Press.
It should be noted that the Toyota executives have not accused the man, James Sikes, "of lying or staging the incident, they did say that their examination showed that the car would have stopped when the driver firmly applied the brakes. Engineers found no evidence of friction in the accelerator pedal or that the pedal could have been pinned down by the floor mat."
The incident allegedly endured by Mr. Sikes occurred on March 8. The following day, according to the Times report, "a woman in Harrison, N.Y., said the Prius that she was driving accelerated suddenly before it crashed into a rock wall. That driver, who was not seriously injured, was on the way to a Toyota dealership to have the vehicle inspected.
Experts have testified that it is very possible that the brake system can work normally most of the time, but falter intermittently. Consequently, consumers and investigators are still very concerned about the Toyota vehicles.
If you have any concerns about your vehicle, please do not drive it. Have it inspected immediately. It could be a matter of life and death.
Drive safely.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Although Toyota has been in the spotlight recently, "unintended acceleration has been a problem across the auto industry, according to an NPR analysis of consumer complaints to federal regulators." According to the NPR News investigation, other automakers, including Volkswagen, Volvo and Honda, have had significant complaint rates for some of their models. "The analysis covers about 15,000 complaints filed over the past decade, covering cars back to the 1990 model year. The complaints were filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, which regulates auto safety," states the NRP report.
If you experience any problems with your car, you can register a complaint with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration by clicking here.
Technology is often shared, so it is not surprising to learn that cars from different manufacturers have similar defects. If you are unsure about the safety of your vehicle, please get it inspected immediately. Even minor defects can have devastating consequences.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
The Washington Post reports that Metro's "decision to mix different brands of signaling equipment -- despite a warning from one of the manufacturers -- could have caused the June crash that killed nine people, a senior engineer with the company," Alstom, "said Wednesday at a federal safety hearing." Information released by the NTSB "has pointed to possibly faulty and aging equipment in the failure of the automated crash-avoidance system. But the information on the signaling system attempts to shift blame to Metro's maintenance, testing and installation procedures."
As you may know from reading my prior blogs, my firm represents victims of this tragic and avoidable crash.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
I have been blogging a lot about the recent problems facing Toyota. In response to these problems, the Wall Street Journal has published an opinion piece, titled “Why We Need Trial Lawyers.” To better understand the work we do as trial attorneys, please click here to view the full WSJ article.
There are many who wish to strip Americans of their civil rights in order to reap profits. Those greedy folks seem to care little about those that are victims of carelessness and corruption. I am proud to represent Americans every day, helping them to obtain justice following tragedy and wrongdoing.
If you have questions about our civil justice system, don't seek answers from those who spew rhetoric just to pad their profits. Give me a call instead. I'd be happy to share the facts with you.
Be safe.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
According to several news sources, Toyota officials apparently boasted about becoming subject to merely a limited recall in 2007 concerning defects in its automobiles. Per the CBS Evening News, the AP reported that "Toyota officials boasted last summer they saved $100 million back in 2007 when negotiating a limited recall of certain models with the federal government." The piece notes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) "has received more than 2,000 complaints of sudden acceleration and 34 deaths have been blamed on Toyota vehicles" over the past decade, "according to the Detroit News, which also says the Administration was investigating Toyota for accelerator problems as early as 2003. Nevertheless, Toyota was never told to fix anything, and the investigation ended."
USA Today reports that "an internal Toyota document" states that the savings came from "getting the government to OK just replacing floor mats in 55,000 vehicles as a solution to sudden acceleration complaints. It's listed under 'wins for Toyota -- safety group' in the report, which is among documents obtained by a subpoena from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. That and other references to saving money on safety issues raise the question of 'whether Toyota was lobbying for less rigid actions from regulators to protect their bottom line,' said Kurt Bardella, spokesman for the committee's ranking Republican, Darrell Issa of California." The document also said that "'NHTSA is more sensitive to public/congressional criticism' and that, combined with changes in regulations, will result in 'more investigations and more forced recalls.'"
The AP says that the documents "could set off alarms in Congress over whether Toyota put profits ahead of customer safety and pushed regulators to narrow the scope of recalls. Two House committees are holding hearings this week on" Toyota's recalls.
I hope Congress presses Toyota officials hard on when they knew of concerns, when they reacted, how they reacted, and whether the company did, indeed, put profits over the safety of Americans. Americans have had enough with corporate greed, which leads to serious injuries and death, while corporations pad their profits. Let's hope Toyota wasn't one of those companies.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
NBC Nightly News reported that "Federal safety officials said today the number of deaths that could be linked to sudden acceleration of Toyotas is now up to 34, based on consumer complaints they've received. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says it's normal for complaints to increase after people get word of a recall as more people become aware of safety defects that could have contributed to accidents in the past." The CBS Evening News also noted the NHTSA announcement in a similarly brief report.
USA Today reports that NHTSA "has received complaints alleging an additional 21 fatalities linked to Toyota's sudden-acceleration incidents," which "brings to 34 the total number of fatalities in 26 accidents that complaints to NHTSA allege are linked to sudden acceleration by Toyota products." NHTSA "also has seen a jump in brake-related complaints for the 2010 Toyota Prius. When NHTSA began investigating problems with Prius brakes, it had 124 consumer complaints in its database," but "since the investigation was opened Feb. 3 and publicized, nearly 1,000 more complaints have been filed."
The Washington Post adds that Toyota "announced a voluntary safety recall to inspect the front drive shaft on some 2010 Tacoma four-wheel-drive trucks. Officials said the front shaft in about 8,000 vehicles might include a component that has cracks created during the manufacturing process, which could lead to separation of the drive shaft at the joint portion."
If you own a model affected by a recall, please have your vehicle inspected and do not drive it. It could be a matter of life and death.
Travel safely.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Earlier today Toyota announced a global recall of more than 400,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles due to defects in the braking system of the vehicles. "Toyota President Akio Toyoda used extraordinary language at a press conference here to apologize for quality and safety issues that have led to the recall of more than 7 million vehicles in recent months. He repeated three times that Toyota was neither failure-proof nor 'omnipotent,' and he said that his company would now 'redouble our commitment to quality as the lifeline of our company,'" according to the Washington Post.
The defect causes delays in the braking capacity of the recalled vehicles while on icy or bumpy roads. The recall applies to "223,000 hybrids sold in Japan, along with 133,000 Prius cars and 14,500 Lexus HS250h vehicles in the United States. Nearly 53,000 Priuses are also being recalled in Europe. It begins in Japan on Wednesday and in the United States 'as soon as possible,' the company said, and as reported by the Post.
If you own a Toyota that has been recalled, you should stop driving it and get t to a dealer for repair immediately. To learn more about this recall, visit Toyota's website.
I have blogged about Toyota recalls previously. To read my previous posts, please select the following links:
Again, if you own a model affected by the recalls, please have your vehicle inspected. It could be a matter of life and death.
Travel safely.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
For the first time in American history, a car manufacturer--Toyota--has told its dealers to stop selling eight of its models due to a potentially dangerous defect. The models have potentially defective gas pedals (accelerator pedals) that could get stuck, leading to unavoidable car crashes.
The Washington Post (1/27, Mufson, Haynes) reports, Toyota "told its dealers to temporarily stop selling the RAV4, Highlander and Sequoia sport-utility vehicles; Corolla, Camry and Avalon cars; Matrix hatchbacks; and Tundra pickups." The Post notes, "The standstill is a huge setback for a company that built its business largely on a reputation for reliability and which perennially vies with General Motors and Volkswagen for the number one sales ranking among world auto companies." And "it left many loyal Toyota customers worried about safety and confused about what to do, because Toyota isn't sure how to fix the problem."
The New York Times (1/27, A1, Bunkley) reports on its front page, "Toyota said the move was intended to restore confidence in the automaker, and the safety of its products. One analyst said many consumers might have a different reaction." Toyota's "acknowledgement of problems with acceleration pedals reawakens one of the oldest safety issues in the auto industry. Manufacturers have long dismissed that a vehicle can race forward out of the driver's control, contending that the problem takes place when a driver mistakenly pushes the accelerator while trying to hit the brake pedal." The Wall Street Journal (1/27, Linebaugh) also reports the story.
Here's a list of the recalled models:
2007-2010 Camry
2005-2010 Avalon
2004-2009 Prius
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2007-2010 ES 350
2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350
I have blogged about Toyota recalls previously. To read my previous posts, please select the following links:
If you own a model affected by the recall, please have your vehicle inspected. It could be a matter of life and death.
Travel safely.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
The National Safety Council (NSC) announced today least 28% of all traffic crashes (translating into at least 1.6 million crashes per year) are caused by drivers texting or using cell phones. According to its website, "NSC estimates that 1.4 million crashes each year are caused by drivers using cell phones and a minimum of 200,000 additional crashes each year are caused by drivers who are texting. The announcement came on the one-year anniversary of NSC’s call for a ban on all cell phone use and texting while driving."
It is clear that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving while using a cell phone. However, so far, many more people use the cell phone while driving than text while behind teh wheel. That is why there are more crashes caused by cell phone use. However, as the NSC acknowledges, texting while driving has reached crisis levels too.
"This new estimate provides critical data for legislators, business leaders and individuals to evaluate the threat and need for legislation, business policies and personal actions to prevent cell phone use and texting while driving," said Janet Froetscher, president & CEO of the National Safety Council. "There was great progress made in 2009, particularly regarding a broad recognition that texting is dangerous. We now need the same broad consensus that recognizes cell phone use while driving causes even more crashes.”
Support for laws banning cell phone use while driving is gaining momentum. I understand the need to be able to communicate. However, lives are at stake. Never text while driving. If you need to use your phone, pull off the road or be sure to at least use your phone in hands-free mode.
Remember, all it takes is a moment of distracted driving to cause a serious, life-altering collision.
Travel safe.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group, has rated Virginia one of the worst states in the nation in highway safety, according to the Washington Post. "This year, Maryland and the District were among the dozen 'green' (relatively safe) states. Thirty others were rated yellow (less safe), and Virginia descended into the red (least safe) zone."
According to the article, the group rates states based upon a wide variety of criteria, including the following factors: "mandatory motorcycle helmets, stricter seat-belt enforcement, open container bans, tougher drunken driving laws. But in the upcoming legislative sessions, it also will push for enforceable bans on text messaging and for graduated licensing for teenage drivers." a
Although no state has all of the safety laws the advocacy group recommends, Virginia lacks some crucial ones, including laws requiring blood-alcohol testing in fatal automobile collisions, banning open containers in vehicles, "mandating use of an ignition locking device that keeps people convicted of drunken driving from driving drunk again, and requiring applicants to be 16 before obtaining a learner's permit."
The District was given the highest national rating by the group, and has nearly all of the safety-laws recommended by the group in effect. Maryland fairs well in the ranking system, but needs to focus more on "nighttime restrictions on teen drivers, mandatory use of an ignition interlock for all offenders and blood-alcohol testing for drivers who die in accidents, not just those who survive," according to the Post.
Driving laws should be strong oin every state in our country. The absence of stern laws lead to serious injuries and death. Encourage your legislators to promote sate driving laws to protect all drivers and pedestrians on or around our community roads.
Travel safely.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
In a story appearing on at least 143 news websites, the AP (1/11, Pritchard) reports that recent lab tests have shown "eye-popping levels" of cadmium in children's jewelry. The metal, which has been linked to cancer and weakened kidneys, "is particularly dangerous for children, because growing bodies readily absorb substances, and cadmium accumulates in the kidneys for decades." Recent research has also determined that children exposed to cadmium "were more likely to report learning disabilities," and that it "lowers IQ even more than lead."
"Just small amounts of chemicals may radically alter development," said Dr. Robert O. Wright, a professor at Harvard University's medical school and school of public health. "I can't even fathom why anyone would allow for even a small amount to be accessible."
MSNBC, reports, "There is no definitive explanation for why children's jewelry manufacturers, virtually all from China in the items tested, are turning to cadmium. But a reasonable double whammy looms: Cadmium prices have plummeted as factories grasp for substitutes now that lead is heavily regulated under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
That law set a new, stringent standard for lead in children's products: Only the very smallest amount is permissible — no more than 0.0003 percent of the total content. The statute has led manufacturers to drastically reduce lead in toys and jewelry.
The law also contained the first explicit regulation of cadmium, though the standards are significantly less strict than lead and apply only to painted toys, not jewelry."
According to MSNBC, some of the most dangerously toxic items are "charms sold at Walmart, at the jewelry chain Claire's and at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in 'The Princess and The Frog' movie-themed pendants."
Try to conduct some research before purchasing toys for children. Even low toxicity levels can cause significant, permanent developmental problems. Of course, it is difficult, if not impossible at times, to determine how dangerous some products are, so manufacturers need to put people over profits and be sure they products are safe before they enter the marketplace. Lives are at stake.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" whose practice is dedicated to representing people in catastrophic personal injury matters, including product liability, medical malpractice and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
PRNewswire-USNewswire reports that "Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (AHAS) will issue its state-by-state ratings of traffic safety laws" later this month. And for the first time, the group will analyze restrictions placed on texting while driving--a problem that has reached a crisis level.
In each year over the last ten years, approximately 40,000 Americans were killed and another 2.5 million were injured as a result of automobile collisions. That translates into about 110 deaths and 7000 injuries every single day. Laws vary from state to state, and some laws are simply too weak.
I represent victims of reckless driving, people who have been tragically injured or killed due to the carelessness of others. State laws need to harshly punish those who intentional drive without due care for others on the road and those in their cars. The consequences of reckless driving can be catastrophic. I see lives and families ruined in a flash because of drunk-driving, texting-while-driving, and other reckless acts behind the wheel.
"The 2010 Roadmap Report on State Highway Safety Laws will grade each state and the District of Columbia on their laws addressing teen driving, distracted driving, drunk driving" and other safety laws, according to the article. I will participate in the webcast of the report, and will inform you of the results of AHAS's Report Card. If your state gets a poor grade, fight for change.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Winter is here in full force. Road conditions get particularly dangerous this time of year. Accidents and harsh weather conditions can cause drivers to become stranded. It's a good idea to be sure your car is stocked with supplies that come in handy in emergency situations. Here's a checklist from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that you may find useful.
"Car and Emergency Checklist
Prepare your car with emergency supplies.
Cell phone; portable charger and extra batteries
Shovel
Windshield scraper
Battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
Flashlight (and extra batteries)
Water
Snack food
Extra hats, coats, mittens
Blankets
Chains or rope
Tire chains
Canned compressed air with sealant (emergency tire repair)
Road salt and sand
Booster cables
Emergency flares
Bright colored flag; help signs
First aid kit
Tool kit
Road maps
Compass
Waterproof matches and a can (to melt snow for water)
Paper towels"
Please be careful when you drive, and try to avoid being on the road during extreme weather. If caught in an emergency, be prepared.
Safe travels.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Protect children from falling televisions. The AP (12/14) reported, "Studies suggest that the number of children killed or injured by falling television has risen even as more consumers replace their clunky old TVs with lighter flat screens." The CPSC "says more than 80 of the 180 furniture-related deaths from 2000 to 2006 involved televisions. And the number rose over the years."
Here's what you can do:
place your TV in a location that children cannot reach
if wall-mounting a TV, have it done professionally, so the TV is secure to the wall
if in a cabinet, be sure the cabinet is sturdy and cannot tip over
if on a stand, secure stand to a wall or the ground, and be sure TV is secured to stand
Read instructions carefully if putting together a stand, wall-mount, cabinet, etc. If parts are missing or damages, don't use product.
Be safe.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability, medical malpractice, and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
According to the FDA, "Unilever United States, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of all Slim-Fast® ready-to-drink (RTD) products in cans, due to the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism, which may cause diarrhea and possibly nausea and/or vomiting."
"The recall involves allSlim-Fast® RTD products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code or UPC number." Therefore, please do not use any of these products.
If you have purchased Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans, you are urged to throw them out immediately. You are also encouraged to contact the company at 1-800-896-9479 for a full refund.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability, medical malpractice, and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)recalled more than 50 million Roman-style blinds and roll up blinds due to the risk of strangulation. About five million Roman shades and about three million roll-up blinds are sold each year.
According to the recall notice, "Consumers that have Roman or roll-up shades in their homes should contact the WCSC immediately at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling (800) 506-4636 anytime to receive a free repair kit. To help prevent child strangulation in window coverings, CPSC and the WCSC urge parents and caregivers to follow these guidelines:
Examine all shades and blinds in the home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC and the WCSC recommend the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.
Do not place cribs, beds, and furniture close to the windows because children can climb on them and gain access to the cords.
Make loose cords inaccessible.
If the window shade has looped bead chains or nylon cords, install tension devices to keep the cord taut."
NBC Nightly News (12/15, lead story, Williams) reported, "The federal government reached about as far into American homes as they possibly could today and they did it right through the windows. They are also telling all of us it's for our own good. Today they launched one of the largest product recalls in American history."
CBS Evening News (12/15, story by Couric) reported, "More than 50 million Roman-style shades and rollup blinds are being recalled because their cords can strangle a child. In fact, since 2001, eight children have died after their necks got caught in the cords of these shades and blinds."
ABC World News (12/15, story by Gibson) reported that the recall "is causing big confusion. Consumers calling the recall hotline today heard an automated message offering repair kits for blinds that are not part of the recall. And the confusion continued at stores."
In a story appearing on at least 332 news websites, the AP (12/15) reported, "The Consumer Product Safety Commission said five deaths and 16 near-strangulations from Roman shades have been reported since 2006, while three deaths connected to roll-up blinds have been reported since 2001." The commission "and the industry urged parents to examine all shades and blinds in the home and make sure they have no accessible cords." Several major retailers, "including Wal-Mart, JCPenney and Pottery Barn, are also participating in the recall."
CNNMoney.com (12/15, Yousuf) reported, "CPSC said it is working with the Window Covering Safety Council, an industry trade group, to provide repair kits for Roman shades and roll-up blinds sold at retailers." The repair "will eliminate the cord from the Roman shades and instead provide rings for consumers to install." The Wall Street Journal (12/16, Trottman) also covered the story.
If you or a family member believe that you have a case involving death or injury caused by an unsafe product or the unsafe acts of someone else, please email me or call me directly at 202-822-1875 for a free consultation.
About the author:
Catherine Bertram is board certified in civil trials and was recently nominated as a 2010 Super Lawyer for Washington, D.C. Ms. Bertram has 20 years of trial experience. She is a partner with the firm and devotes her practice to the representation of individuals and the families of loved ones who have been injured or lost due to unsafe devices or the negligence of others. Ms. Bertram lives with her family in Washington, D.C. She can be reached by email at cbertram@reganfirm.com or by phone 202-822-1875 in her D.C. office.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, as many as 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) result from sports and recreation activities in the U.S. each year. Of those children, approximately 165,000 require hospitalization. As a mother with two children who are active in competitive sports it is very concerning to me. Click here to read a letter from one of clients in the community who had a brain injury as a result of another person's carelessness.
The most frequent causes of TBI are related to:
car accidents
falls
sports related injuries; and
abuse/assault.
It can be difficult for a parent to diagnose this type of injury as many children do not demonstrate visible impairments after a head injury. The symptoms depend on the extent and location of the brain injury and can vary greatly.
Children who suffered TBI may experience some or all of the following:
Physical impairments - speech, vision, hearing and other sensory impairment, headaches, lack of fine motor coordination, spasticity of muscles, paresis or paralysis of one or both sides and seizure disorders,balance, and other gait impairments.
Cognitive impairments - short- and long-term memory deficits, impaired concentration, slowness of thinking, and limited attention span, as well as impairments of perception, communication, reading and writing skills, planning, sequencing, and judgement.
Psychosocial-behavioral-emotional impairments - fatigue, mood swings, denial, self-centeredness,anxiety, depression, lowered self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, restlessness, lack of motivation, inability to self-monitor, difficulty with emotional control, inability to cope, agitation, excessive laughing or crying, and difficulty relating to others.
There is a free guideline available for parents and care providers that provides more details about what your child may experience with TBI. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also has a Traumatic Brain Injury program for families that may lead you to local state based resources for assistance.
Having a child with this diagnosis is stressful both emotionally and financially for the entire family. If you believe that your child's injury was the result of unsafe choices or conduct of others feel free to call and discuss the situation with me. We have experience with these types of cases and understand the legal and medical issues as well as the family struggles. For free information about your legal rights, please email me at cbertram@reganfirm.com or call me directly at 202-833-1875.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of about 24,000 baby hammocks following the deaths of two infants. According to the CPSC, babies can become trapped and could suffocate against the sides of the mesh and fabric Amby Baby Motion Beds. The beds are made by Amby Baby USA. The recall covers one model of the bed sold online and at other retailers since 2003. The hammock-like beds were marketed to parents of fussy babies with colic or reflux.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that the side-to-side shifting or tilting of the hammock can cause an infant to roll and become trapped or wedged against the hammock's fabric or mattress pad, posing a suffocation risk.
While consumers can request a repair kit from the company, according to the Amby Baby's website, the kit will be available "soon as possible, but not earlier than January 2010." Of course, parents should not use the hammock in the meantime.
If you or a family member believe that you have a case involving death or injury caused by an unsafe product or the unsafe acts of someone else, please contact email me or call me directly at 202-822-1875 for a free consultation.
About the author:
Catherine Bertram is board certified in civil trials and was recently nominated as a 2010 Super Lawyer for Washington, D.C. Ms. Bertram has 20 years of trial experience. She is a partner with the firm and devotes her practice to the representation of individuals and the families of loved ones who have been injured or lost due to unsafe devices or the negligence of others. Ms. Bertram lives with her family in Washington, D.C. She can be reached by email at cbertram@reganfirm.com or by phone 202-822-1875 in her D.C. office.
Children all across America take buses to school. It is usually a safe mode of transportation. Unfortunately, according to AAA, "each year, nationally, about 19 school aged children are killed in school transportation-related traffic crashes. On average, 5 are passengers on the bus and 14 are pedestrians." Many more suffer non-fatal injuries.
I recently represented a woman who was struck by a bus. She almost lost her leg. To hear her story, please click here. She is one of many clients that I have represented, and still do represent, who have endured tragic, life-altering injuries as a result of carelessness on the road. Another client of mine is a student who was hit by a passenger vehicle that failed to stop behind a bus that slowed for my client, a pedestrian. She suffered a tragic brain injury. I have too many stories like these to tell. Careless driving can change lives forever in a moment.
Here are some useful tips to remember to maximize safety:
"TIPS FOR DRIVERS:
Watch for children at bus stops and for children walking to and from bus stops.
Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean that a bus is preparing to stop. Do not try to beat the bus! Begin slowing and prepare to stop your vehicle.
Red flashing lights indicate that a bus has stopped to load or unload children. Be very aware and pay close attention. Stop your car and wait for the lights to stop flashing before you move your vehicle. Passing a loading or unloading school bus is reckless driving!
AT THE BUS STOP:
Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
Remain orderly at the bus stop and pay attention to traffic. This is no place to play.
Obey the School Safety Patrol.
Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.
WHEN ENTERING THE BUS:
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.
If you must cross the road to enter the bus, walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.
Wait for a signal from the driver.
WHEN EXITING THE BUS:
Walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead.
Be sure the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
Stop at the edge of the bus and look left-right before crossing.
Tell the bus driver if you drop something beside the bus. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
Be alert to all traffic."
Please drive safely this holiday season and always.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" whose practice is dedicated to representing people in catastrophic personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against distracted drivers of buses, tractor-trailers, other trucks, and cars. Mr. Zambri's firm has also obtained the largest settlement ever in a case involving the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Under Department of Transportation regulations, carriers are required to ensure their drivers are fully qualified. Before stepping onto a bus or motor coach, do some research. Here are some questions any company should answer without hesitation, or you should reconsider using that company's services:
Ask the carrier:
Will the driver of the vehicle possess a current Commercial Driver's License with a "passenger" endorsement?
Will the driver hold a valid medical certificate?
Does the company have a driver drug and alcohol testing program that complies with DOT regulations?
And here's some additional useful information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:
"Ask for the carrier's USDOT identification number and its MC number. The MC number represents interstate operating authority issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Using the MC number, you may obtain insurance information about the carrier on the Internet at http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov. Using the U.S. DOT identification number, you may obtain safety information about the carrier on the Internet or by calling (703) 280-4001. If you have a regulatory question, please call (202) 366-6121.
About 63,000 buses are involved in traffic crashes each year, resulting in approximately 325 deaths and 14,000 non-fatal injuries. As a lawyer who dedicates his practice to representing victims of carelessness, including people who have been injured as a result of mass transit collisions, I know first-hand how important it is to increase oversight of the industry. By not adhering to federal and local regulations, company's place passengers and others on the roadway in serious peril. Urge your legislators to take this matter seriously.
Travel safely.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against distracted drivers of tractor-trailers, other trucks, and cars. Mr. Zambri's firm has also obtained the largest settlement ever in a case involving the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
There have been some tragic cases where pedestrians have their lives in D.C. lately. The question we all ask is how safe it is to walk in our city? Unfortunately, the answer is not so safe when compared to other major metropolitan areas across the country. In a study recently published by Transportation for America, the DC metro area was ranked 32 out of 52 in terms of safety for walkers.
In 2008, the DC Department of Transportation announced a five-year plan to improve pedestrian safety, specifically targeting 61 "high hazard" traffic intersections. The plan including adjusting the timing of traffic signals and make markings on the crosswalks clearer. According to the Washington Post, the 30 intersections that were ranked as the most dangerous for pedestrians from 2004 to 2006.
I have been posting a lot about toy safety recently, and I began to think that it would be useful to put together a list of some good websites where you can go to learn more about toy safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a federal agency that publishes product recalls and permits consumers to lodge complaints about unsafe toys. A list of recalled toys can also be found at www.Recalls.gov.
In addition to government sites, there are several private entities that track product defects and test for product safety. Here are some examples:
Obviously, no governmental or private entity can inspect all toys. Therefore, manufacturers must take all steps necessary to be sure their products are safe before they are pushed into the marketplace for profit. Companies must put people over profits.
When purchasing toys, please remember:
children should not be given toys intended for older people
beware of toys with small parts that can be swallowed
beware of toys that have sharp edges
beware of toys that emit heat
be sure toys do not have missing or damaged parts
We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" whose practice is dedicated to representing people in catastrophic personal injury matters, including product liability, medical malpractice and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
The AP reported, "Two infant deaths have led to the recall of about 24,000 Amby Baby Motion Beds -- hammocklike beds marketed to parents of fussy babies with colic or reflux. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday that the side-to-side shifting or tilting of the hammock can cause an infant to roll and become trapped or wedged against the hammock's fabric or mattress pad, posing a suffocation risk." According to the manufacturer's website, Amby indicates that it plans to offer a free repair kit, 'but not earlier than January 2010.'"
CNNMoney.com reported that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) "said Amby Baby is aware that the bed caused the death of a 4-month old girl in Lawrenceville, Ga. and a 5-month-old boy in Gresham, Ore. this summer."
This recall is the latest in a string of baby beds and cribs that have been recalled this year alone. I was recently asked by FOX TV to give an interview about crib/baby-bed defects. Some important things I urge you to remember:
don't put together a bed with missing or broken parts
periodically inspect the crib/bed for bending, breaking, etc.
check the manufacturer's website, as well as the CPSC's website for recalls or consumer complaints
if experiencing a problem with the crib/bed, stop using it immediately
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" whose practice is dedicated to representing people in catastrophic personal injury matters, including product liability and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
As the holidays draw closer, there are news stories and articles about unsafe toys which raise potential risks for lead poisoning for our community's children. Of all the safety hazards for young children, this is one of the most preventable kinds. Tragically, almost 1 million children in the United States have elevated levels of lead in their blood. Below, I have summarized points from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding lead screening for children. Click here for the entire fact sheet.
How can children be exposed to too much lead?
Children less than 6, can be exposed if they get lead dust from old paint on their hands or toys and then put their hands in their mouths;
Breathe lead dust from old paint;
Eat old paint chips from paint that contained lead;
Drink water from pipes lined with lead.
If you are renting in DC, you can click here to learn more about your rights to a lead free living space.
Once the lead enters to the child's body, it travels through the blood stream and can be stored in the bones. Very high levels of lead can cause problems such as,
Developmental delays
Hearing loss
Seizures and coma
Kidney problems
Anemia
Growth problems
In some cases where the child ingests a large amount, you may see immediate vomiting, headaches, stomach pain or weakness. If you see these sudden changes get the child medical help immediately and explain what the child may have been exposed to.
Most children with high lead levels do not show obvious signs until they reach school age. It may show up and be mistaken for learning disabilities or behavioral problems when it is really the lead.
The AP (12/7) reported, "Cars made by Toyota registered far more complaints about sudden acceleration in its 2008 model-year vehicles than any other automaker, a new study has found. Toyota and Lexus vehicles received 41 percent of all consumer complaints to a federal database about runaway acceleration, more than Chrysler, General Motors, Honda and Nissan combined, analysis by Consumer Reports found."
Earlier this year, Toyota recalled approximately 4.26 million vehicles following some crashes that killed operators and passengers of their vehicles. Toyota claims to be taking corrective action. The AP report notes, "A Los Angeles Times review found that 19 people have died in sudden acceleration accidents involving Toyota vehicles since the 2002 model year, more than all other automakers combined. In addition, the Times found that complaints of sudden acceleration increased dramatically after the automaker began replacing mechanical throttles with electronic throttle systems in the 2002 model year." Obviously, others have been serious injured.
We hope that Toyota gets to the bottom of its product defect swiftly so that no other person is exposed to the serious danger it presents. If you own a Toyota, we encourage you to get your vehicle inspected, especially if you have encountered a sudden acceleration or other unusual problem.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
To read an article published by one of Mr. Zambri's clients, who was injured in a tragic automobile collision, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. When buying toys for children, please be careful. According to a recent report--"Trouble in Toyland"--by the U.S. Public Interests Research Group, dangerous toys are stocked on store shelves throughout the country. In particular, toy manufacturers are still producing toys that create dangerously loud sounds, toys with high levels of lead, and toys with small parts.
The consumer advocacy group’s 24th annual “Trouble in Toyland” survey is worth a read, as it provides safety guidelines and highlights currently sold toys that, according to the group, pose serious safety threats to children.
The Santa Ynez Valley Journal remarks, "The report comes in the wake of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which, effective February, increased the range of products that require testing and certification, set lower limits for the lead content in children’s products and requires that manufacturers have a tracking label that contains a cautionary statement regarding choking hazards. The new sweeping legislation was spurred by public outcry after 2007."
The new legislation was long overdue, and it has already made a meaningful impact. Just consider the risks. Only one dose of lead can cause a child to suffer permanent physical and mental deficits. It can even be fatal. Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss, often gradually and without pain, making the hazard difficult to detect. And small parts on toys are obvious choking hazards, yet many products still fail to include proper warning labels.
When purchasing toys, choose wisely. Happy holidays.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
The end-of-year holiday season is a joyous time of the year for most people. Unfortunately, tragic things inevitable happen to some people each year. We wish you a peaceful, happy, and safe holiday season. With that in mind, please keep these helpful hints in mind as you celebrate.
1) If placing a Christmas tree in your home, be sure it is not near a used fireplace, by a vent, or next to any other heat source.
2) Be sure all light strands are intact, without wire fray.
3) Never drive after drinking alcohol.
4) Never get in a car when the driver has had alcoholic drinks.
5) Question the driver of a car before getting in a vehicle to be sure the driver has had no alcoholic beverages.
6) Shut lights off before going to bed.
7) Be sure fire in fireplace has been completely put out before going to bed.
For more holiday safety tips, go to the U.S. Fire Administration's website by clicking here.
Have a very happy holiday season!
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions, as well as product defect cases, and burn injury claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions and fires. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
CNNMoney.com reports that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently recalled 2.1 million cribs, citing defective hardware that can cause children to suffocate. The federal agency "said parents should immediately stop using Stork Craft drop-side cribs, which are made by Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc., of British Columbia, Canada," according to the report. The recall includes about 150,000 Stork Craft drop-side cribs that have a Fisher-Price logo on them, announced the CPSC.
The CPSC has warned that the cribs' drop-side can become detached unexpectedly, creating a gap between the crib wall and the mattress, in which a child can get trapped and either fall or suffocate. The report indicates that there "have been 110 documented incidents of drop-side detachment, including 67 in the United States and 43 in Canada. Among those, four resulted in suffocation and 20 resulted in falls that caused injuries ranging from concussion to bumps and bruises."
This is the second time cribs manufactured by Stork Craft have been recalled. Earlier this year, 535,000 were recalled due to safety concerns.
Many retailers sold the recalled cribs, including: BJ's Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears (SHLD, Fortune 500), USA Baby, and Wal-Mart (WMT, Fortune 500) stores and online at Amazon.com (AMZN, Fortune 500), Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com (TGT, Fortune 500), and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009.
Please do not use these cribs. If you have one in your home, disassemble it immediately.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
The website of KSL-TV of Salt Lake City reports that more than 640,000 pacifiers have been recalled because they pose potentially fatal choking hazards. According to the report, "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Wednesday a voluntary recall of 641,000 'Bobby Chupete' pacifiers." The government "says there is a choking hazard because the pacifiers' mouth guards are too small."
We urge our readers to immediately stop using these pacifiers and to take them away from children. Do not leave them in any place where they can be obtained by children either.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Teens and their parents are texting fanatics. That's what a recent study shows. And it's getting worse.
A report by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project indicates that one out of four (25%) of American cellphone-owning teens ages 16 to 17 text while driving, and "almost half of Americans ages 12 to 17 say they've been in cars with someone who texted while behind the wheel," according to a Washington Post report.
Not surprisingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that the rate of distracted-driving deaths is highest among drivers below 20 years old. According to the Post report, "The administration said that 5,870 people died and about 515,000 were injured last year in accidents attributed to distracted driving. Twice as many fatalities, 11,773, were attributed to drunken driving."
Of course, the actual number of accidents caused by texting is likely much higher than what is reported since it is much harder to detect whether someone was texting at the time of the collision.
We need tougher laws that meaningfully punish those who make conscious decisions to distract themselves while placing their own lives and the lives of other in great danger. Tougher laws will also deter would-be texters from doing so behind the wheel. And parents need to set better examples. If your child sees you text (or use your hand-held phone, or eat) while driving, then he or she will believe it is fine to act so selfishly and dangerously.
Here' s a link to a graphic public service video shown in Britain. It shows a terrible car crash. The at-fault driver was texting, got distracted, and killed someone. This video has been widely viewed on the internet, but it has had little impact on teen driving habits.
I hope teens, and Americans of all ages, learn quickly how dangerous it is to drive while being distracted. If they don't, more tragic deaths and serious injuries will result.
We encourage our readers to be active in your community to foster change. Your voices are strong. Be heard. Educate your children and fight for tougher laws so that our American roadways can be safer for all people.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against distracted drivers of tractor-trailers, other trucks, and cars. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Marketwatch recently reported that "Toyota Motor Corp. will make changes to gas pedals in certain U.S. models under an agreement with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to a published report, in response to accidents blamed on the accelerators getting stuck to the floor mats." Nevertheless, Toyota "still maintains that the vehicles are not actually defective. But to settle the potentially image-damaging issue, it will change the gas pedals so they are less likely to get stuck." Reuters covered the story as well.
We believe that it is important for Toyota to make the accelerator pedals as safe as possible. A stuck accelerator on one car is a serious defect on one car too many, as the lives of those in the car, others driving, and nearby pedestrians are at stake. The goal should always be to put people over profits. We are pleased that safety modifications will be made.
To read another of my blog's about a Toyota recall, please click here.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of approximately 610,000 Halloween flashlights due to a burn hazard. Consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and return it to any Target store for a complete refund. We have reproduced the CPSC recall notice in its entirety for our readers.
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2009
Release # 10-026 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 440-0680
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Halloween Flashlights Sold Exclusively at Target Recalled Due to Burn Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Halloween Flashlights
Units: About 610,000
Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Manufacturer: DGI LLC, of Warren, N.J. and Tien Hsing, of Wanchai, Hong Kong
Hazard: The flashlights can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received eight reports of flashlights overheating and melting, including one report of burns to the hand.
Description: This recall involves two types of Halloween-themed flashlights: the mini flashlights and flashlights sold with stencils.
Mini Flashlights - The mini flashlights have a key ring extending from the bottom and were sold in a pack of three colors: orange, green and black. The orange and purple packaging has “Mini Flashlights (3 Pack)” printed on the front and “DGI”, “Made in China” and “DPCI# 234-02-1813” printed on the back.
Standard Size Flashlights - Also included in the recall are standard sized flashlights with a black handle and an orange top. The flashlights were sold with six stencils in various colors and images: a pumpkin, ghost, spider, cat, witch and skull & cross-bones. “Flashlight with Stencil” is printed on the front and “Tien Hsing,” “Made in China” and ”234 02 1838” is printed on the back of the packaging.
Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from August 2009 through September 2009 for $1 for the mini flashlights and $2.50 for the flashlights with stencils.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumer should immediately stop using the flashlights and return the product to any Target store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com
Picture of Recalled Halloween Mini Flashlights Picture of Recalled Halloween Standard Size Flashlight
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CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Product recalls or warnings take place every day in this country. They relate to drugs that cause initially unexpected health problems, cars that have faulty systems that endanger lives, foods that have been found to be contaminated, etc. What may surprise you, though, is how often companies know about dangers, but do nothing to protect the public so as to maximize profits.
The American Association for Justice has published a report that contains true stories about corporations that despite knowing about their products dangers, nevertheless continued to market them in an effort to pad profits. Here are some examples, according to the publication:
"• A company that discovers its medical device is little more than a bomb
waiting to go off in people's hearts... and decides not to tell anyone.
• A pharmaceutical company that discovers that its drug causes severe side
effects in pediatric patients... and then spends hundreds of millions of
dollars marketing to children.
• A company that discovers its bulletproof vests are defective... and then sells
them anyway to be worn by law enforcement, the military, and the President
of the United States.
• A company that discovers rodent droppings are contaminating its food
products... and then orders them re-cooked and sold anyway.
• A car company that discovers that if it does not spend $11 per car to fix a
defect, hundreds of people will be horribly burned... and decides it would be
cheaper to let them burn."
The report notes that these stories are not isolated. Such corporate continues in America today, just as it has for decades past. One might wonder how it was determined that the companies acted so egregiously. How were Americans ultimately protected from such greed? The civil justice system. Injured victims went to attorneys who did the hard work necessary to go up against the Goliath corporations to unearth their wrongdoing. As a result, changes were made, and people were no longer exposed to the dangers.
I am proud to be an attorney that specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability claims. It is very gratifying to be able to help innocent people who have been terribly injured as a result of corporate greed. Not only am I able to help the individual client, but the changes that come about as a result of our work protect Americans everywhere. Hopefully, corporations will learn that putting profits over people is a bad business plan.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Halloween is fun--one of the best days of the year for many kids and families. All too often, though, kids are seriously injured while "trick or treating". I urge you to take reasonable precautions so that the day can be remembered as a joyous one.
"Treats: Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering.
Flame Resistant Costumes: When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
Costume Designs: Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists.
For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.
To easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights.
Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes . Mother' s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.
Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.
Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.
Pedestrian Safety: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.
Choosing Safe Houses: Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.
Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.
People expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other furnishings that could be ignited."
If you have further questions about product safety, you can call the U.S . Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free hotline on (800) 638-2772. If hearing impaired, you may use TTY (301) 595-7054.
All of us at RZL wish you a safe and happy holiday.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including product liability and automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri was sought after to publish a chapter regarding product liability litigation in Aspatore Books - a company that is touted as "the largest and most exclusive publisher of C-1 Level executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, Partner) from the world's most respected companies and law firms." To read Mr. Zambri's publication, entitled "Constantly Preparing To Win", please click here.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
In recent years, Halloween has jumped to the top of many lists as one of the most dangerous nights for children to be out. Several common sense tips and guidelines help create a safer environment for Trick-or-Treaters.
Treats: Don't munch candy before returning home. All treats should be carefully examined by an adult before children eat them.
Costumes: Age-appropriate designs for costumes should focus on visibility, easy movement, flame resistance. Reflective tape is a good addition to any costume.
Flashlights: Carrying flashlights helps to see and be seen.
Pedestrian Safety: Young children should be accompanied by an older responsible person, walk instead of run from house to house, use sidewalks when present, and avoid running between parked cars.
Choose Safe Homes: Visit only homes that have welcoming outside lights, but don't go inside.
Trick or Treat Hours: Check and follow local rules for allowable times.
National Fire Protection Week is officially from October 4 through October 10, 2009, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It is a great time to think about fire prevention and protection, but these issues demand year-round focus.
One of NFPA's slogans is "Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned". It is to the point and worth remembering. The association gives the following simple examples of how to be "fire smart":testing the water before putting a child in the bath and wearing short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking on the stove-top.
For more information about fire prevention and protection, please visit the NFPA website by clicking here.
I have represented many people who have been seriously injured or killed as a result of fires caused by the recklessness of others, including property owners and managers, as well as the negligence of manufacturers of defective products. We encourage property owners and managers to be sure their fire alarm and smoke detector systems are in excellent working condition. It's a matter of life and death.
Be safe.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious burn injuries. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year as a result of fires. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Ashley Halsey III, of the Washington Post reports that "President Obama has banned federal employees from text messaging when they are behind the wheel of government vehicles and from texting in their own cars if they use government-issued phones or are on official business." According to the report, "The ban, in the form of an executive order signed Wednesday night, was announced Thursday by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at the culmination of a two-day meeting on the issue of distracted driving.
"It shows that the federal government is taking the lead," LaHood said. "This is a big deal."
The District and 18 states, including Maryland and Virginia, have banned texting while driving to different degrees. It is great to learn that the President is taking this issue seriously and is beginning the process of making it a crime everywhere to drive while texting. As I mentioned in a recent blog, texting while driving is increasing and is extremely dangerous. If the federal and local governments don't act quickly, lives will be lost and others will be seriously and permanently injured.
Please drive safely.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
According to an AP report, "Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it will recall 3.8 million vehicles in the United States, the company's largest-ever U.S. recall, to address problems with a removable floor mat that could cause accelerators to get stuck and lead to a crash." The auto-manufacturer said it was "still working with officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSA) to find a remedy to fix the problem and said owners could be notified about the recall as early as next week." The NHTSA said it "had received reports of 102 incidents in which the accelerator may have become stuck on the Toyota vehicles involved."
Forbes reported that this recall "followed a horrific crash last month in San Diego in which a mat was suspected of snagging a gas pedal on a runaway Lexus, ending with a fiery crash that killed four family members. A minute before the crash, the driver called police to say the car had no brakes and the accelerator was stuck. The runaway car was doing more than 120 mph when it hit a sport-utility vehicle, launched off an embankment, rolled several times and burst into flames."
I represent many victims of product defects. Dangerous products can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries. We encourage manufacturers to take the time necessary to properly and fully evaluate their products before they are placed into the market. Public safety must trump profits.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Ashley Halsey III of the Washington Post reports that approximately "90 percent of Americans own cellphones, and one national survey found that eight in 10 drivers talk on their phones while behind the wheel, about 1 million of them at any given moment. Cellphone use has been cited as a factor in an estimated 342,000 auto accident injuries." The lesson here is that it is reckless to drive while using your cellphone or texting, and that even if you are driving safely, others around you probably are not.
Lon Anderson, a spokesman for AAA, remarked, "We have an epidemic of distracted driving out there." According to the Post report, "AAA recently studied the habits of Beltway drivers in Virginia, the group found that more than half of drivers used their cell phones on Interstate 495 every day, and a quarter of them send or receive text messages daily."
Texting while driving is currently illegal in both the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Maryland's ban will take effect this Thursday. It should be illegal in every state in the country. Thankfully, the federal government is considering taking steps to make it a crime to text and drive in any of the 50 American states. The faster the government takes action, the better. Lives are at stake.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Ashley Halsey III of the Washington Post reports that AAA has announced that our area is experiencing an "alarming increase" in hit-and-run accidents. This public statement follows two such incidents last week -- one that killed a pedestrian and another that critically injured a cyclist.
The report goes on to state that "AAA Mid-Atlantic said that after 44 fatal hit-and-run accidents in Virginia and Maryland last year, the anecdotal evidence suggests that the number has increased in 2009, keeping pace with a national trend that saw 1,500 such cases last year, the majority of them involving pedestrians."
Car and truck accidents can be deadly. Drivers need to appreciate that they are operating machinery that, when not careful, can be deadly weapons. Unfortunately, far too many drivers operate their vehicles recklessly, causing serious and sometimes fatal consequences. We encourage our readers to be sure they have sufficient uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage on their automobile policies. This coverage allows victims to receive fair compensation in the event they are injured by a hit-and-run driver or a driver with limited insurance coverage.
To learn more about uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage, please contact Mr. Zambri at 202-822-1899 or email him at szambri@reganfirm.com.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. He has successfully litigated numerous cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or critically injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
As a new school year gets underway, President Obama launched a major back-to-school campaign today aimed at keeping kids in the classroom. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) new Chairman Inez Tenenbaum carried the President's message to South Carolina where she met with students and faculty at Rosewood Elementary School in Columbia.
Tenenbaum, a former South Carolina State Superintendent of Education, brings a strong focus to CPSC on educating and informing children and consumers across the nation about product safety. She released CPSC's "Back to School Safety Checklist" and urged parents and schools to use it to create a safer school environment for children.
"It just takes a moment for a child to be seriously injured or even killed riding a bicycle, playing on the playground, using a movable soccer goal, wearing a jacket with a drawstring or by a recalled product," said Tenenbaum. "Let's keep kids in the classroom and out of the emergency room. Parents and school officials should make it a priority to check for hazards at home and at school."
The National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) investigation of last month's deadly Metro crash prompted the board to conclude that WMATA's electrical system is insufficient. The Board has "urged the transit agency to add a real-time, continuous backup that would alert train operators to potential problems and stop trains when necessary," according to a Washington Post report by Lena Sun.
Mark V. Rosenker, Acting Chairman of the NTSB, stated, "While the NTSB is still in the very early stages of its investigation into this tragic accident here in our nation's capital, we have concerns about the failure of [Metro's] train control system to prevent this collision."
The Board has advised the Federal Transit Agency to review similar transit systems throughout the country to determined whether other systems need greater redundancy. This action suggests that the failures of the local Metro system could be emblematic of a national crisis.
We hope that all governments and transit agencies thoroughly and expeditiously analyze and test their transit systems so that the tragedy that occurred a month ago here in our nation's capital never happens anywhere in America again.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.
Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Congressional hearings took place yesterday that were focused on multiple reports that found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates tap-water more carefully than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does bottled water. According to the Wall Street Journal(7/9, Zhang), "The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees the $11.2 billion" bottled water industry, "doesn't keep track of companies that produce bottled water and doesn't require companies to report positive tests for contaminants, federal officials told a House hearing Wednesday. Consumer advocates testified before the Energy and Commerce Committee's oversight and investigations panel that bottlers should be required to disclose more information to consumers."
The report further noted that Joshua M. Sharfstein, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner, "testified that the agency regulates bottled water as a food and doesn't know which companies among registered food firms make bottled water. Moreover, he said, the FDA has limited power to require more information on labels, and he put in a pitch for legislation that would boost the FDA's funding and authority for food safety." A similar report can be found in the New York Times (7/9, Fuller).
Unfortunately, the FDA does not have the resources to adequately evaluate the safety of medicines and products. An FDA approval by no means assures that the product or medicine approved is actually safe. Be careful before using any product and always speak with your doctor before taking any medication.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including medical malpractice actions. He has also been named a "DC Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America. Our firm has experience pursuing cases for patients that involve tragic medical errors, including the failure to properly inform patients of abnormal test results. If you need a patient advocate, we recommend that you read an article about medical malpractice claims authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.
If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Five days before last week's deadly Metro crash, Metro employees replaced a component of the rail system known as a Wee-Z bond, a device that keeps trains at a safe distance apart, said WMATA's Rail Chief, Dave Kubicek. Yesterday, transit officials confirmed that the device malfunctioned, and no one at Metro detected the problem, according to a report by Lena Sun and Lyndsey Layton of the Washington Post. The report comments that investigators and transit officials commented yesterday that the circuitry malfunctioned and no one at Metro detected the problem.
The rail system is supposed to be fail-safe. Yesterday's revelations put Metro's maintenance workers in the spotlight. The hazard should have been discovered before the June 22 tragedy that killed 9 and injured at least 80 others.
According to the Post report, "Transit officials would not say yesterday whether they believe the malfunction was a result of faulty equipment or poor installation, citing the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board."
The track circuit at issue "fluttered", according to Kubicek. One moment it would detect a train, and then the train would "disappear". He added that "Metro did not realize that there was problem until officials began examining data after the accident."
Metro is now replacing many of the system's Wee-Z bonds because they are "approaching the end of their usefulness," according to David Couch, who leads Metro's infrastructure projects.Of course, this raises the question: Why weren't they replaced earlier? We know that at least one was well beyond its usefulness, unless it was incorrectly installed or maintained.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Lena Sun and Lyndsey Layton of the Washington Post reported today that federal investigators confirmed that WMATA personnel attempted to replace a component of the signaling system of the tracks only five days before last week's tragic collision. According to the report, federal investigators commented that following the attempted repair work, "the control system circuitry that is designed to prevent crashes did not perform properly."
The horrible crash took place on June 22. According to the statement issued by the National Transportation Safety Board, a track circuit in the crash area "periodically lost its ability to detect trains after June 17"--five days before the collision. What WMATA did to test the system and why trains were permitted to operate while the system was defective are issues that must be addressed. My firm represents victims and their families, and we will determine what errors caused what has been the most horrific Metro accident in its 33-year history.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Everyone associates the July 4th holiday with fireworks. All too often, it also is associated with injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 9800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related accidents in 2007. The following recommendations from CPSC offer common sense safety guidelines:
"Do not allow young children to play with fire-works under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
Observe local laws.
Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
Don't experiment with homemade fireworks."
We wish all of our readers a very happy and safe celebration for Independence Day weekend.
As you may have heard, lawyers have already filed lawsuits stemming from the recent tragic crash involving two Metro-trains on the red-line. My firm represents injured victims and their families, but we have not yet filed suit for several reasons. For one, the Nation's capital is in mourning still. Some time should pass before litigation begins. Second, investigations are continuing and we are unearthing more and more relevant evidence. Third, families and victims have gone through enough. It seems to me that working with WMATA to resolve cases fairly and effectively is a better approach than running to the courthouse. If a fair resolution cannot be achieved, then the courthouse is thankfully available so justice can be obtained.
My firm has secured the largest settlement in WMATA's 33 -year history. Perhaps it is due to our firm's reputation that allows us to resolve cases with large truck companies and entities like WMATA instead of filing suit so quickly. A resolution saves a client money, time, and emotional anguish. Early resolution--if possible--should be every attorney's goal in any case. Of course, again, if the defendant proves to be unreasonable, a lawyer should have the resources and experience to fight for full justice. Because defendants recognize that my firm has the resources necessary to litigate catastrophic cases and that we are always prepared to litigate cases aggressively, they more often than not want to settle cases with us early on, and on terms favorable to our clients.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Trucks account for only 3% of the vehicles on our roadways, yet they are involved in 12 percent of all crash fatalities. According to a Public Citizen report, "Every year, about 5,000 people die and over 100,000 people are injured in large truck crashes."
Congress is now considering taking action--action that is long overdue. Specifically, Congress is working on legislation that would limit or curb truck sizes and weights. Experts have acknowledged that the larger the truck, the more likely it is to kill or cause serious injuries. Increased weights and sizes also lead to greater infrastructure damage to our roads and bridges. And, of course, bigger trucks emit more toxic pollution into our environment.
We encourage you to visit Public Citizens' website and contact your representatives in Congress, encouraging them to limit the weight and size of trucks. It will lead to greater safety and public health.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
A 5-year-old girl tragically died last weekend in an apparent drowning at a crowded College Park community pool operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. This horrible story was published recently in the Washington Post.
In addition to the 50-meter pool, the aquatics center has a baby pool, but the girl was found in a 2-foot-deep area of the larger pool. The shallow end is separated from the deep end by a rope at a depth of about 3 1/2 feet. Witnesses have stated that in the minutes before the girl was found unconscious and not breathing, lifeguards reported seeing several children and "normal play activity" in the shallow end of the pool.
Tragically, similar incidents happen each summer. Although the cause of this event has not yet been identified, Regan Zambri & Long has handled several similar incidents. These incidents are usually due to a number of factors including: (1) poor supervision by lifeguards; (2) negligent training of pool staff and personnel; as well as (3) inadequate number of lifeguards for the amount of children in the pool.
A few important safety tips for parents as published by mychildsafety.net:
Always keep your swimming pools fenced and locked.
Pool owners should invest in a pool alarm.
Always remove covers from pools before swimming. Partially covered pools are dangerous and crucial to children's water safety.
Never take your eyes off your child even if he/she isn’t swimming.
Make sure diving boards are securely anchored and well constructed.
For information about this topic or your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
According to a recent Washington Post article by Lyndsey Layton, Maria Glod and Lena Sun, "Federal investigators said yesterday that they found 'anomalies' in a key component of the electronic control system along the Metro track north of Fort Totten, suggesting that computers might have sent one Red Line train crashing into another." The report comments that a senior WMATA offcial has now come forward to state that "the computer system appeared to have faltered."
There is a 740-foot-long circuit near the crash which provides critical information, as well as authorization and speed commands to a following train. If defective, major incidents, like the one recently experienced, can occur. "If the train protection system is working as designed, when one train begins to enter the two-block buffer behind another, the computers automatically deploy the brakes on the second train and force it to stop," remarks the report.
Although a system failure may have occurred, investigators are still evaluating the conduct of the novice train operator who, unfortunately, lost her life in the crash, along with eight others.
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Earlier this week, the nation’s capital experienced the deadliest Metrorail collision in WMATA’s 33 year history. Numerous lives have been lost, and dozens of other have been seriously and permanently injured. The victims of this tragedy and their families deserve justice. The civil justice system in parts of our country, however, does not always allow for justice.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is the creation of a compact between the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. If the Metro collision had taken place just a few thousand feet north in Maryland, the ability of those harmed and killed to receive fair compensation for their harms and losses would have been severely compromised.
Last year, the Maryland Court of Appeals issued a ruling, establishing that claims against WMATA are akin to claims against Maryland counties. Those claims are limited to merely $200,000.00--a shocking low and patently unfair amount. And if it is determined that another entity (like a sub-contractor) is responsible in part for the horrific crash, the claims against any such non-governmental entity will have a non-economic (pain, anguish, suffering, etc.) limitation of merely $650,000.00.
With respect to the claims against Maryland counties, the $200,000.00 per person limitation includes both economic losses and non-economic damages. The economic losses alone caused by the deaths and severe injuries of others will far exceed $200,000.00. And that does not even begin to compensate the victims for the extreme fright, physical pain, and mental anguish that they endured or will continue to endure for the rest of their lives.
The arbitrary limitation that applies to non-governmental entities is also unjust. Telling a spouse or a child (or a father or mother) that the impact of a lost loved one amounts to merely $650,000.00 is offensive. I represent a woman and her three daughters concerning a Maryland automobile accident claim that took the lives of her husband of 25 years and her only son, who was merely 14 years old. Needless to say, her dreams have been shattered and her life, and the lives of her 3 daughters, have been turned upside-down. The days and months immediately following the collision were unimaginably hard on the family. Even now, every day is a struggle emotionally, and the stresses and fears about the future are overwhelming.
It is un-American for our system to protect wrongdoers with artificial limitations to the great detriment of the innocent victims who are forced to endure the repercussions of the tragedies for the remainder of their lives. Consider this: In my case, the one who caused the accident--a person who drove over 100 mph into oncoming traffic, who struck my clients’ vehicle head-on, and who was drunk at the time of the crash--is protected by Maryland's illogcal damages limitation, while the surviving family members are stripped of any rights to full compensation. Why protect the reckless and harm the victims, the very ones who are left to deal with the horrible consequences of the crash? Common sense tells us we should be doing better as a country when such injustice can be allowed to exist in an American civil justice system.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who were injured in the Metrorail collision. No form of compensation can fully compensate those who have been killed or those who have suffered serious permanent injuries. There is some solace in knowing that at least the laws of the District of Columbia do not artificially limit recoveries. Judges and juries are able to evaluate the facts of each case separately and provide a full cup of justice without regard to special interest groups who seek to impose limits on recoveries in an effort to put profits over people.
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Lena H. Sun and Lyndsey Layton of the Washington Post reports that federal officials have announced that "[t]he operator of the Metro train that slammed into a stationary train in front of it apparently had activated the emergency brakes in a failed effort to stop before the accident."
The emergency brake activator is known as the "mushroom," and sources say that it was depressed at the time of the collision. When before the crash the brakes were actually engaged has not yet been determined. What seems apparent, though, is that the train was in "automatic mode" and should have automatically stopped without operator intervention.
The report states that "experts say these facts point to several possible scenarios: The operator activated the brakes too late; the computers that are supposed to stop a train from getting too close to another train faltered; the train's brakes failed; or some combination of those. Some passengers on the striking train have said that they never felt the train slow down."
Although WMATA offcials are suggesting that there is no evidence of driver error or system signal errors, it is clear that this terrible event was avoidable and would not have happened but for carelessness.
And although WMATA officials maintain that the train cars are safe, "federal investogators consider the cars to be unsafe because of a tendency during a crash to collapse into one another like a telescope, reducing the 'survivability' space, or the area in a car in which passengers can escape harm," comments the Post report.
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
According to a recent Washington Post article, city officials announced today that the Metro train that collided into another yesterday "was two months past due for scheduled maintenance on its brakes, and the car was an older model that federal officials had recommended be replaced because of concerns about its safety in a crash." The authors of the article, Lena H. Sun, Lyndsey Layton and David A. Fahrenthold, reported that the death toll is now up to nine, making it the deadliest incident in WMATA's 33 year history.
Making matters worse, a National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson confirmed that the train did not have data recorders, which would have detailed the movements of the train prior to the violent collision.
The Post report also commented that "a federal official said that the car was an older model, of a kind that Metro had been advised to replace because of concerns about how it would stand up in a collision. Metro did not do so, its leaders said, because they believed it would be too costly and complicated. Instead, they made some improvements to the trains' braking systems and emergency exits."
It seems that WMATA was putting profits over people in failing to do what was both needed and recommended. Although the cause of the crash is still officially under investigation, it is clear that driver error and system failures are the likely causes.
Officials have identified all of the dead, according ot the Post report, including "Jeanice MacMillan, 42, of Springfield, was the operator of the striking train. The rest were passengers: retired Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr., who headed the D.C. National Guard, and his wife Ann Wherley, both 62; Lavonda King, 23; Veronica DuBose, 29; Cameron Williams, 37; Dennis Hawkins, 64; Mary Doolittle, 59, and Ana Fernandez." Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and to all who endured this tragic crash.
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (commonly referred to as WMATA) is a quasi-governmental entity created through a compact between the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland governments. This Authority is responsible for the rail service and bus service in the Washington-DC area. When system failures and operator errors cause serious injuries, those that have been harmed need to retain an attorney who is an expert in both handling personal injury matters and in dealing with WMATA in particular.
Metro train derailments and collisions are caused by a variety of reasons, including system failure, defective equipment, operator errors, excessive speeds and other reasons. A lawyer must thoroughly investigate all potential causes of the incident in order to properly advance a claim. The attorney chosen by a victim must be keenly familiar with the standard operating procedures of WMATA. Without this institutional knowledge, the injured person (or family of the deceased) cannot be effectively represented.
WMATA is not insured by an independent insurance company; rather, it is self-insured. As a self-insured entity, WMATA is responsible for paying claims on its own. In order to effectively prosecute a claim, the attorney for the injured person should have extensive experience dealing with WMATA’s risk-management department and legal counsel. The attorney must also have the resources necessary to litigate the case.
Our firm has obtained the largest settlement ever on behalf of a person injured by WMATA's carelessness. Our reputation, experience, and integrity are what allow us to pursue claims so effectively. The more serious the injury, the more important it is to secure the advice and guidance of a respected and competent attorney.
Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
In the District of Columbia, and the surrounding areas, the public bus system and Metro train cars are operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). WMATA is a quasi-governmental agency, also known as Metro. Every year numerous persons are injured by buses or metro cars across the country.
Unfortunately, the District of Columbia has suffered its share of tragedies as the result of such accidents. Within the last few months, our law firm, successfully obtained the largest wrongful death settlement against Metro on behalf of the estate of a woman who was killed by a WMATA bus while walking across the street. As a result of the carelessness of the Metro bus driver, two women were struck and killed while crossing Pennsylvania Ave in the crosswalk. One case settled for $2.3 Million and the case handled by Regan Zambri & Long settled for a very substantially higher figure . During the course of the legal case, our law firm focused on the safety, training and supervision that Metro should have been providing to its bus and subway train drivers.
For additional information concerning Metro bus and train safety, please email our firm or call 202-463-3030.
The death toll from yesterday's horrific Metro collision continues to rise. As of now, nine have been pronounced dead, and many dozens more are seriously injured. As mentioned in yesterday's blog, system failure and operator error could be two causes of the incident. The Washington Post has now reported that "[e]xperts familiar with Metro's operations focused last night on a failure of the signal system and operator error as likely causes of yesterday's fatal Red Line crash."
The Metro system was designed so that a crash like the one yesterday could never happen. The report notes that the system has been couched as a "fail-safe computerized signal system that is supposed to prevent trains from colliding. The agency's trains are run by onboard computers that control speed and braking. Another electronic system detects the position of trains to maintain a safe distance between them. If they get too close, the computers automatically apply the brakes, stopping the trains."
The "fail-safe" system, however, failed before, at least twice in recent years. The operators of those prior trains were paying attention and applied the brakes when the system did not automatically apply them. Crashes were avoided. Early investigation suggests that the driver of the train in yesterday's collision did not apply the emergency brakes, based on the extent of the damage and independent witnesses testimony regarding the speed of the train.
If the operator did not apply the emergency brakes, one must wonder why not? The trains were not in a tunnel, they were outside, and the weather was clear. Train operators are in the cabs of trains to observe dangers situations and react appropriately. Perhaps she wrongly relied on a system that was anything but fail-safe.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have died, as well as to those who have been injured. For those injured, we wish you a speedy recovery. For the families of those who died, we wish you peace.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
In our nation's capital, two Metro trains on the redline violently collided during the height of rush hour earlier this evening, killing at least 6 people and injuring many more. According to AOL News, "One official said the accident was a 'mass casualty event' as crews cut apart the trains to get people out." One of the Metro trains slammed into the rear of another at a very high rate of speed, causing multiple cars of the rear train to jack-knife, fly into the air, and land on the cars of the lead train. Cars of both trains were shredded. "Rescue workers propped steel ladders up to the upper train cars to help survivors escape. Seats from the smashed cars had spilled out onto the track," comments the report.
The news report goes on to mention that "Metro chief John Catoe said the first train was stopped on the tracks, waiting for another to clear the station ahead, when the trailing train plowed into it from behind. Each train had six cars and was capable of holding as many as 1,200 people. Officials had no explanation for the accident."
This tragic incident should never have happened. An investigation is underway, and the cause of this avoidable event will be unearthed soon. Incidents like this can occur for a variety of reasons, including miscommunication among train operators and station managers, failure to keep a proper lookout, defective brakes, distracted operators, unsafe speeds, faulty equipment, failure to abide by standard operating procedures, and other reasons.
Mr. Zambri has successfully litigated cases against Metro and other automobile companies. He has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.
Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration recommended that children shouldn't stop taking drugs that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, despite a study showing the stimulants may be associated with sudden death. Stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could increase the risk of sudden death in children who have no underlying heart conditions.
Popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in children and teens include such drugs as Shire’s Adderall and Novartis’ Ritalin. The drugs have previously been approved as both safe and effective in the treatment of ADHD in children by the FDA, and remain so despite the recent study.
Develop programs and policies to prevent childhood lead poisoning.
Educate the public and health-care providers about childhood lead poisoning.
Provide funding to state and local health departments to determine the extent of childhood lead poisoning by screening children for elevated blood lead levels, helping to ensure that lead-poisoned infants and children receive medical and environmental follow-up, and developing neighborhood-based efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning.
Support research to determine the effectiveness of prevention efforts at federal, state, and local levels.
CDC, HUD, EPA, and other agencies have developed a federal interagency strategy to achieve this goal by 2010. The key elements of this interagency strategy include:
Identification and control of lead paint hazards;
Identification and care for children with elevated blood lead levels;
Surveillance of elevated blood lead levels in children to monitor progress; and
Research to further improve childhood lead poisoning prevention methods.
The AP reports that "Consumers are being urged to immediately stop wearing a certain type of chenille robe made by Blair LLC due to a fire hazard that is believed to have killed at least six people." This recall followed reports of six deaths that resulted from the robes catching-on-fire, comments the report.
The robes were made in Pakistan and are constructed with chenille. They were "sold in Blair catalogs and on the company Web site, as well as Blair stores in Warren, Pa., Grove City, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., from January 2003 through March 2009. Consumers may return the robe to Blair and receive a refund or a $50 gift card by contacting the company at (877) 392-7095 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, via the firm's Web site at www.blair.com/recall, or by e-mail at blairproductrecall(at)blair.com."
Our firm has experience pursing cases for children and adults who have been harmed by defective products. If you think you have been injured by a defective product, we encourage you to read a portion of a book regarding products liability authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.
For information about your legal rights, please click here or contact us at Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
A recent $2.3 million civil penalty was agreed to by Matell, Inc. and Fisher-Price Toys for importing and selling toys with excessive levels of lead. According to the news release issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the penalty was part of a settlement for knowingly violating a 30-year-old federal ban on lead paint in toys.
"These highly publicized toy recalls helped spur congressional action last year to strengthen CPSC and make even stricter the ban on lead paint on toys," said the commission's acting chairman Thomas Moore. "This penalty should serve notice to toy makers that CPSC is committed to the safety of children."
"Today's settlement announcement by the U.S. CPSC resolves Mattel's outstanding issues with the agency related to certain matters that arose in 2007," Mattel said. "Mattel promptly took a series of steps after discovering compliance issues with some of our toys at that time.
"We were able to effectively minimize any potential concerns by launching a fast-track recall of the affected product in conjunction with the CPSC and other global regulatory agencies, and by taking several steps to enhance our product compliance protocols and procedures to confirm that every Mattel toy is safe for children to enjoy," Mattel said. Fisher-Price referred calls to Mattel.
We have previously written to you about the dangers of bisphenol A (BPA)--a chemical used often in baby-bottles and other hard-plastic products, including food containers. Medical News Today reports that BPA poses dangers to women as well.
According to the report, a team of U.S. scientists suggested that BPA "may harm the heart, particularly in women, because of what they discovered in tests on female rats and mice." The studies revealed that "exposure to BPA or estrogen or both made the hearts of female rats and mice behave abnormally."
Other studies have linked BPA to a variety of health problems, including neurological defects and diabetes, as well as breast and prostate cancer.
We encourage you to carefully choose which products you purchase and aim to buy only those products that pose no health-risk at all.
Our firm has experience pursing cases for children and adults who have been harmed by defective products. If you think you have been injured by a defective product, we encourage you to read a portion of a book regarding products liability authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.
For information about your legal rights, please click here or contact us at Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
Teenagers love to send text-messages. In fact, the average American teen sends and receives about 80 text messages per day--approximately 2,300 every month. What worries experts is the fact that these texts takes place while kids should be paying attention to their teachers, while they cross busy intersections, and even when they are driving. The New York Times reports that text-messaging is distracting teen-drivers, leading to an increased risk of car accidents. And if that's not scary enough, the report reveals that texting is believed to lead to adverse health issues concerning both physical and mental well-being.
Among other findings, researches have determined that texting causes “anxiety, distraction in school, falling grades, repetitive stress injury and sleep deprivation”, according to the Times report. From a social perspective, teens text often because they fear being “out of the loop,” says Michael Hausauer, psychotherapist in Oakland, California. However, the constant communication created by so much texting can make teenagers feel “frightened and overly exposed,” comments Mr. Hausauer. The repetitive thumb and finger movements can also cause a variety of musculoskeletal injuries, according to Peter W. Johnson, associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington.
To read the entire Times article, please click here.
We understand the usefulness of text-messaging, but we encourage our readers to impress upon teens the risks of over-texting. The dangers can be physical and emotional.
Our firm has experience pursuing cases for adults and children that involve tragic product defects. If you think you or your child has been injured by a defective product, we encourage you to read a portion of a book regarding products liability authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.
For information about your legal rights, please click here or contact us at Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
Earlier this spring, we informed our readers that Canada has restricted the production of plastic baby-bottles, containers, and cups manufactured with a chemical known as BPA, or bisphenol-A, which some experts say cause "breast, prostate and reproductive system abnormalities and some cancers." To read this earlier blog, please click here.
Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union both continued to say the chemical is safe despite what experts were advising, the AP reported yesterday that the FDA is reviewing its 2008 ruling that the "much-debated chemical . . . used in baby bottles and food containers, is safe for infants." Last year, the agency ruled that "trace amounts of" BPA "that leak out of bottles and food packaging are not dangerous," but the FDA's "own advisers faulted the report for relying on a small number of industry-sponsored studies." Meanwhile, "consumer advocates said it ignored dozens of animal studies suggesting the chemical can interfere with infant hormone levels" by mirroring "the effects of the hormone estrogen, potentially interfering with young, growing bodies." FDA spokesman Michael Herndon, commented that "the agency's chief scientist, Dr. Jesse Goodman, was recently asked to "take a fresh look at this important issue from a scientific and policy position." In a statement, Herndon said that Goodman "intends to review all the data, listen to people on all sides of this issue, and talk to experts inside and outside of the federal government." He added that the review will be completed in "weeks, not months".
We hope the FDA fulfills its promise and acknowledges the dangers of BPA. Infants and children are vulnerable and need protection.
We encourage you to carefully choose which products you purchase and aim to buy only those products that pose no health-risk at all.
Our firm has experience pursing cases for children and adults who have been harmed by defective products. If you think you have been injured by a defective product, we encourage you to read a portion of a book regarding products liability authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.
For information about your legal rights, please click here or contact us at Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
Children benefit from participation in sports by learning to stretch their limits and learning sportsmanship and discipline. But sports participation also carries the potential for injury. Knowing the causes of sports injuries and how to prevent them is an important consideration for children and their parents.
Several factors contribute to children's sports injuries, including lack of coordination and slower reaction times for younger children, difference in maturation rate for children playing the same sport, and more likelihood of risk taking for children than adults in sports.
Guidelines for parents when considering sports for their children:
Use of Proper Equipment
"Protective equipment should be approved by the organizations that govern each of the sports. Hockey facemasks, for example, should be approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Bicycle helmets should have a safety certification sticker from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Also, all equipment should be properly maintained to ensure its effectiveness. In the United States, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) sets many of the standards for helmets, facemasks, and shin guards. In addition to meeting the NOSCAE standards, all equipment should be properly maintained to ensure its effectiveness over time."
Maintenance and Appropriateness of Playing Surfaces
"Check that playing fields are not full of holes and ruts that might cause kids to fall or trip. Kids doing high-impact sports, like basketball and running, should do them on surfaces like tracks and wooden basketball courts, which can be more forgiving than surfaces like concrete."
Adequate Adult Supervision and Commitment to Safety
Select teams and leagues that have the same commitment to safety that you do.
Make certain the team coach has first aid and CPR training.
Coaches should foster good sportsmanship, not win-at-all-costs attitudes.
Coaches should enforce playing rules and require safety equipment.
Children should be matched for sports according to their size, skill level and maturity.
Proper Preparation
Teach the sport to children before expecting them to play competitively.
Warm-ups and training sessions help reduce the chances of injury.
Fluids and rest during practice and games help reduce the chances of injury.
The Hill reports that "Consumer groups and trial lawyers are crying foul over the Obama administration's bankruptcy plans for General Motors and Chrysler" because "those plans would extinguish all ongoing auto accident claims that blame a death or serious injury on a defective GM or Chrysler vehicle." According to the report, Clarence Dilow, the executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, admits that "the plans are unusual in that they would prevent anyone from bringing a future liability claim against GM or Chrysler if a car already purchased from either company is defective and results in an accident causing death or serious injury." Mr. Dilow further stated that "it was...unusual for no money to be set aside for liability claims."
A New York Times blogger writes, "In approving the sale of most of Chrysler's assets to a new company, run by Fiat, over the weekend, Judge Arthur J. Gonzalez also granted the automaker's request that the new company not be held liable for future product-liability problems involving current owners" which "means people who own a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep have lost their right to sue if they are injured by a safety defect." The article goes on to note that consumer groups are rightly concerned that "people who already have been injured in accidents and have filed suits against Chrysler, asserting that a vehicle had a safety defect" will not get any money from the carmaker even if they "win in court."
We believe that it is unfair and un-American to immunize these, or any, car-manufacturers from claims when they have carelessly caused serious injuries to innocent victims. The protections envisioned by the bankruptcy plans would prohibit motorists from bringing suits against the manufacturers when injured as a result of defective braking systems, ill-designed roof-systems, and other product defects.
Our firm has experience pursuing cases for adults and children that involve tragic product defects. If you think you or your child has been injured by a defective product, we encourage you to read a portion of a book regarding products liability authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.
For information about your legal rights, please click here or contact us at Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
The recent tragic death of Mike Tyson's young daughter as a result of a treadmill accident highlights the vigilance necessary by parents of young children. Treadmills are the most popular workout machine in the country. Many homes with treadmills also have young children, a combination that potentially can be extremely dangerous.
About 1,000 children under 14 die of unintentional strangulation each year, 88 percent of whom are under 4 years old, said Larry Stone, founder of Safety Matters, a company that specializes in childproofing homes. Stone said injuries involving treadmills were fairly common, but said he had never heard of strangulation involving a treadmill.
"All injuries are preventable. There are ways to babyproof your home," Stone said. "I think that largely it is a matter of taking care of the more straightforward things ... making sure there are no cords from the windows hanging and certainly keeping the child in view."
What's all the rage with young athletes this summer? Hospital visits. With more than 30 million children playing organized sports in the United States today, the opportunity for injury is on the upswing. Almost 1.9 million children under 15 years old were treated in emergency rooms for sports-related injuries in 2002, says the most recent information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 2 million children were treated that year for less-serious sports injuries.
At present, there are several large-scale injury surveillance systems.
TheNational Athletic Trainer's Association provides excellent, comprehensive, guidance and is highly recommended for anyone involved in youth sports. Their abbreviated guidelines are as follows:
"It's clear that bicycling is good for the environment...when it takes vehicles off the road. It's also clear that bicycling is good for your health...when you practice safety.
May is National Bike Safety Month. As this Administration works to develop environmentally-sound transportation options, making our streets more bike-friendly is high on the list. Our roads and communities must be built to allow people to get around safely outside of their cars, on bike or on foot.
But, as more people take to bicycling, that idea can only be sound when drivers and cyclists help each other share the roads safely.
The Associated Press (AP) reports that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Eddie Bauer company have recalled nearly "76,600 Eddie Bauer Soothe & Sway Play Yards, sold in the U.S. and Canada and distributed by Dorel Juvenile Group Inc., of Columbus, Ind., because of a suffocation hazard to an infant." (emphasis added). According to the recall, the play yard's "rocking bassinet" attachment has the propensity to tilt when secured by straps, causing it to stay tilted without returning to a level sleeping surface while the product is in its rocking mode. A tilted sleeping surface can cause an infant to roll and become wedged in the side or corner of the product, "presenting a risk of suffocation or positional asphyxiation," according to the report.
Although no deaths, thankfully, have been reported, Eddie Bauer and the CPSC have received ten reports of "infants rolling to one side, including 6 reports of infants who had their faces pressed against the side or the bottom of the bassinet," according to the report. "One child reportedly was turning purple and was out of breath when discovered."
Please note that the recall involves all units with model No. 05046, as well as all units with model No. 05044 which were manufactured prior to December 1, 2008. More details can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov.
Our firm has experience pursuing cases for children that involve tragic product defects. If you think your child has been injured by a defective product, we encourage you to read a portion of a book regarding products liability authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.
For information about your legal rights, please click here or contact us at Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
Mother Jones published a sad piece on the ineffectiveness of dangerous product recalls concerning unsafe cribs. Our firm has recently blogged about this issue as well.
A Mother Jonesinvestigation demonstrated that, too often, the recall system fails. "While manufacturers make use of their resources and marketing savvy to sell a crib, they do not always make the same effort later to tell consumers that the same crib could be deadly. The CPSC, the federal agency charged with overseeing recalls, can't make them. Underfunded, understaffed, and buffeted by political forces, the CPSC depends too heavily on the news media to warn consumers about potentially dangerous products."
Sadly, many children are harmed each year due to dangerous products. If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030. Also, please note the following important contact information concerning dangerous products:
Kids In Danger (KID) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by improving children's product safety.
Toxic Toys and Faulty Cribs, a new report released by Kids in Danger, along with US Representative Jan Schakowsky and Ilinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan examines children's product recalls in 2008, recall effectiveness at CPSC and suggestions for child safety. “These products together caused at least 210 injuries and seven deaths,” said Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids In Danger. “And those incidents include only those already reported at the time of the recall. More needs to be done to protect children from these hazards."
“We are obligated to protect our children from the dangers of the world when the solutions are as obvious as they are with toxic toys,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. “By increasing oversight and enforcing accountability on manufacturers we will provide parents with greater peace of mind and children with toys they can enjoy.”
"Toys were the largest category of recalled children’s products comprising 41 percent.
Despite the scrutiny on lead in 2007, 36 percent of the recalls were for lead paint hazards.
There were five recalls of over one million products with over 18 million units recalled in total.
Two-thirds of the recalled products were made in China, four percent were made in the U.S.
Evenflo had the most injuries prior to a recall—94 in its Majestic High Chair.
Twelve cribs, a record number, were recalled, involving eight injuries and five deaths.
While CPSC requires monthly updates on Corrective Action Plans, research showed that many companies simply don’t file the report or don’t fill in the requested information. For those that do, the numbers show that most recalled products remain in the hands of consumers."
As the warm months approach, it is important to review a few key water safety tips for children. Please refer to our prior blog on pool safety as well. According to the National Safety Council, over 3,000 people die by drowning each year and children age four and younger have the highest death rate due to drowning. A child can drown in one inch of water. Most drowning and near-drowning incidents occur when a child falls into a pool or is left alone in the bathtub. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets, and hot tubs present drowning dangers as well. Never leave a child alone near water.
Water safety for children is vital and it is a good idea to learn children's water safety and to enroll children over the age of three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors, such as American Red Cross certified programs. However, even children who have successfully completed lessons or who are strong swimmers should always be supervised.
A few important safety tips for parents as published by mychildsafety.net:
Always keep your swimming pools fenced and locked.
Pool owners should invest in a pool alarm.
Always remove covers from pools before swimming. Partially covered pools are dangerous and crucial to children's water safety.
Never take your eyes off your child even if he/she isn’t swimming.
Make sure diving boards are securely anchored and well constructed.
For information about this topic or your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
On-the-job automobile collisions are consistently the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the America. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, there are 5,700 deaths at work each year, and 35% of the fatalities are associated with motor vehicles. According to its website, on average during the years 2002 through 2007:
"1371 workers died each year from crashes on public highways
330 workers died each year in crashes that occurred off the highway or on industrial premises.
363 pedestrian workers died each year as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle."
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007, nearly 3.9 million American workers were employed as motor vehicle operators. According to the data, more than 40% of these workers were employed as heavy truck (including tractor-trailer) drivers. These jobs can be very dangerous, not only to the workers themselves, but to the public generally.
We encourage employers to hire, supervise, and train their employees properly to avoid reckless conduct that leads to severe injuries or death.
Mr. Zambri authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in traffic collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 13,470 people died in 2006 as a result of "alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Every day, 36 people in the United States die, and approximately 700 more are injured, in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver." Here's what is recommended:
Plan ahead - have someone designated a non-drinking driver in advance of celebrations;
Take the keys - Do not let a family member, friend, or acquaintance drive if impaired;
Be a helpful host - remind guests to plan ahead with a designated driver, offer alcohol-free beverages, and be sure your guests leave with a sober driver.
Drinking while driving is extremely dangerous, yet it happens all too often. Such recklessness leads to devastating consequences. We encourage our readers to drive sober and be careful not to get in a car that will be operated by a person who has been drinking.
Mr. Zambri authored an article regarding how automobile accident cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in traffic collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
Highway incidents involving automobiles is the number one cause of work-related deaths, reports the National Institute for Occupational safety and Health.
According to the institute,
"During the 1995 to 2002 period, 844 workers were killed while working at a road construction site. During this same period there were 9325 deaths in the construction industry. The 844 worker deaths in road construction represent 9% of all deaths in construction." More than half of these deaths related to workers being struck by automobiles or other mobile equipment.
We encourage employers to hire, supervise, and train their employees properly so they can be effectively protected while doing their jobs. We encourage employees to take all necessary precautions to be safe.
Mr. Zambri authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here. He also authored a workers-compensation manual that describes the rights of injured workers. To read the manual, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in traffic collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
The leading cause of death among children in America is automobile collisions. "1,335 children ages 14 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and approximately 184,000 were injured," according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). That's four deaths every single day. Many of these deaths, however, are preventable.
"Placing children in age– and size–appropriate car and booster seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half," claims CDC, relying on data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). Here's what is recommended:
Children ages 12 and younger should be in the back seat and properly restrained;
Your car (or booster) seat should be properly installed in accordance with both the instruction manual and your vehicle owner’s manual;
The car seat registration card should be sent to the manufacturer so that you can be contacted in the event of recalls; and
Car seats involved in collisions should be replaced.
Mr. Zambri authored an article regarding how automobile accident cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in traffic collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
More teens die from automobile collisions than any other cause. Motor vehicle crashes account for 36% of all teen deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). "In 2004, 4,767 teens ages 16 to 19 died of injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes (CDC 2006)." The CDC reports that teen drivers between ages 16 and 19 are four times more likely to crash than older drivers. This problem can be remedied, however.
Research relied upon by CDC suggests when the most strict and comprehensive graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems are used, fatal crashes are reduced by 38% and non-fatal crashes are reduced by 40%, when comparing 16 year old drivers. GDLs are designed to give teens practical and necessary experience under low-risk conditions, best preparing them for real-life, higher-risk conditions.
We encourage parents and guardians to insist on GDLs and use the basic principles of GDL to help teen drivers gain valuable experience before driving under high-risk conditions. It could be a matter of life and death.
Mr. Zambri authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in traffic collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
The FDA has issued a nationwide recall of Fun Express Water-Based Face Paints for Children due to reports of skin reactions in children. The reactions include rashes, itchiness, burning sensation and swelling. We have reproduced the FDA recall notice in its entirety below:
"The Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to stop using certain cosmetic “Face Paint” items labeled as distributed by Oriental Trading Co., Omaha, Neb., due to adverse event reports of skin reactions in children. These items were distributed nationwide.
The FDA has learned of a cluster of adverse events in children exposed to various colors of the face paint. All exposures occurred on the same day at an organized event and included rashes, itchiness, burning sensation, and swelling where the face paints were applied. Significant microbial contamination was indicated in most of the products in testing by an FDA laboratory.
The following Face Paints manufactured by Shanghai Color Art Stationery Company Limited, Shanghai, China, are being voluntarily recalled by Fun Express Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oriental Trading Co.:
Item Number Product Description Universal Product Code (UPC)
85/2077 Blue Face Paint 8 8760048110 7
85/2078 Purple Face Paint 8 8760048112 1
85/2079 Red Face Paint 8 8760048114 5
85/2080 Orange Face Paint 8 8760048116 9
85/2081 Black Face Paint 8 8760048118 3
85/2082 Green Face Paint 8 8760048120 6
Fun Express Inc. is recalling the face paints from the market and FDA advises consumers to stop use of these products and discard them or return them to the retailer.
The FDA encourages consumers and health care providers to report any adverse events from face paints to the FDA as well as to state and local health authorities.
Adverse events and product quality problems can be reported to FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
by calling 1-800-FDA-1088
by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 (which may be downloaded from www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm)
by mail to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
Bike helmet use could prevent 45,000 head injuries to kids
"Spring has arrived and families are gearing up to enjoy the outdoors on their bikes. While inflating the tires and checking the brakes are important — a helmet is essential.
Each year, approximately 135 children die from bicycle-related injuries and more than 267,000 nonfatal bicycle injuries occur. Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent; however, only 15 to 25 percent of children 14 and under usually wear a bicycle helmet.
Sometimes children mistakenly believe that they don’t need to wear helmets when they’re riding near home. Unfortunately, about 53 percent of vehicle-related bike deaths to children happen on minor roads and residential streets.
A helmet should also be labeled to indicate that it meets the standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “As long as it’s certified, let kids pick out their own helmets. If they think a helmet looks cool, they’ll be more likely to wear it when you’re not around.”
• Make sure the helmet fits and your kids know how to put it on correctly. A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward and backward or side to side. The helmet straps must always be buckled, but not too tightly. Safe Kids recommends the “Eyes, Ears and Mouth” test:
EYES: Position the helmet on your head. Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the helmet. The rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
EARS: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a “V” under your ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable.
MOUTH: Open your mouth as wide as you can. Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If not, tighten those straps and make sure the buckle is flat against your skin.
Make sure the bike is the right size for the child. There should be about 1-inch of clearance between the bike frame and the child’s groin when the child’s feet are flat on the ground. Also, make sure the bike is in good repair — reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
Remember, bike helmets are for biking. Kids should not wear bike helmets on the playground (where the straps can get caught on equipment and cause injury) or for activities that require specialized helmets (such as skiing or football).
Model and teach proper bicyclist behavior. Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stop lights.
When in doubt, get help. The sales staff at any bicycle shop or outdoor recreation store should be able to provide expert advice on fitting and adjusting bikes and helmets."
The single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes is a helmet. For more information about bicycle safety, call 937-641-3385 or visit www.usa.safekids.org. National Bike Month has been coordinated annually since 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists; for more information, visit www.bikemonth.org.
Over 200,000 children each year end up in emergency rooms as a result of injuries from playground equipment. Of those children, 15 die. Let's take a few minutes to think about the safety of the playground equipment in our community to make sure all of our children can play safely this summer. The National Safety Council has a playground fact sheet that provides easy to follow tips for a safer summer:
"Top 10 Checklist for Playground Safety
Surfaces around playground equipment should be filled with at least 12 inches of loose fill, such as wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel.
Most stationary equipment should have at least a 6-foot use zone in all directions.
Any openings that can trap children (in guardrails or between ladder rungs) should be less than 3.5 inches apart or more than 9 inches.
Guardrails should surround all elevated platforms and should be at least 29 inches high for preschool-age children and 38 inches high for school-age children.
Look for exposed concrete footings, tree roots or rocks that could trip children.
Check for sharp edges and dangerous hardware, like open "S" hooks or protruding bolts.
Make sure your child plays on age-appropriate equipment.
Playgrounds should be maintained regularly. Report any problems.
Remove hoods or drawstrings that can get caught on equipment.
As a follow up to our recent blog concerning the dangers of cribs manufactured by Jardine, the company has now announced a second recall. Jardine has now announced that 96,000 additional units should be taken off the shelves. 320,000 cribs were recalled in June of 2008 and 56,450 were recalled in January of 2009. The wooden crib slats can break which creates a gap which could cause a child to become trapped and strangled.
The additional recalls are the following:
Model #
Description
Date Code Between
0102B00
Drop-side Natural Olympia Single
9/2005-1/2007
0102E00
Drop-side Dark Pine Olympia Single
9/2005-1/2008
0302P00
Black Olympia Lifetime
11/2005-5/2008
0302C00
White Olympia Lifetime
6/2006-12/2006
0312D00
Americana Pecan 4-in-1
5/2006-11/2007
0308L00
Antique Walnut Capri 4-in-1
12/2005-11/2007
0108C00
Drop-side White Capri Single
8/2006-11/2007
If you or a loved one has any question concerning crib safety please call us at 202-463-3030 or email.
The American Association for Justice (AAJ) reported yesterday that a nation-wide pole of likely voters conducted by Lake Research Partners shows that Americans widely oppose corporations using mandatory binding arbitration clauses in the fine print of consumer and employment contracts. Such forced arbitration clauses are often buried in the fine print of contracts dealing with everything from cell phone, home, credit card and retirement account terms of agreement to employment and nursing home contracts. Corporations have forced consumers to sign mandatory arbitration clauses when taking a job, buying a product, or accepting a service, requiring consumers to give up their right to take their case to court if they are harmed by a corporation. Usually, consumers do not even know they are losing their rights because the arbitration clauses are never mentioned by corporations and the language is hidden deep within contracts in very fine print.
Lake Research Partners President Celinda Lake describes forced arbitration clauses as "another example of corporations taking advantage of ordinary Americans. The public supports the Arbitration Fairness Act because equal justice under the law is a core American value.” The Arbitration Fairness Act is receiving strong bipartisan support. The legislation should pass. If it does, forced arbitration clauses will be void, making the decision to arbitrate a voluntary decision to be made after a dispute has arisen, so corporations cannot manipulate the arbitration system to the detriment and expense of innocent consumers.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year by defective products, poor services, and otherwise wrongful corporate conduct. If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
Uninsured motorist coverage is needed most especially during a recession. According to a report by NewsOn6.com, The Insurance Research Council (IRC) indicates that one in seven drivers is presently without automobile insurance, and reports a "strong correlation" between unemployment rates and number of uninsured drivers. The site reports that "if economic struggles persist, the IRC estimates one in six drivers will be uninsured by 2010 -- an all-time high."
Mr. Zambri, senior partner of Regan Zambri & Long, and Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., wrote an article about uninsured motorist benefits and the importance of having appropriate insurance coverage. Here is a reproduction of the article:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Almost everywhere in this country, if you own a car, it must be insured. If it isn’t, you could face fines or even jail time. Unfortunately, in practice, not everyone complies with the law. Consequently, there are many vehicles on the road without insurance coverage. Also, many of whom abide by the law and purchase insurance coverage, cannot afford substantial coverage. For these reasons, we highly recommend that your automobile insurance coverage include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when you are in an accident caused by the fault of another driver and the other driver has no liability coverage. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, often purchased along with uninsured motorist coverage, applies when the damages you’ve suffered as a result of an accident exceed the liability coverage provided by the at-fault driver’s policy. Under these circumstances, the UM/UIM coverage limits of your policy are effectively transferred to the other driver as liability limits.
Consider a circumstance in which you are rear-ended by an uninsured motorist and are hospitalized as a result of serious bodily injuries. If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, your only option is to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver and attempt to collect from his personal assets. This is hardly an attractive, cheap, or easy option for recouping your losses. If a person is willing to break the law and not pay for liability coverage, it is not likely that person will have enough assets from which you can collect a fair recovery. Consequently, you would be left paying out-of-pocket for an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would not recover a penny for your pain and suffering.
In determining how much UM/UIM coverage to purchase from your automobile insurance provider, consider how these coverages apply. If you’re in an accident and end up with $50,000.00 in medical bills and the at-fault driver’s insurance has a liability policy limit of $25,000.00, you will be able to recover the policy limit. However, if you do not have UIM coverage, you would be forced to collect any additional amount against the other driver directly, which, as described above, is not likely to be productive. If, on the other hand, you had $50,000.00 of UIM coverage, then in most states you would be able to recover the $25,000.00 policy limit from the other driver’s carrier, plus an additional $25,000.00 from your carrier (note that your insurance carrier is entitled to a dollar-for-dollar credit for the payments made by the other driver’s insurance company). In this example, however, even if you had $50,000.00 of UIM coverage, you would only be getting reimbursed $50,000.00 total, which just covers your medical bills and pays you nothing for your lost wages, pain, or suffering. Therefore, we encourage you to consider having substantially higher coverage, especially because the cost of the additional coverage is not great.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com, or call him at 202-822-1899, if you have questions about the coverages you’ve purchased from your automobile insurance carrier.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year in traffic collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
As senior prom and graduation approaches, teen excitement increases along with parent anxiety. According to safety experts, risky behavior on prom night has the potential to spoil a special occasion of fond memories. Below is a common-sense prom safety checklist, reproduced from the Parenting Teens section of Suite101.com.
Earlier this week, it was reported that there were six "probable" cases of swine flu in Maryland, but none in DC or Virginia. Unfortunately, the flu has now extended to all three local jurisdictions, according to the Washington Post.
"Last night, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) announced that Virginia had its first two confirmed cases as the virus spread through the Washington region," states the report. Maryland officials have announced a few more cases of the flu and has shut down certain schools, including Rickville High School in Montgomery County. A federal agent, who traveled to Mexico with President Obama, contracted the flu and it spread to his family members. The White has stated that President Obama is safe.
To read the entire Post article, please click here.
As President Obama advised during his press conference this week, we must all take reasonable precautions to protect ourselves and others from the swine flu. Washing your hands regularly and properly is an important step.
The following is a reproduction of portions of an article published by Salvatore Zambri, senior partner at Regan Zambri & Long, which he wrote while he served as President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Although he wrote the article in 2007, it is appropriate to publish it again since this year's Law Day will be celebrated by our nation tomorrow, on May 1, 2009.
A LOT TO CELEBRATE:
On May 1, our nation commemorated Law Day, the brain-child of Attorney Charles Rhyne. In 1958, Mr. Rhyne drafted a proposed U.S. Presidential Proclamation and presented it to President Eisenhower’s Chief of Staff, Sherman Adams. The proposal, however, did not make its way out of Mr. Adams’ office.
Mr. Rhyne eventually went to visit Mr. Adams. Having been assured by Mr. Adams that President Eisenhower would “not sign a proclamation praising lawyers,” Mr. Rhyne described what happened next: “I strode down to the Oval Office and handed it to President Eisenhower himself. As he stood there reading it, Adams burst in yelling, ‘Do not sign that paper praising lawyers!’” President Eisenhower signed the proclamation over Mr. Adams’ objection, believing that the freedoms enjoyed by Americans and the rule of law should be commemorated.
“Now, therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Thursday, May 1, 1958, as Law Day – U.S.A. I urge the people of the United States to observe the designated day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and I especially urge the legal profession, the press and the radio, television and the motion picture industries to promote and to participate in the observance of that day.”
The 2007 Law Day theme was “Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy.” The theme clearly recognizes that our children will shape our country’s future. Consequently, we have the responsibility to teach them about the justice system, the process of the law, and the liberties we enjoy.
Three days after Law Day, at the United States Supreme Court, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of 6th Grade winners of an annual essay contest sponsored by the National Capital Lawyers’ Auxiliary. I seized upon the theme of the 2007 Law Day Proclamation and suggested that no matter what profession we choose, we must all be intolerant of social injustice and that the privilege of freedom, earned through the courage of those who came before us, must not be taken for granted. I challenged them to advance America’s promise of equal and fair justice for all. Having heard their essays, I was inspired . . .
About a week ago, all Americans celebrated the 4th of July holiday, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That document, you will remember, was drafted by merchants, clergy, farmers, soldiers, lawyers, and physicians. This diverse group joined together and declared: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness….”
Lawyer Thomas Jefferson, who initially drafted the declaration, remarked in his first inaugural address: “It is proper you should understand what I deem the essential principles of our Government, . . . freedom of religion; freedom of the press; freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus and trial by juries impartially selected.”
In July 1776, the clangs of the Liberty Bell resonated throughout the world. In recent years, many have seemingly forgotten the lessons bestowed upon us by that diverse assembly of representatives. Special interest groups and those with personal agendas seek to redefine the civil justice system, forcing victims of wrongdoing to be treated differently and unequal under the law. They need a refresher course on American history. . .
If you have any questions about the law or your legal rights, please feel free to contact Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com, or call him at 202-822-1899.
In 2007, more than 5,100 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks and buses, according to the Department of Transportation. There were also approximately 100,000 Americans injured in collisions involving both large trucks and buses. The American Association for Justice (AAJ) has urged Congress to take needed steps to reduce highway fatalities and injuries by enhancing safety measures and rules for the commercial vehicle industry.
“Stricter safety standards, including roof crush resistance, added seatbelt standards and enhanced driver fatigue monitoring, could protect consumers by reducing the severity of motor carrier accidents,” said AAJ Director of Regulatory Affairs Gerie Voss. “The brakes have been on vehicle safety standards for too long. Safety features are not a luxury, we hope this administration will accelerate consumer safety to reduce fatalities and injuries.”
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has urged car makers to crash-test child safety seats in their vehicles so we have data to recommend which child restraints are the safest in each auto. The proposed "new system would be a victory for parents who struggle to find the best car seats for their children." LaHood said, "What I'd like to talk to the car manufacturers about is the idea that they get some seats, they put them in their car, they crash test them so they can tell people 'This is the best seat for this model car.'"
Parents shopping for baby cribs are going to notice some significant changes in the types of cribs offered for sale. Toys "R" Us has recently announced that it will stop selling drop down cribs because of a concern for the safety of infants. In a blog on the Wall Street Journal's (4/22) website, Rachel Silverman wrote, "Concerns about the safety of popular crib designs have led to 21 recalls of 4.2 million cribs over the past two years because of hazardous defects" and the "products involved in the recalls have been linked to at least five infant deaths and 16 cases in which babies were trapped by parts of a crib, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission."
The WSJ website also noted "Products involved in the recalls have been linked to at least five infant deaths and 16 cases in which babies were trapped by parts of a crib, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Spring pegs have malfunctioned, metal locking pins have popped off, and wooden slats have broken, creating hazardous gaps that have entrapped and suffocated infants and toddlers, writes Ms. Trottman. Drop-side cribs, popular because sliding down one side of the crib makes it easier for a parent to pick up a baby, have been particularly problematic."
Ms. Silverman offers a number of important tips on how to "maximize crib safety."
If you or a loved one has any question concerning crib safety please call us at 202-463-3030 or email.
Leading scientists at last week's Total Health Show 2009, held in Toronto, warned that changes to the global food supply are desperately needed to avoid serious health risks, according to a report in Medical News Today. One world-known scientist--Dr. Shiv Chopra-- stated that the removal of "antibiotics, hormones, slaughterhouse waste, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides, would transform the safety and sustainability of the food supply," notes the report. According to Dr. Chopra and others, the infusion of these unnecessary products is driven "less by need and more by the profit motives of major corporations."
Genetically engineered foods are flooding the marketplace. The worlds governments, with America as a leader, must take immediate steps to control the dangerous flow of unpredictable and harmful products into the food supply. Companies and governments need to put people over profits!
Many Americans are killed or injured each year by defective products. If you want more information about defective products or wish to know your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
Canada has restricted the production of plastic baby-bottles, containers, and cups manufactured with a chemical that some experts say cause a serious health threat. The chemical is known as BPA, or bisphenol-A, and many states are now poised to follow the lead of Suffolk County, New York and invoke bans here in America, according to a recent report at Forbes.com.
Although the US Food and Drug Administration and the Eurpopean Union both say the chemical is safe, many experts disagree. The report indicates that some scientists believe that BPA is a toxin and that animal studies "have linked BPA with breast, prostate and reproductive system abnormalities and some cancers." Some stores have phased-out the sale of products containing BPA, but most have not.
We encourage you to carefully choose which products you purchase and aim to buy only those products that are healthy and eco-friendly.
Many Americans are killed or injured each year by defective products. If you want more information about defective products or wish to know your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
A new article published by the New York Times highlights that use of the Nintendo Wii fit gaming system can cause injuries similar to those encountered when engaging in the actual activities. Although the Wii can be a very entertaining hobby, it is important that users consider the fact that it simulates actual physical activity and also consider the related fitness demands.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recently recalled Zoo pacifiers, manufactured by Healthtex. According to a report by The State Journal, the pacifiers were recalled "because they failed to meet federal safety standards. The nipples can separate from the base easily and pose a choking hazard." If you have these pacifiers, you are encouraged to keep them away from your children and contact Healthtex at (866)348-5080.
The Journal also reports that "rails on Simplicity Travel Tender Play Yards can collapse unexpectedly." The sepcific recalled model numbers are 5500DRM, 5500WDS, 5500FEL, 5501FEL, 5502MON, 5520PRO, 5550HAN, 5700MAN, and 5750MIR. "The model number is located on a sticker on one of the legs underneath the play yard", according to the report.
Please take these recalls seriously. Many Americans, including children, are seriously injured or killed each year due to defective products. For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
A recent carnival accident injuring dozens of Washington State Children, highlights concern regarding amusement park safety. According to the Washington Post, although the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates children's toys, strollers, bicycles and car seats, it has no jurisdiction over rides at fixed amusement parks, such as those run by Walt Disney Co., Six Flags, Universal and Anheuser-Busch Entertainment that host an estimated 300 million people on 1.84 billion rides annually.
Although the rate of injury is low, the consequences of even a single failure can be catastrophic to the individuals involved.” Safer Parks recommends the following safety tips for amusement park patrons of all ages:
Read and obey all posted rules and regulations.
Make sure the ride is appropriate for the rider.
Securely latch all restraints and use grab bars.
Stay in the "locked and loaded" position for the entire ride cycle.
Take frequent breaks if you're riding high-g rides. High-g refers to the force of gravity.
Stop riding before you get excessively tired.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout your stay at an amusement park or carvinal.
Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Don't get on any ride that looks poorly-maintained or if the operator is inattentive.
Report any accidents, problems, or safety concerns to the appropriate officials.
Amusement rides are “complex, powerful machines that expose children and adults to extremes of speed, height, and dynamic force. Although the rate of injury is low, the consequences of even a single failure can be catastrophic to the individuals involved.”
Les Weisbrod, the President of the American Association for Justice, has recently published a very interesting article concerning the Sunshine in Litigation Act S.537, H.R. 1508. The article is published in the National Law Journal. The article discusses how numerous corporations, in the hopes of limiting bad publicity, are forcing injured persons to keep the details of their settlements confidential. This unfairly limits the public's knowledge of dangerous products.
As Mr. Weisbrod states: "When wrongdoers settle cases involving their irresponsible conduct, they often force injured consumers to agree not to reveal any of the details of the case — even if the product remains on the market and the information could warn the public of a potential health hazard. In fact, manufacturers of faulty products regularly insist that any and all information turned over to injured consumers and their attorneys be kept secret."
However, it appears that help is on the way. State and federal court systems in 41 states have taken steps to limit court secrecy. In Congress, legislation introduced last month called the Sunshine in Litigation Act, S. 537, H.R. 1508, is an important step in helping reform the broken system of court-enforced secrecy. Federal judges would have the tools needed to evaluate whether secrecy agreements cross the line when public safety information is involve.
As reported by Science Daily and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the injury rate for golf carts increased over 130% between 1990 and 2006. Golf carts are becoming more popular as primary transportation at sporting events, hospitals, airports, military bases, businesses, parks and college campuses. About 1,000 Americans a month are injured in golf cart accidents.
Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Injury Reserach and Policy, where the first comprehensive study relating to golf cart injuries was conducted, recommends "Because golf carts are not designed for the safe transportation of children, their use for transporting children should be strongly discouraged....In addition, private and public facilities that allow golf cart use can help prevent cart--related injuries by requiring driver's licenses and safety/operations training, establishing safety policies and considering golf cart safety in the design of pathways and landscapes. Given the large increase in golf cart--related injuries over the study period, greater efforts are needed to prevent these injuries, especially among children."
According to a another study conducted by the Center for Injury Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, golf cart injuries are steadily and significantly increasing, an indication that safety standards and driver education are needed. "The researchers analyzed a national database of emergency room records from 2002 through 2005. They conservatively estimated there were about 48,000 golf cart accidents nationwide during that four-year period, or about 1,000 a month. Roughly half the accidents occurred on golf courses, the other half at homes, on streets and on other public property. Fractures and head trauma were the most common injuries found in the study. The highest injury rates were found in 10- to 19-year-old boys and men older than 80."
The United States Supreme Court will hear the case of a 13 year old girl from Arizona who was strip searched at school. The Supreme Court will hear arguments about whether school officials violated this child's Fourth Amendment rights. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits unreasonable searches.
According to the Associated Press article (4/20, Rotstein), "Savana Redding was 13 years old when she was told to remove her clothes for a strip search by school officials looking for the equivalent of two Advils. And while the humiliation hasn't diminished in the past five and a half years, she hopes the U.S. Supreme Court can do something about the emotional scar." Now, "the nation's highest court will hear the 19-year-old's case Tuesday against Safford Middle School officials who searched her for prescription-strength ibuprofen pills that a fellow student accused her of having."
As more households acquire or upgrade to big screen televisions, more dangers for children are associated with them. Although many of these TVs are lightweight, their bases and stands used to hold them frequently are much smaller. SafeKids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent unintentional childhood injury, recommends securing bookcases, shelving, televisions and appliances to walls with brackets and anchors.
For plasma or LCD TV installation, experts in home childproofing advise:
Attach it securely to a wall.
If using a TV stand, read the instructions to determine what size TV it can safely hold.
Include specially made safety straps to hold your TV in place on the stand.
Never put items on top of the TV, especially something a child may try to reach.
Each year during the first week of February, the American Burn Association selects a relevant topic to kick off their media campaign to educate the general public about burn prevention. For 2009, the focus is on scald prevention and treatment. According to the American Burn Association’s Scald Prevention Information, nearly 24,000 children are treated for scald injuries in emergency rooms annually. The highest at risk groups for scald injuries are “young children, older adults and people with disabilities."
Previously, the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog reported the FDA press release specifying details of the recall of bulk packaged peanut butter and peanut paste produced by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). Those products are generally distributed by institutional and food service industry use. The recall was prompted by a widespread outbreak of Salmonella, known to have affected more than 500 people nationwide.
The FDA announced an expanded recall recently to include all peanuts and peanut products processed by Peanut Corporation of America in its Blakely, Georgia plant since January 1, 2007. We have reproduced the FDA Press Release in its entirety below:
Recall -- Firm Press Release
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Products
PCA Announces the Voluntary Recall of All Peanuts and Peanut Products Shipped from Georgia Plant
Contact:
Peanut Corporation of America
1-877-564-7080
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Lynchburg, Va. (January 28, 2009) – Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is voluntarily recalling all peanuts and peanut products processed in its Blakely, Georgia facility since Jan. 1, 2007. Previously, PCA announced a recall of peanut butter and peanut paste. PCA sells its products to institutional and industrial users for service in large institutions or for sale and further processing by other companies. PCA does not sell peanuts or peanut products directly to consumers in stores.
PCA is not aware of any complaints or reports of illness involving the additional peanuts and peanut products subject to this expanded recall. PCA is acting out of an abundance of caution and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s help to recall all products manufactured in its Georgia facility. PCA is voluntarily taking this larger recall action following almost two weeks of inspection and review at the Georgia facility.
The expanded recall includes all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), granulated peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter and peanut paste. All of the recalled peanuts and peanut products were made only at the company’s Blakely, Georgia facility; the lot numbers and a description of the products being recalled are listed at the end of this release. The Blakely, Georgia facility has stopped producing all peanut products.
The voluntary recall comes amid an FDA investigation into a nationwide salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 500 people nationwide beginning in September, with the largest number of illnesses reported in November. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Because some of our peanut products have been used by manufacturers of pet food, we are also alerting the public that Salmonella is an organism that can potentially be transferred to people handling pet treats exposed to Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Well animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The potential for contamination was noted after samples from peanut butter containers and environmental samples from the Blakely, Georgia facility tested positive for Salmonella. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said the investigation is “very active and dynamic,” and PCA continues to work closely with the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as they continue their investigation into the nationwide outbreak of Salmonella.
PCA is notifying customers who received recalled products by phone and/or in writing. Customers should segregate and hold the product and call PCA at 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions. Consumers should contact the FDA and visit the agency web site at www.fda.gov for a complete list of all products affected.
“We have been devastated by this, and we have been working around the clock with the FDA to ensure any potentially unsafe products are removed from the market immediately,” said Stewart Parnell, President of Peanut Corporation of America. “Additionally, we are working alongside state and federal food safety experts in every way we can to help them protect consumers, both now and in the future.
“We want our customers and consumers to know that PCA is taking extraordinary measures, out of an abundance of caution, to identify and recall all products that have been identified as potential risks.”
The recalled peanuts and peanut products were distributed nationwide to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies as well as and in Canada, Haiti, Korea and Trinidad.
All lots that are affected begin with the lot number 7, 8 or 9. The following is the description of the products being recalled:
Description:
Peanut Butter All Styles All Sizes All Lots beginning with 7, 8, or 9
Peanut Paste All Styles All Sizes All Lots beginning with 7,8, or 9
Peanut Meal All Styles All Sizes All lots beginning with 7, 8, or 9
Peanut Granules All Styles All Sizes All lots beginning with 7, 8 or 9
Peanuts All Styles All Sizes All lots beginning with 7, 8 or 9
Although everyone wishes that Halloween could just be a night of carefree fun, there are many dangers that both children and adults face on Halloween. Topping the danger list is probably drunk driving.
The DC Metro area participates in SoberRide service, providing free taxi rides for drunken individuals on Halloween between 10 p.m. October 31 and 6:00 a.m. November 1. For more information, call (800) 200-8294 (TAXI).
Halloween can be a very dangerous night for children who frequently become young, and not always very street-smart, pedestrians as they trick-or-treat. AAA provides the following tips for motorists, parents, and children when making Halloween plans. Crashes involving fatalities, drinking or children increase on Halloween. Following these AAA precautions could help prevent such incidents.
DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog recently posted an article on the Halloween hazards that young children face every year. Since this Halloween falls on a Friday, condensing all the party-going and trick or treating to one or two nights, instead of spread out over a week. Because there will be a much larger number of people out that may be participating in raucous activities, it is important that people of all ages keep safety in mind. The following are some great facts and tips on how, and why, to keep safe this Halloween, found in a AAAarticle.
Globalization has lead to many great advancements, including our food supply here in the US. However, globalization not only makes information travel faster it can also lead to disease and illnesses traveling faster. An unfortunate example of such a consequence is the Melamine scandal in Chinese dairy products. Although the majority of melamine contaminated goods were found in China, because of our trade system, U.S. citizens should be concerned as well. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA has been conducting extensive research on the possibility of Melamine contaminated food in the U.S. and has found several possible sources of it, including candy.
Some parents believe that, to ensure their teens' safety, they should allow their children to drink at home with parental supervision so that they won't try to do it in a dangerous environment. Maryland recently enacted a law that will now fines such parents $1,000-$2,500. This applies to any adult over the age of 21 that is caught providing an underage drinker with alcohol. A repeat offense increases the fine to $5,000.
Stories of Halloween hazards are usually concerned with some sort of spiked candy but it turns out that though the possibility of contaminated treats should not be ignored, the incidents of finding such candy is extremely rare. A more realistic hazard to children on Halloween is the increased chance of them getting hit by a car. According to a 1997 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study an average of one child died per night from 1975-1996 however, during these 21 years, four children died between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Halloween. This dramatic fourfold increase in children's Halloween deaths is alarming.
Previously on DC Metro Personal Injury Law Blog, the risks associated with keeping baby chickens and ducks as pets were highlighted in an April, 2007 posting. Unfortunately, it is becoming evident that many other popular animals pose the same threat of passing salmonella, as well as other diseases, on to humans, according to an Associated Press article about a recent study about the dangers of owning exotic animals. Most exotic animals, including turtles, snakes, lizards, hedgehogs, mice, rats, hamsters, and many more, are known to be of a higher hazard than more common pets such as dogs and cats. This danger is most threatening to children, especially those under the age of 5, and those with weakened immune systems.
October is National Fire Prevention Month in commemoration of the Chicago fire of October 8, 1871, that lead to the deaths of 300 people and the destruction on 18,000 buildings. In spite of modern fire -resistant designs for cities, fires are still the third leading cause of injury related deaths in homes today, according to the Home Safety Council. In this day and age there are many preventative measures we can take both through technology and planning. Fire safety professionals are trying to raise the awareness of citizens because they find that the average person underestimates the likelihood of a home fire and yet in home fires cause the death of 3,400 deaths per year.
Over the last 25 years, a single sport has been responsible for more than 2/3 of all catastrophic sports injuries to high school and college female athletes in the United States. That sport: cheerleading. The finding recently was published in the 25th Annual Report of the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The report sheds light on a danger that has largely gone unrecognized by many school districts, cheerleading coaches, parents and athletes alike.
NewsInferno.com reports that although product recalls are considered to be a powerful way to ensure consumer safety, sometimes recalls are just not enough. Despite recall notices and warnings, consumers continue to use products that have the potential to seriously injure or kill, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Late Summer is a season of carnivals, festivals and open-air malls -- all venues where thousands of young people receive popular black henna tattoos each year. While popular opinion holds that the brushed-on tattoos must be safer than traditional needle-and-ink versions, that isn't necessarily the case. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receives many reports each year of adverse reactions to henna tattoos, many of which are attributed to exposure to p-phenylenediamine (also known as PPD) -- a dangerous black dye used to produce henna ink.
As gas prices rise, more commuters are relying on bicycles. The recent death of a bicyclist when a garbage truck turned into her lane has prompted a heightened public awareness regarding bicycle safety. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) calls for increased safety measures due to an influx of bike traffic.
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More than half of American teens report consuming alcohol, and more than 40% of those underage drinkers say they often get their alcohol free from an adult. One in four report receiving free alcohol from an unrelated adult, one in 16 report receiving it from a parent or guardian, and one in 12 say they have received it from a family member. The findings are the result of research recently conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The opportunity to go barefoot may be one of the greatest conveniences of summer, but without socks and shoes, your feet are exposed to a number of potentially serious personal injuries. Before you head outdoors without your footwear this season, take a moment to familiarize yourself with these foot safety considerations from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
A 2006 study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) found children are injured more frequently by fireworks compared to the general population. Nationwide Children's Hospital reported fireworks injuries ranged from minor burns and corneal abrasions to severe burns, vision and hearing loss and even death. Members of the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks caution parents should not buy or use consumer fireworks at home and instead can enjoy public displays by professionals.
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As of July 1, 2008, some of Virginia's incomprehensible laws will no longer be on the books. For example, restaurants in Virginia can now serve sangria (a mixture of red wine, fruit, triple sec and brandy), as legislators as have disposed of a law that prohibits restaurants from serving drinks that mix wine or beer with liquor. Legislators have also done away with the "marriage offer" loophole, which protected men who sexually attack girls between the ages of 14 to 16 as long as they offer to marry the victim. However, as the Washington Post reports, most of the new laws that take effect July 1st will concern Virginia drivers.
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Despite the high gas prices this year, many are planning to drive out of town for the holiday weekend. However, with driving come the risks of drunk driving, unrested drivers, and other dangerous road conditions. To help reduce these risks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has issued a "July 4th Planner 2008."
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The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is in the process of developing a database, VINcheck, which would use a car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to track vehicles that have been declared a "total loss" by insurance companies. The database will be free for the public to access and already has the support of hundreds of insurance companies who would be responsible for submitting the VIN to NICB for tracking.
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Most Americans celebrate Fourth of July evening by watching a fireworks display. Fireworks can cause serious injuries to children and adults alike. For those who choose to put on fireworks at home without a professional, the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) has a few safety tips. Additionally, learn what types of fireworks are and are not permitted in the state where you'll be celebrating. The chart below illustrates fireworks regulations for the DC Metro Area.
Summer: those few cherished months when most flock to the outdoors to take advantage of the abundant sunshine. However, a recent report from Forbes cautions most outdoor summer activities can also lead to serious injuries. The article ranked the "Most Hazardous Summer Activities" proportional to the reported injuries in 2007. A companion article entitled "Most Hazardous Sports" warns the consequences of many popular summer sports as well.
The results are not what you'd expect. Shark attacks or jellyfish stings do not top the list. Instead, many everyday summer activities can cause more harm than most realize. Continue Reading...
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Jardine Enterprises have announced yesterday that the company will recall approximately 320,000 cribs sold within the past 6 years. The cribs were sold mainly at Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us locations nationwide. The names of other stores carrying the Jardine cribs can be found in the press release issued by CPSC. Continue Reading...
Almost all high school baseball players should wear headgear on the field to protect them from injuries from batted balls, and most players should consider wearing mouth guards to help prevent oral injuries. Those recommendations and others are the result of new injury research published in a recent edition of the medical journal Pediatrics -- the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Unfortunately, many of those substantial improvements were not noted among Hispanic high school students -- a group which is still more likely, overall, to use drugs, attempt suicide, and engage in risky sexual behaviors than either black or white teens. That trend is particularly troubling, according to researchers, as Hispanic people comprise the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the U.S.
The CDC survey is conducted every two years. In 2007, more than 14,000 students participated. Those students were drawn from 39 states and 22 urban school districts.
It's called "21 for 21" -- college students knock back 21 alcoholic drinks on their 21st birthday, jeopardizing their health and their lives. The deadly effects of the drinking ritual are the subject of new research conducted at the University of Missouri, and recently published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.
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The rain, wind and lightning associated with summer storms poses a number of safety threats to people in the DC metro area each year – many of which stem from power outages. Fortunately, some simple preventive measures can help to minimize the inconvenience of unexpected losses of power, and can safeguard the health of your entire family. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following recommendations for coping with a sudden loss of electricity during inclement weather:
Summer lawn mowing is such a routine activity that many people tend to view it as being less dangerous than it actually is. Each summer, tens of thousands of Americans are injured by lawn mowers. This summer, four national medical societies have teamed up to encourage homeowners to be especially careful around lawn mowers. The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all offer the following safety tips to help protect people from lawn mower injuries this season:
A ten-year-old South Carolina boy died last week from a danger many parents were unaware of until recently. Dry drowning occurs when water enters the lungs, preventing proper breathing. This can occur anywhere from 1 to 24 hours after the water has been ingested.
Because the warning signs are common in children and are not necessarily indicative of a problem, the signs are often ignored. However, WebMD has provided a list of warning signs that parents should be especially wary of after their child has been swimming or taking a bath.
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Getting ready for a weekend at the beach? Going outside for a walk or bike-ride? If so, be sure to properly protect yourself from the sun. The FDA's "tip sheet" offers advice on how to take steps to prevent skin cancer. These tips will surely help, yet a study released by the Environmental Working Group has shocking results. The study measured over 1,000 top brand-name sunscreens' effectiveness and found 85% percent weren't performing up to par. Continue Reading...
With powerful, fast-moving thunderstorms sweeping through the DC area yesterday, and with more storms on the horizon this summer, it's important to be familiar with some general lightning safety tips. Understanding lightning and its dangers, as well as what to do during a storm can help significantly reduce the risk of lightning related injury, or even save your life.
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Beach Week is on the horizon for students across the country, and while the main concerns for students may be where to go and how to divide the food costs evenly, the main issue for parents is the safety of their children.A survey in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine lists many concerns including frequent underage drinking, drug use, driving while intoxicated, and promiscuous unprotected sex.However there are many steps a parent can take to ensure their child’s safety and well-being.Continue Reading...
Children splashing and playing, backyard pools, bright sunny days. These are some of the telltale signs of summer. However, a new report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that scenarios such as these can create dangerous conditions for young children. Commission Chairman Nancy Nord cautions parents and caregivers must be vigilant in situations involving young children and bodies of water. The Wall Street Journal published an article outlining steps parents and pool-owners can take to ensure children are safe.
Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of high-visibility enforcement of seat belt laws by law enforcement agencies throughout the nation as part of the 2008 Click It or Ticket campaign. The enforcement period for 2008 runs from May 19 - June 1, with paid media coverage of the campaign running from May 12 - May 26.
"When parents travel without their safety belts, their children’s restraint use drops by 36 percentage points.
In 2004, 55 percent of those killed in passenger vehicles were not wearing safety belts.
Safety belts are effective in preventing total ejections; only 1 percent of the passenger vehicle occupants reported to have been using restraints in fatal crashes were totally ejected compared with 29 percent of the unrestrained occupants.
Motor vehicle crashes in 2000 cost a total of $230.6 billion. This equals $820 for each person living in the United States.
The general public pays nearly three-quarters of all crash costs, primarily through insurance premiums, taxes, delays, and lost productivity.
The African-American population is expected to increase by 13 percent by 2010, which will significantly increase its exposure to traffic crashes."
Lakes, reservoirs, rivers and other waterways across the U.S. offer excellent opportunities for many recreational summer activities, including boating. Those same waterways pose a number of inherent dangers to boaters, too, however. This year, May 17 - 23 has been proclaimed National Safe Boating Week -- an observance designed to raise awareness of safe boating and injury prevention on the water.
According to a recently-completed, decades-long study published in the journal Health Physics, exposure to low-levels of radon commonly found in homes in the United States does not appear to contribute to the development of lung cancer and may actually reduce a person's risk of developing lung cancer.
Spring and Summer are great seasons for cookouts and get-togethers of all kinds with friends and family. Unfortunately, they're also seasons when rodent populations reproduce continuously. Mice and other rodents are particularly effective carriers of a number of dangerous diseases, including hantavirus. This year, take some precautionary steps to protect yourself and your friends and family, and to ensure that unwanted, furry guests don't spoil your party. The following rodent prevention tips are provided courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
For teens, dating is one of life's greatest rites of passage. It's also a time when many adolescents acquire the interpersonal and social skills that will help them build positive, respectful relationships throughout their adult lives. Unfortunately, it's a time when some teens are exposed to abusive relationships and acquire the kinds of unhealthy relationship behaviors that can put them at risk of abuse well into their adult lives.
To help promote healthy, respectful relationships and guard against the personal injuries that frequently stem from abuse, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains the website ChooseRespect.org -- an online resource for teens and parents aimed at preventing teen dating violence. Following are some teen dating violence statistics:
One of the deadliest risks faced by motorists is the risk of a rollover accident -- particularly for those who drive SUVs, minivans and trucks, which tend to have a higher center of gravity and a greater propensity to tip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 280,000 rollover accidents are reported each year. Those rollovers kill more than 10,000 motorists annually.
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Did you know that by age 18, most teenagers have already accumulated 50% - 80% of their lifetime sun exposure? That's one reason why it's vitally important for parents to help ensure that their children are taking appropriate sun safety precautions. This Spring and Summer, you can help protect the health of your children by following some basic sun safety tips for kids, provided here courtesy of KidsHealth.Org:
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Approximately one in five women seeking pediatric care for their children at an urban clinic recently disclosed that they and their children had been abused or exposed to domestic violence -- a finding that echoes the results of several similar studies conducted nationwide. The finding is the result of a new study published in a recent edition of the journal Pediatrics.
Teenage drivers in the U.S. often overestimate their level of driving experience. That false confidence in their driving abilities puts them at risk for accidents and personal injuries. The finding is a result of new research published in a recent edition of the journal Pediatrics.
Contrary to what you may hear or see on television, most teens aren't drinking and driving or using illegal drugs this prom season. Still, each year many talented and promising young people across the U.S. are, in fact, killed in prom-related accidents -- many involving drugs or alcohol. This year, take time to review with your teenager the importance of exercising good judgment and making responsible decisions related to the risky behaviors that he or she might have an opportunity to engage in following a high school prom.
The following prom safety tips for kids and parents are provided courtesy of The Children's Hospital:
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are popular, spiral-shaped, energy-saving light bulbs, often touted as "green" alternatives to incandescents. The new bulbs tend to use much less energy and last several times longer than traditional bulbs, but unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, CFLs contain mercury, and when broken they represent a health hazard to consumers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), broken CFLs can be cleaned-up and disposed of safely, but perhaps not as easily as you might expect. To reduce the likelihood of personal injury when handling broken compact fluorescent bulbs, be sure to keep the following safety tips in mind:
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Outdoor play equipment and playgrounds provide kids with great opportunities for fun and exercise, but they also pose a few safety hazards. Improper playground surfaces, faulty recreational equipment and dangerous behavior can all put playful children on a fast track to the emergency room.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently released an update to its Handbook for Public Playground Safety. Additionally, the agency has offered the following safety tips to avoid playground hazards and injuries, and to help make National Playground Safety Week the official kick-off of a safe and fun summer season:
Contractors working on homes built prior to 1978 will soon be forced to take extra safety precautions to protect children from the dangers of lead paint, thanks to a new rule set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which will take effect in April 2010.
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Runners who take part in day-long "ultra-marathons" experience much of their fluid loss in the first 8 hours of the race, demonstrating the importance of early hydration, a study has found. Published in a recent edition of the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, researchers in this latest study repeatedly weighed 52 ultra-marathoners (runners in day-long marathons) over the course their race, which was either a 12- or 24- hour event.
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More than 26,000 American children end up in hospital emergency rooms due to gymnastic-related injuries each year, according to a new study in a recent issue of the journal Pediatrics. What's more, although half a millions U.S. kids compete in gymnastics each year, competitive pressure has generally been increasing, meaning that children are competing at younger ages.
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Conventional wisdom may hold that drunk drivers are habitual drinkers, but new research shows that people who get drunk only on occasion account for almost half of all DWI offenses. This latest study, published in a recent issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, draws its research data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey -- a survey involving interviews with more than 350,000 adults living in the U.S. each year.
Now that the spring and summer sports season has arrived, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is urging all young athletes to "watch their mouths," and to wear a mouth guard for every sport this year, including even those spring sports typically thought of as "non-contact" sports -- like soccer, softball, baseball and gymnastics.
Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women shouldwear seat belts, not only to save themselves in the event of a car accident but also to save their fetuses. The finding is the result of recent research published in the April issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. According to the study, almost 200 fetuses each year -- half of all fetal losses in motor-vehicle crashes -- could be saved if pregnant women wore seat belts properly.
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Mild traumatic brain injury is often followed by post-concussion syndrome, but brain injuries, it turns out, aren't the only traumas which predict the neurological condition. The finding is the result of new research published in a recent edition of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
Efforts to teach young adults about food safety may not be hitting home, according to a new study of college student eating behaviors recently published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
Most people are aware of the importance of proper eye protection in sports such as hockey or racquetball, and wear face masks or appropriate safety goggles. Unfortunately, many people are injured each year in a variety of other "less dangerous" sports which also require proper eye protection. The American Academy of Opthalmic Executives (AAO) recognizes April 2008 as Sports Eye Safety Month to help increase public awareness of wearing protective eyewear when participating in team sports.
To help more Americans recognize the seriousness of alcohol abuse, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has designated April 2008 Alcohol Awareness Month.
An increasing presence of insects and other pests is one of the earliest and most frustrating signs of Spring. While many people use pesticides to control insects in and around their homes, not all pesticides are safe -- particularly those which are only available on the street or in small neighborhood stores. Many such pesticides (for instance, Chalk or Tres Pasitos)are illegal and commercially unavailable precisely because they're too dangerous to use. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the following pest products are particularly dangerous, illegal, and unfortunately commonly available:
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an emergency call is made to U.S. poison control centers every 13 seconds, and 40% of those calls involve injuries to children under three years of age. More than 77,000 of those calls typically involve poisonings by common household pesticides. The EPA recognizes March 16 - 22 as National Poison Prevention Week, and offers the following home safety information to help prevent poisonings in the home this year:
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Eggs are an important part of Spring religious holidays, both as decorations and for dining. If you're planning an Easter egg hunt or cooking eggs for your Passover Seder, take time to educate yourself about the following common health and safety issues specific to eggs, courtesy of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
Parents can help to reduce their children's risk of problem drinking during college by keeping a more watchful eye on them during high school. The finding is the result of new research published in a recent edition of Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy.
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A head injury traumatic enough to cause unconsciousness can result in widespread, permanent destruction of brain tissue. The finding is the result of research recently published in the journal Neurology -- the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology -- and helps to explain why some people who suffer Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) often experience irreversible personality changes following their injuries.
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Teenage passengers involved in an automobile accident are more likely to die than other passengers in the same circumstances -- particularly if the driver is young and inexperienced. The finding is the result of new research published in a recent edition of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
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Injuries inflicted by playground bullies are often much more significant than black eyes and scraped knees. New research conducted at King's College London and published in a recent edition of the medical journal Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine demonstrates that bullying often leads to the development of depression and anxiety.
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A difficult-to-diagnose and once rare ankle injury is becoming more common with the increased popularity of snowboarding, according to a recent report by Reuters Health.
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March is Spring Break season for many college-age Americans, and one of the first opportunities of the year to set aside the books and vacation with friends. Too often, those vacations turn dangerous or deadly, due partly to risky behaviors frequently associated with Spring Break festivities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified some common Spring Break risks, and recommends the following to keep you and those around you safe and healthy this spring:
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Public Citizen announced passage of the "Cameron Gulbranson Kids and Safety Act of 2007." The announcement by Public Citizen appears below in its entirety.
"Yesterday afternoon President Bush approved the first auto-safety law since 2005, when he penned his signature to a bill specifically designed to protect children from non-traffic related automobile accidents.
The "Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Transportation Safety Act of 2007" is now law. The Senate earlier this month passed the bill H.R. 1216 by unanimous consent, while the House passed the bill by voice vote in late December. This is a much-needed step to promote automobile child safety.
The Act will help prevent accidental injuries to children occurring in non-traffic accidents. Safety group Kids and Cars, strong advocates of the Act, reports that in 2007 an average of four children were killed every week in non-traffic related incidents, such as accidental rollovers, power window strangulations, or accidents occurring when an unattended child inadvertently knocks a car into gear.
The Act will also focus attention on a segment of fatalities and injuries that has been traditionally overlooked by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). Two-year old Cameron Gulbransen, for whom the Act is named, was killed when his father accidentally backed over him in the family’s driveway.
Safety measures
The Act requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to research auto safety issues to which children are especially vulnerable. Under the Act the DOT is specifically directed on these safety issues:
* Auto-reverse for power windows:Initiate rulemaking to consider issuing or amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to require that power window mechanisms be equipped with an automatic reverse feature activated if the window's path is obstructed
* Blind spots:Initiate rulemaking to consider issuing or amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to reduce a vehicle's "blind spot," by establishing requirements for different types of motor vehicles that could be met through the integration of additional mirrors, back-up cameras, sensors or other technologies
* Brake transmission shift interlock:Require that all vehicles all vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2010 and equipped with an automatic transmission system using a 'park' position also be equipped with a system that prevents the vehicle from being shifted out of 'park' unless the brake pedal is depressed
Closing information gaps
In addition, the Act requires that NHTSA for the first time establish a database that stores information about injuries and fatalities that occur in non-traffic and non-crash related situations. Specifically, the Act directs NHTSA to gather information about:
* The make and model and year of the vehicle involved
* The number and type of injuries or fatalities
* Potential causes of the injuries or fatalities
All information gathered and contained in the database would be made public and searchable over the web. Under the Act this information would also be used as one element of a comprehensive consumer awareness program that would make information on ways to reduce non-traffic related automobile risks available to parents and caregivers."
A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrates that high levels of formaldehyde have been found in some travel trailers provided to disaster victims by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There is some reason to believe that long-term exposure to formaldehyde could lead to serious health problems such as cancer. Unfortunately, travel trailers are not the only places where formaldehyde exposure could be a danger. To contribute to public understanding regarding the industrial uses of formaldehyde and its risks, the National Cancer Institute has issued the following fact sheet with questions and answers related to formaldehyde exposure:
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At least 82 youths between the ages of 6 and 19 have been identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as probable victims of "The Choking Game," according to recent research published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The game, popular primarily among adolescents and also known as "The Black Out Game," "The Scarf Game," and "Space Monkey" among other titles, consists of self-strangulation or strangulation by another person to achieve a brief high caused by cerebral hypoxia.
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Snow-covered, icy, or cluttered stairways are a nuisance, but more importantly, they're dangerous. According to the Home Safety Council (HSC), falls account for approximately one-third of all home injury deaths annually, and falls involving stairs or steps are the second leading cause of fall-related death. Stairs are particularly dangerous this time of year, when the heights and depths of steps are often obscured by snow, and staircases may be wet or covered in ice. You can help to safeguard your health and the health of those around you by familiarizing yourself with the following stairways safety tips, courtesy of HSC:
While the topics of water safety and drowning prevention typically receive some public attention during summer months, there are many people who prefer to use hot tubs, whirlpools and spas throughout the winter, when the weather is at its coldest. Although winter can be one of the most enjoyable seasons for hot tub use, it is equally dangerous. To help prevent personal injuries related to hot tubs, whirlpools and spas, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers the following historical data and recommendations for children and adults alike:
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When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so you may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, you may also face indoor hazards, such as communication, heating and food complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds everyone to be safe throughout the rest of this winter season, and to check the following supply lists to prepare in advance of particularly nasty winter weather:
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The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has issued a new guideline urging its members to screen patients and determine their risk of falling. The practice parameter and supporting research appear this month in the peer-reviewed journal Neurology.
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Setting up a blog is an easy way to establish a presence on the Internet and host public discussions. While organizations or businesses might start blogs to interact with customers or provide a public service, many personal blogs hosted by teens are simply exercises in public journaling. Unfortunately, these personal blogs can attract an unwanted -- or even dangerous -- audience. One Internet safety organization, ConnectSafely.Org, offers the following general tips for teens to promote safe blogging and to help guard against Internet predators:
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Social networking sites such as MySpace, which offer unlimited opportunities for self-expression and self-promotion are particularly attractive to teenagers. Recently, public attention surrounding these sites has focused on the dangers of sexual solicitation or harassment of adolescents. Until recently, little verifiable data has existed to determine the scope of youth solicitation and harassment on-line. New research published in the journal Pediatrics demonstrates that while the incidence of solicitation and harassment is actually lower than has been suggested in the popular media, certain threats do exist, and greater safety risks actually may lie elsewhere on the net.
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February 3rd - 9th is National Burn Awareness Week -- a period of time designated to raise public awareness of burn injuries and how to prevent them. This year's primary theme is gasoline burn prevention. The Manassas Journal Messenger recently published an extensive compilation of gasoline safety tips to help prevent burn injuries and other burn-related accidents.
In Virginia alone, more than 1,500 burn-related hospitalizations occurred between 2001 and 2005. Worse, the hospitalization rate for children younger than age 4 was 5 times higher than the rate for all other ages combined. Regan Zambri & Long encourages readers to familiarize themselves with theses safety tips and share them with others to help prevent personal injuries related to gasoline:
Foreign-born children living in the U.S. are 5 times more likely to have elevated blood levels of lead than U.S.-born children living in New York city, according to new research published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
Keeping your family safe and getting your life back to normal following a natural disaster depends on advance planning and time and energy devoted to preparation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) -- four comprehensive steps to prepare your family for disasters, prevent personal injuries and promote safety readiness. Taking time as a family to prepare for the unexpected not only helps to ensure everyone's safety, but models responsibility. Use the following tips in your own preparation, courtesy of the AAP:
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Among kids and teens today, a cell phone is a virtual a social necessity. While the devices can facilitate easier communication with parents or family members and offer protection in some emergencies, they can also invite danger. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children warns that wireless devices can link children with criminals if used inappropriately, or without adequate adult supervision. To help prevent child expolitation, the organization offers the following cell phone and wireless device safety tips for parents and teens:
Most people understand that extended exposure to the sun's rays can be damaging to the skin and eyes, and that safety precautions are in order during summer months. Unfortunately, many people fail to realize that the sun can be equally dangerous in the winter months, particularly when the ground is covered with a reflective layer of bright snow or ice. This winter, whether you're heading south in search of warmer weather, or just spending time outdoors in the cold, keep the following sun safety tips in mind, courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
The high volume of traffic in and around the metro area means lengthy commutes for many area residents, and lengthy commutes eat into relaxation time, as well as time motorists could devote to home and work responsibilities -- it's a situation that creates significant frustration and often contributes to aggressive driving. Aggressive driving has a significant impact on the safety of DC-area roadways. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) encourages area motorists to help address the problem of aggressive driving by adopting the following safe driving practices related to aggressive driving:
Recent charges from a fatal accident involving a teenage driver reminds us of the particular dangers when mixing teenagers and motor vehicles. Contributing factors often include lack of experience, distracted driving, excessive speed, aggressive driving, not using seat belts, driving while drowsy, alcohol and drug use, dare-devil activities.
A fatal single-vehicle crash in Charles County, Maryland that claimed the life of one area teen last November has resulted in charges of reckless and negligent driving against the driver -- a 17-year-old Brandywine girl.
There are many instances where a small, portable heater can be useful in a home or garage during the winter season. Portable heaters are available in many models, including those that burn propane, kerosene or other fuels. Many homeowners opt for electric models which don't produce noxious fumes or produce an open flame, because they appear safer. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), however, many homeowners exhibit a false sense of security related to electric space heaters -- appliances which can, in fact, be very dangerous when used improperly.
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Chronic medical conditions require a variety of routine medications. Unfortunately, many of those medications are known to cause drowsiness, sap energy and slow reaction times in drivers. In most areas of the U.S., it's necessary to drive to remain independent -- to get to the grocery store, the doctor, to visit friends, and even to get to work. Because our ability to drive safely can be affected by prescription medications and our health, in general, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers the following facts and tips regarding safe driving for individuals who take multiple medications:
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If you're working outside this winter or participating in outdoor recreational activities, you already know how uncomfortable the cold weather can become in the metro area. Too many people don't realize the safety challenges winter weather presents, however -- challenges such as the prevention of hypothermia. Hypothermia is different than frostbite, and it can quickly become a deadly medical condition, even in comparatively warm temperatures. Worse, you may never realize you're affected. Before you spend prolonged periods of time outdoors this season, take time to familiarize yourself with the following hypothermia safety facts, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic:
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Walking is a great way to exercise and experience the beauty of the winter season first-hand. On particularly snowy days, it may even be the only reliable mode of transportation! Walking over snow and ice can easily lead to injuries, however. Before you bundle up and trudge your way to work or school, take time to review these winter walking safety tips, courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
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This winter, whether you're clearing snow or ice from roofs or gutters, removing broken tree limbs or even taking down exterior holiday lights, be cautious with your ladder. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that each year in the United States, approximately 164,000 emergency room visits are attributed to ladder-related injuries.
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According to an estimate by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are 20,000,000 unsafe cribs/play yards either in use or in storage. It's important that parents and other care givers check for safety before putting a baby into a portable crib or play yard.
The following crib and play yard safety checklist from the CPSC is labeled as a hotel and motel safety checklist. However, checking for these safety hazards is common sense advice that should be applied to any crib or play yard that is expected to be used.
Note: If any item receives a "yes" response, the crib should be removed from service until it is repaired or replaced.
For additional safety information on cribs and other children's products, visit CPSC's web site (www.cpsc.gov) or call its toll-free hotline (800/638-2772)."
Alpine snowboarding and skiing are popular winter activities across the U.S., but a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Injury Prevention suggests that the incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury associated with these sports has steadily increased in every country that reports injury data.
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Kitchen sponges are cheap and convenient items for cleaning countertop messes and absorbing spilled liquids quickly. Unfortunately, they also harbor foodborne pathogens, yeasts and molds, and could put you and your family at risk if not properly disinfected on a regular basis. Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), recently published some study results and disinfection tips concerning kitchen sponge disinfection.
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Changes to popular skiing areas over the past decade, from open slopes to more wooded areas, mean that more snowboarders and skiers are moving slowly enough to benefit from the added protection a helmet can provide. The finding is one result of research recently published in the peer-reviewed, quarterly medical journal, Wilderness and Environmental Medicine.
Historically, approximately five children are killed each year as a result of tip-over accidents involving televisions or large furniture and appliances in the home, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In most recent years, the incidence of these events has been significanlty higher than normal -- since 2000, 100 such fatalities have been reported. If you or someone in your family acquired a new television or large household item this holiday season, or if you simply have large furniture items that you've never stabilized or secured, please take time to familiarize yourself with the following safety tips regarding potentially dangerous household items:
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Nearly 600 finger amputations per year are attributable to snow-thrower machines, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Another 5,740 people per year, on average, wind up in the emergency room for other types of thrower-related injuries. Since 1992, at least 19 consumers have been killed by the machines.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 2.5 million children are killed or injured as a result of basic home safety hazards. Most of those deaths and injuries are entirely preventable, and in fact, many of them can be prevented relatively easily, by purchasing and properly utilizing the following 12 commercially-available home safety and child-proofing devices:
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If a skateboard is on your shopping list this season, consider the results of recent research conducted at the University of California -- Irvine. According to Irvine researchers, the average cost of a skateboarding injury is approximately $3,200. Medical costs comprise two-thirds of that figure, while one-third is wages lost during periods of recovery.
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The holiday season is a time of travel and a time when many households accommodate out-of-town visitors. As available beds become more scarce, many homeowners employ inflatable mattresses to accommodate additional guests. Those inflatable mattresses are too soft for sleeping infants, however, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning that the mattresses are safe only for adults and older children.
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According to the National Safety Council (NSC), traffic death rates triple at night, on average. Nighttime driving is both more difficult and more dangerous than many drivers realize -- for drivers of all ages, but particularly for older drivers, who can't see as well in the dark, and for younger drivers who are more likely to attempt to drive while impaired. By preparing your vehicle for night driving, and adhering to the following guidelines, provided courtesy of the NSC, you can minimize some of the inherent dangers of driving in the dark:
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Winter weather often brings snow, sleet and ice, and consequently, power outages. Although portable generators can offer life-saving benefits during power outages, they can also be dangerous. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the best way to avoid accidents and injuries related to portable generators is to become familiar with their proper operating procedures. The agency recommends the following tips for staying safe around portable electric generators:
Winter can be a healthy and enjoyable season for kids and adults, alike. It can also be a dangerous season. According to experts at Children's Hospital Boston:
"In 2004, nearly 12,000 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for sledding-related injuries.
In 2004, nearly 1,500 children ages 14 and under were treated for snowmobile-related injuries.
In 2004, nearly 11,000 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for snow skiing-related injuries and nearly 21,000 for snowboarding-related injuries."
To help avoid injuries this winter, and to safeguard children's health and safety, Children's Hospital Boston offers the following basic winter safety tips:
Winter weather brings a higher incidence of home fires every year, many attributable to heating equipment. Many winter fires are also caused by holiday cooking, decorating and entertaining, however. This holiday season, protect your home and family by familiarizing yourself with the following winter home fire facts and safety tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association:
An estimated 15,600 home fires were ingnited by candles in 2005, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Worse, those candle fires claimed the lives of 150 people, and injured another 1,270. If you plan to decorate with candles this holiday season, do yourself a favor and take time to familiarize yourself with the following candle fire data and safety tips, courtesy of the NFPA:
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The winter holiday season is a time of celebration and relaxation, but according to the Nemours Foundation, additional cooking and home decorating also help to make it a season of increased personal injuries. This year, take time to familiarize yourself with some of the following common holiday dangers, and enjoy a happier, healthier new year:
Toy sales peak during the holiday season. Each year at this time, hundreds of new toys flood the market. How can you tell which ones are safe and appropriate for your children and loved ones? The Nemours Foundation recommends the following age-based guidelines to determine appropriate developmental levels and help ensure that you're buying the safest kinds of gifts this season:
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Turducken -- a layered poultry dish made popular in Louisiana and often served during the holidays -- is a deboned stuffed chicken inside a deboned stuffed duck inside a deboned stuffed turkey. Though the finished product closely resembles a whole turkey, it poses more health threats than typical poultry dishes. Safe steps in handling, cooking and storage are important to prevent foodborne illness when preparing a turducken. If you plan to include one in your holiday festivities, take steps to protect your health, and familiarize yourself with the following safety tips, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
Cookie dough, homemade eggnog, and stuffing are popular holiday food items, each of which could potentially contain undercooked eggs. Those eggs sometimes host bacteria known as salmonella enteriditis (SE) -- bacteria that can cause serious illness in consumers if eggs are handled or cooked improperly. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only 3% of Americans utilize a food thermometer when cooking baked egg dishes such as stuffing. This holiday season, don't put yourself (or your family members or guests) in danger of Salmonella poisoning. Keeping these holiday cooking tips in mind can safeguard the health of all your dining guests:
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It's the season of gift giving, and according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), one important key to an enjoyable holiday is to be mindful of the "ABCs" of toy safety: Awareness Benefits Consumers.
Decorating for the holidays is one of the most common, most effective ways to express the festive mood of the season. Many holiday decorations pose safety threats when not used properly, however. This holiday season, take steps to ensure that your decorating traditions don't put you or your loved ones at risk. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) offers the following holiday decorating safety tips:
If you're planning a holiday party or celebration this season, you may also be planning to hire a babysitter. In the absence of parental supervision, children face a greater risk of personal injuries. Before you leave your kids at home with a sitter this season, take a minute or two to review this downloadable Babysitter Safety Inspection Checklist, courtesy of the American Red Cross. Double checking the following items will help ensure that your holiday season isn't ruined by a preventable injury:
Trains have a way of captivating children -- unfortunately, that interest occasionally leads to injuries and even fatalities, as many children don't understand the dangers associated with trains and railroad crossings. In 2006, alone, 530 people were killed on railroad tracks in the U.S. Thirty-nine children under the age of 15 died in an accident involving a train during the previous year. SafeKids.Org offers the following Railroad Safety Quick Tips, designed to help parents teach their children about the dangers posed by trains:
Deciding the age at which your child can safely stay home alone isn't easy, and because no two children are developmentally identical, age-based guidelines are sometimes too simplistic to be reliable. The potential for childhood harm or injury is greater in the absence of parents, but ample preparation prior to an absence can help reduce the risks. That's why the Nemours Foundation, through their website, KidsHealth.Org, offers the following advice for parents to help prepare young children to stay home alone safely:
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Playgrounds, swing sets and jungle gyms provide children opportunities for fresh air, exercise, and fun, but they also pose some unique dangers. KidsHealth.Org, a children's safety website sponsored by the Nemours Foundation, provides advice and facts regarding children and recreational safety. The organization offers the following tips for children specific to playground safety:
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Toy cars are prized posessions for many young children -- that's partly why it's so important for parents to explain that real vehicles are not toys or play areas. Even car trunks, which may seem like a harmless automotive feature, can pose risks to kids in the form of entrapment dangers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Nike have announced a voluntary recall of football helmets because of a safety hazard with the chin strap. Consumers should immediately stop using the helmets and contact Nike for a product voucher. The CPSC announcement is reproduced in its entirety below:
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2007
Release #08-081
Nike Recalls Football Helmet Chin Straps Which Can Break and Pose Risk of Serious Injury
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Football Helmet Chin Straps
Units: About 235,000
Manufacturer: Nike Inc., of Beaverton, Ore.
Hazard: The chin strap’s plastic cup can break as a result of contact, exposing the player to facial or head injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: Nike has received 18 reports of the chin strap breaking, including two reports of concussions, two reports of facial lacerations requiring stitches, and a report of a broken nose.
Description: The recalled football helmet chin strap consists of a plastic cup with a foam liner, straps and four metal snaps. They were sold in both youth and adult sizes and come in black/gray and white/gray color combinations. The Nike Swoosh trademark is printed on the outside of the chin cup and DRI-FIT™ is printed on the foam liner. “Made in China” and one of the following four style numbers is printed on the inside of the strap: FA0016 046, FA0016 130, FA0021 046, or FA0021 130.
Sold at: Sporting good stores nationwide and on the firm’s Web site www.Nike.com from April 2006 through October 2007 for about $20.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the chin strap immediately and contact Nike for a product voucher redeemable at www.nikestore.com
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Nike toll-free at (888) 583-6453 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.nikebiz.com
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Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Home cooking fires occur in record numbers on Thanksgiving Day, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In 2005, Thanksgiving meal preparation caused 1,300 kitchen fires -- three times more than the usual daily average. Annually, cooking fires cause more than half a billion dollars in damage to U.S. homes.
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According to a recent study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, the number of bicycle-related injuries demonstrates a more significant public health concern than just as a leading cause for children's emergency room visits. Of the estimated 85 million bicycle riders in the United States, over half are children and adolescents under the age of 20. Bicycle-related injuries are known to send more children to the emergency room than any other recreational sport. In addition, an estimated 10,700 children require hospitalization from their bicycle injuries for an average of three days, resulting in nearly $200 million in hospital inpatient charges annually. Results of the study are published in the October issue of Injury Prevention.
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As recently reported by the Washington Post, another tragic accident has claimed the lives of four local teenagers. The high school basketball players were returning home from shooting baskets after school. Three of the teens were declared dead at the accident site, another died the following morning. Only one of the passengers survived the crash.
A deadly combination of speed, inexperience, distraction, and illegal passengers stopped these young lives. According to the police, the driver was speeding when he veered onto the shoulder of the road, then overcorrected, causing the car to spin and slide sideways into the path of an oncoming vehicle. None of the occupants were wearing seat belts. Loud music was blaring from the car's speakers. The 16-year-old driver had just obtained his license only a couple of months prior to the accident. A 2005 Maryland law prohibits teenage drivers from having anyone under 18 in the car with them for the first five months after obtaining a license.
Teenage driving is inherently dangerous, for exactly the reasons that caused this accident. Parents and their teenagers should use an incident like this as an opportunity to review their family ground rules for driving. We have previously provided a number of articles to assist parents in reinforcing safe driving habits for their children.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced another toy recall, Curious George Plush Dolls manufactured by Marvel Toys. The surface paint of the toy's face and hat contain excessive levels of lead in violation of the federal lead paint standards. Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled products immediately.
The CPSC notice is reproduced in its entirety below:
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2007
Release #08-079
Curious George Plush Dolls Recalled By Marvel Toys Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Curious George Plush Dolls
Units: About 175,000
Manufacturer: Marvel Toys, of New York, N.Y.
Hazard: Surface paint on the toy’s plastic face and construction hat contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves Curious George 12-inch plush dolls with a plastic face. The dolls are dressed to represent five various themes: birthday, fireman, sweet dreams, tool time and tool time with a soft face. The plush dolls were sold with a Curious George storybook or activity book. The following product and SKU numbers are printed on the packaging.
Birthday
90253/ 8-83199-90253-5
Fireman
90246/ 8-83199-90246-7
Sweet Dreams
90247/ 8-83199-90247-4
Tool Time
90251/ 8-83199-90251-1
Tool Time (soft face)
90251/ 8-83199-90251-1
Sold at: Toy and discount department stores nationwide from December 2005 through August 2007 for about $15.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Marvel Toys to receive a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Marvel Toys at (800) 352-2064 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.regcen.com/curiousgeorge
The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall of Bassettbaby Cribs. The danger is that the bolts that connect the top corners of the cribs can come loose and create a dangerous gap. A serious entrapment and strangulation hazard may result. Consumers should stop using the cribs immediately and contact Bassettbaby for a free repair kit.
The complete CPSC notice appears below:
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2007
Release #08-075
Cribs Sold By Bassettbaby Recalled Due to Entrapment and Strangulation Hazard: Sold Exclusively at Babies R Us
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Wendy Bellissimo Collection Convertible Cribs
Units: About 8,900
Importer: Bassettbaby, of Bassett, Va.
Manufacturer: Goodbaby Child Products Company Ltd., of China
Hazard: The bolts connecting the top corners of the crib can come loose, creating a gap and posing a serious entrapment and strangulation hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Bassettbaby has 85 reports of bolts loosening, including one report of a 13 month-old child’s hand becoming entrapped between the railings.
Description: This recall involves Wendy Bellissimo Collection convertible cribs, model numbers 5945-0521 and 5545-0521, sold in honey and cherry finishes. The full size cribs have a sleigh design and one of the following purchase order numbers at the bottom rail of the headboard: 272903, 272904, 273904, 276728, 276729, 291081, 323975, 324472, 320318, 323976, 332883 365620, 368466 in honey, and 338535, 338537 and 332884 in cherry. All other Wendy Bellissimo Collection cribs are not involved in this recall.
Sold at: Babies R Us stores nationwide from July 2005 through October 2007 for about $500.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using these cribs immediately and contact Bassettbaby for a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Bassettbaby at (888) 897-4689 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET daily, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.bassettbaby.com
According to a report published in the Washington Post, children who swallow the beads are exposed to a dangerous chemical similar to the powerful "date rape" drug that causes possible unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death.
The entire CPSC bulletin follows:
NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2007
Release #08-074
Spin Master Recalls Aqua Dots – Children Became Unconscious After Swallowing Beads
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Aqua Dots
Units: About 4.2 million
Distributor: Spin Master, of Toronto, Canada
Hazard: The coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to each other when water is added contains a chemical that can turn toxic when many are ingested. Children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received two reports over the past several days of children swallowing Aqua Dots. A 20-month-old child swallowed several dozen beads. He became dizzy and vomited several times before slipping into a comatose state for a period of time, was hospitalized, and has since fully recovered. A second child also vomited and slipped into a comatose state and was hospitalized for five days.
Description: The recalled toy is a craft kit which allows children to create various multi-dimensional designs using small colored beads. The beads fuse together when sprayed with water. The recall applies to all models of Aqua Dots. The product is available in various different kits with accessories such as a drying fan, applicator pen, design templates for the beads, and spray bottle. The product is labeled for ages 4+.
Sold at: Mass merchandisers nationwide from April 2007 through November 2007 for between $17 and $30.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Spin Master to return for free replacement beads or a toy of equal value.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Spin Master at (800) 622-8339 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.aquadotsrecall.com
Regan Zambri & Long urges all of their readers to practice fire safety guidelines in their homes. One of the most important is to keep smoke detectors in good working order. Common sense guidelines are listed in the following release by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, which is quoted in its entirety.
"Use Daylight Saving Time to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe Remember to Change Your Batteries on November 4
ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwire - October 23, 2007) - Twenty years ago, the people from Energizer® Batteries and the nation's firefighters came up with an idea that likely has saved thousands of homes and perhaps as many lives.
The idea connected two unrelated activities -- changing clocks for Daylight Saving Time and changing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Residents could change their batteries on these important safety alarms almost anytime, but in fact, many didn't. It's a sad fact that approximately 80 percent of fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms. Since hardly anyone neglects to change their clocks, Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) decided to urge Americans through the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program to use the "extra hour" to change their smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
This year, the day to set your clocks back and change batteries in your smoke detectors is November 4.
The program started in 1987 with just two fire departments in St. Louis and Atlanta. Now as the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program celebrates its 20th anniversary, more than 5,900 fire departments across the country are participating in the program. And as a result, many Americans have adopted the habit of changing their batteries at the same time they change their clocks.
"We have no way of knowing exactly how many lives and homes have been saved as a result," said Chief Steven P. Westermann, president of the IAFC. "What we do know is that each year more Americans are replacing their batteries before they wear out and that helps make each alarm safer."
Having a working smoke alarm can cut the odds of dying in a home fire nearly in half by adopting this simple habit. Most American homes -- 96 percent in fact -- have smoke alarms; however, more than a quarter of those homes have at least one nonworking smoke alarm, mostly due to worn out or missing batteries. The IAFC estimates more than 25 million homes are at risk.
Five common reasons home smoke alarms do not function properly are:
-- Batteries are not replaced in a timely fashion. -- Batteries are removed due to unwanted activation from situations such as cooking fumes. -- Batteries are removed due to a "chirping sound," which actually indicates the battery needs to be replaced! -- Alarms and detectors are not cleaned regularly. -- Alarm is aged and possibly contains outdated parts or technology.
Each of these reasons is easily remedied by either simply replacing the battery or the device.
"Many people mistakenly believe they will either see the flames or smell the smoke when a fire breaks out," Chief Westermann said. "But most fire fatalities happen while families are asleep. Smoke by itself doesn't provide a wake-up call, but a working smoke alarm surely does."
Westermann also noted that November usually brings the onset of severe weather, a time when power outages are more frequent. He urged residents to avoid using candles, which are often the cause of home fires and to instead use flashlights. Daylight Saving Time is a good time to check batteries in flashlights as well.
The IAFC (www.iafc.org) is a non-profit association representing nearly 13,000 chief fire officers and emergency services leaders worldwide. Its members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation.
Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ENR), www.energizer.com, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights. Energizer, a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power geared toward the new digital revolution, offers a full portfolio of products including, the Energizer® MAX® premium alkaline brand; Energizer® e2® Lithium® and Energizer® e2® Titanium Technology® performance brands; Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers; and Miniatures brand batteries. Energizer also offers portable battery-driven power packs for cell phones, portable games and audio devices. Energizer has been promoting fire safety through its Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program since 1987."
The Internet is a valuable tool for research, learning and communication, but it can pose a number of threats to children -- particularly those who lack appropriate adult supervision. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has compiled the following tips and information related to online safety for children, including these signs that your child may be at-risk online:
We've written at length on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog about helmet safety and the importance of bicycle helmets -- your best protection from head injury in the event of an accident. Headlights and taillights help prevent dangerous accidents, however, by making your bicycle more visible, and illuminating obstacles in your path. Thanks to the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), you can outfit your bicycle with headlights and taillights free of charge this November 2nd and November 9th.
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Trick-or-Treat your way to an allergy-free Halloween AAAAI urges children to recognize symptoms and carry epinephrine
"MILWAUKEE - Halloween is right around the corner and millions of children are preparing to sport their ghost and vampire costumes for school parties and a night of trick-or-treating. However, for children who suffer from severe food allergies, Halloween is a time where extra precaution must be taken.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) asks children and parents to watch out for hidden foods that could trigger a life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Food-related anaphylaxis leads to 150-200 deaths each year, so every exposure should be taken seriously.
Peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk and soy are the most common causes of food allergies in children. Eating even a small amount of these foods could trigger anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, sneezing and coughing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, and itching all over the body. The most dangerous symptoms include difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and shock-all of which can be fatal.
If any of these symptoms occur, give the child self-injectable epinephrine, call 911 immediately, and schedule a follow-up appointment with your allergist/immunologist.
Here are some helpful Halloween tips to avoid hidden food dangers:
When classroom parties are planned, parents can help by packing treats from home that their food-allergic child can eat.
Create a "candy swap" with siblings or friends so that allergen-containing candies can be traded for other treats such as stickers or toys.
Take the focus off of trick-or-treating by hosting a costume party that emphasizes fun instead of candy. Halloween stickers, pencils, spider rings and stamps are great alternatives for goody bags.
Provide neighbors with allergy-safe candies for your child or ask neighbors to hand out only candy with individualized labels-so kids with allergies can determine whether the treat is safe to eat or not.
Teach children to politely refuse offers of cookies and other homemade treats.
Remember that candy ingredients can vary for different sizes of the same product such as full-size candy bars and their miniature versions, which are not always individually labeled.
Consult with an allergist/immunologist
If your child has ever had an allergic reaction to a food, or has a history of food allergies, seek the care of an allergist/immunologist for a follow-up evaluation and to discuss treatment and environmental control options. For more information, visit the AAAAI's Web site, www.aaaai.org.
The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Experts on food allergy and anaphylaxis are available for interviews by contacting Natalie Lemke or Amber Johnson at the AAAAI Executive Office, (414) 272-6071."
For Drivers
-- Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and intersections.
-- Motorists should exercise extra caution during peak trick-or-treating hours between 4 and 9 p.m.
-- Slow down and obey the speed limit and all traffic signs/signals in residential neighborhoods.
-- Enter and exit driveways slowly.
-- Be alert for children crossing and darting across the street.
-- Watch for children crossing between parked cars.
-- Always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a right turn on red.
-- When driving children to trick-or-treat or to a costume party, make sure all seat belts are fastened and let children out of the car on the curbside.
For Pedestrians
-- Cross at marked crosswalks and intersections.
-- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
-- Be sure to see and be seen. Avoid dark clothing, wear bright colors and use reflective devices.
-- Avoid costumes that may impair vision.
-- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street.
-- Stay alert and be on the look out for cars traveling above the speed limit.
Taxis
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program says the Halloween SoberRide program will be operating from 8 p.m. on to 4 a.m. to assist those who have been over served in getting home during this high-risk period.
People 21 and older who need the service can call the toll-free SoberRide phone number (1-800-200-TAXI) and get a ride home home at no cost up to what would otherwise have been a $50 fare.
Some D.C. taxi drivers are likely to be on strike today in a protest against the plan to convert the fare system from zones to meters. SoberRide expects that there still will be enough available to make the program work. But the strike is something to keep in mind if you intend to go bar hopping. It may be difficult to hail a cab on the street afterward."
Falls are the leading cause of personal injury to U.S. senior citizens, and most of those falls occur in the home. Anyone can accidentally fall in a home, however, and the costs associated with the treatment of those fall injuries exceeds $20 billion per year. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers the following guidelines for safeguarding the health of your family and friends by acting to prevent falls in your home:
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Thanks to a change in Daylight Savings Time, trick-or-treaters will be made safer by an extra hour of evening light this year. A lack of light on Halloween evening isn't the only danger posed to young ghosts and goblins, however -- many injuries each year stem from trips and falls attributed to unsafe costumes. When planning your child's costume (or your own) this year, keep in mind the following advice, courtesy of Consumer Reports:
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Improper use of portable space heaters accounts for approximately 25,000 household fires each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). As temperatures begin to decline this season, and the price of heating fuel rises, more Americans will inevitably be tempted to use space heaters in their homes. Space heaters are widely available in wood, kerosene, gas, and electric models. Regardless of the model, however, CPSC offers the following fire prevention suggestions:
Each year, we post new Halloween health and safety tips here on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, but the basic dangers related to Halloween festivities tend to remain the same. Following are some good, common sense tips for a safe celebration, courtesy of the American Red Cross:
Serious Head Injuries Prompt Recall of Bumbo Baby Sitter Seats - New Warnings and Instructionsto Be Provided To Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Bumbo “Baby Sitter” Seats
Units: About 1 million
Manufacturer: Bumbo International, of South Africa
Hazard: If the seat is placed on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface, young children can arch their backs, flip out of the Bumbo seat, and fall onto the floor, posing a risk of serious head injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received 28 reports of young children falling out of the Bumbo Baby Sitter seat, including three skull fractures, which occurred when children fell out of chairs that had been placed on tables.
Description: The bottom of the children’s seat is round and flat with a diameter of about 15 inches. It is constructed of a single piece of molded foam and comes in yellow, blue, purple, pink, aqua, and lime green. The seat has leg holes and seat back that wraps completely around the child. On the front of the seat in raised lettering is the word “Bumbo” with the image of an elephant on top. The bottom of the seat has the following words: “Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030.” The back of the seat contains the following “WARNING” – “Never use on a raised surface. Never use as a car seat or bath seat. Designed for floor level use only. Never leave your baby unattended as the seat is not designed to be totally restrictive and may not prevent release of your baby in the event of vigorous movement.”
Sold by: Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, USA Babies and various other toy and children’s stores nationwide, and various online sellers, from August 2003 through October 2007 for about $40.
Manufactured in: South Africa
Remedy: Consumers should never use the infant seat on a table, countertop, chair, or other elevated surface. Consumers can contact Bumbo to obtain new warning label stickers and instructions, free of charge. The new warning label will state: “WARNING – Prevent Falls; Never use on any elevated surface.” Consumers should use the Bumbo seat at ground level, but should never leave a child unattended.
Consumer Contact: Contact Bumbo International at (877) 932-8626 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.bumbosafety.com
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Payless ShoeSource is recalling 90,000 girls' Hannah Montana boots, because the guitar-shaped zipper pulls of the right and left boots can snag together while walking and cause the wearer to fall. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the boots were sold in girls' sizes 10.5 - 4.5, and were available from August 2007 through September 2007 for approximately $27.
We recently posted safety tips for trick-or-treaters here on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, but adults play a significant role in making Halloween safe, as well. Following are some simple suggestions from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) on making your home and neighborhood a safer place this Halloween evening:
Commercially-available lead test kits used by consumers to detect unsafe levels of lead in their homes are not reliably accurate, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The agency recently issued a news bulletin regarding the kits after randomly testing several different models. False positive test results and false negative test results were both obtained, though false negatives were more common. Out of 104 tests, 56 tests provided false negative results and 2 provided false positives. According to CPSC, the results are consistent with previous determinations that home-based lead testing kits are unreliable.
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October 22 - 26 is School Bus Safety Week. We have previously covered school bus safety on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, but this annual safety event is a good opportunity to remind readers that a school bus is no playground. Following are some helpful general safety tips for kids who commute by school bus, courtesy of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT):
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The price of an automobile doesn't always correlate to its safety rating, according to a recent news release from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The organization issues ratings of "Good," "Acceptable," "Marginal," and "Poor" following crash tests in which a weighted frame approximating a large SUV or truck strikes the parked vehicle on the driver's side at a speed of 31 miles per hour. Side impacts are the second most fatal type of crash -- frontal collisions are generally the most deadly.
Statistically speaking, most young teens don't yet drink, and parents' disapproval of underage drinking is the key reason most young teens give for refusing to drink. Because parents can make a difference in preventing alcohol abuse among young people, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has developed Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol -- a free, downloadable brochure with helpful tips for talking to young people about the dangers of alcohol and alcoholism.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary Toshiba recall of certain AC adapters included as accessories with some Toshiba DVD players. The adapters are being recalled over concerns related to overheating and burn hazards. Consumers should stop using these adapters immediately. The following product information pertains to units affected by the recall:
Bunk beds are a common feature of many children's rooms, especially in homes where floor space carries a premium. Each year, however, thousands of children sustain injuries related to bunk beds -- and not always predictable injuries.
Home Safety Council (HSC) has announced a partnership with HotStop scald-prevention devices to prevent home-based scalding injuries. Approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths each year are attributable to scalding -- most involve the very young or the elderly. The HSC / HotStop partnership is preparing to kick off a public awareness campaign this fall which will continue into next year and educate consumers of the dangers of scalding injuries and ways to prevent them.
There are 585,000 school buses in this country. Many without seatbelts. Yet statistics show that this is the safest way to travel to school. Nevertheless, children are killed each year in bus accidents. On average, five children are killed on school buses each year and another 15 are killed when struck by a bus. The experts estimate seat belts would save an average of one child's life each year.
In Arlington, Virginia, two children were killed when their bus was struck by a garbage truck in April of this year. Twenty-six children wearing seat belts in New York when their bus flipped over only suffered minor injuries.
"School buses are old-fashioned, out-dated and don't give children the benefit of current safety techniques," says Alan Ross, president of the National Coalition for School Bus Safety. He says school buses should have seat belts and be redesigned so they are not so top-heavy and prone to rolling over.
According to Michael Martin, executive director of the National Association for Pupil Transportation, some states, such as New York, New Jersey and Florida require new buses to have seat belts. Only New Jersey and Florida require students to use them.
According to a report calledThe Relative Risks of School Travel, when measured by miles traveled or number of trips, school bus travel is the safest way to get to school. This report was published by produced by the Transportation Research Board.
The most dangerous way to travel to school is teens driving to school — 100 times more deadly than riding a school bus, when measured by miles traveled.
If you or your family member have been seriously injured in an accident you can contact the attorneys at Regan Zambri & Long by clicking here or calling 202-463-3030.
One helpful resource for reducing teen drinking and its associated dangers is DontServeTeens.gov, a public service website maintained by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The website offers tips for reducing teens' access to alcohol, talking points for discussing the dangers of alcohol, and a directory of state laws aimed at reducing underage alcohol consumption. Distinct categories of the site address how everyone can help curb teen drinking, whether you're an individual, a member of an organization, a member of the media, a retailer, or law enforcement personnel.
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October is Fire Safety Month, and while much can be said of fire prevention, early detection of fire is critical to keeping it contained and preventing personal injuries. The Home Safety Council reports that while 97% of American homes contain a smoke detector, one is seldom enough -- particularly if it's installed improperly. The organization reminds consumers of the following concerning home smoke detectors:
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On September 21, 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of 1 million Simplicity cribs due to safety concerns. The cribs were made in China and sold in various department stores in the United States. This is not the first recall of Simplicity Cribs. The CPSC links the Simplicity Cribs to two infant deaths and another child's death is under investigation. The company and agency also report 7 cases of infants becoming trapped and 55 other cases of drop-rail complaints.
Families are asking why it took so long for Simplicity and the CPSC to act? The Chicago Tribune reported that President of Simplicity, Inc., Ken Waldman, contended that his company makes safe products and was cooperating with the CPSC. Mr. Waldman did not say why the recall did not occur earlier. "This is the thing to do and that's why we decided to do it now," he said.
Another very disturbing development is that parents report calling for the repair kits and being told that the kits are not available or kits have been received with no written instructions.
Recently, an Anne Arundel County, Maryland jury awarded the parents of a five-year-old boy a verdict in excess of $4 million dollars in damages related to their son's drowning in 2006 wherein he was found floating on the surface of Crofton Country Club's outdoor pool, as reported by The Baltimore Sun.
Trampolines are popular recreational devices. Trampolining is even an official Olympic event. Used improperly, however, trampolines can contribute to serious personal injuries. Having a trampoline on your property can carry important premises liability connotations. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 91,870 people received treatment for trampoline injuries in U.S. emergency rooms in the year 2001, alone. Ninety-three percent of those visits involved children under 15 years of age. Following were the most common trampoline-related injuries:
"Colliding with another person on the trampoline.
Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline.
An influx of new students and the expiration of many residential leases makes fall a good time to highlight the rights of tenants and the obligations of landlords in preventing personal injuries in rental properties. In D.C., the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) helps to protect the interests of tenants -- both residential and business -- through the enforcement of safety codes, and by conducting inspections and regulating land use and development. The DCRA may conduct on-site inspections of a property if concerns are raised relating to the following circumstances:
Accidental deaths in the U.S. are increasing at an alarming rate according to data recently released by the National Safety Council (NSC). Over the last 10 years, the rate of accidental death has jumped by more than 20%. In fact, accidents are the number one cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 41, with approximately one death occuring every 5 minutes. The top-ranking causes of accidental death are as follows:
Mattel Recalls Various Barbie Accessory Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Various Barbie Accessory Toys
Units: About 675,000
Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.
Hazard: Surface paints on the toys contain excessive levels of lead which is prohibited under federal law.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves various Barbie accessory toys that were manufactured between September 30, 2006 and August 20, 2007. The model names, product numbers and affected date code numbers are listed in a chart on CPSC's web site. The product and date code numbers are printed on the largest component of the toy sets.
Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from October 2006 through August 2007 for about $10.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Mattel for instructions on how to receive a free replacement toy of equal value.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mattel's Fisher-Price hotline at (888) 496-8330 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.mattel.com/safety
Fisher-Price Recalls Geo Trax Locomotive Toys Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Geo Trax Locomotive Toys
Units: About 90,000
Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.
Hazard: Surface paints on the toys contain excessive levels of lead.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves the Geo Trax Freightway Transport and Geo Trax Special Track Pack locomotive toys. These toys are red with yellow paint on the ladder and horn details. The recalled models were manufactured between July 31, 2006 and August 20, 2007 and have a date code between 212-6CK through 325-6CK or 001-7CK through 232-7CK marked on the bottom of the product. The packaging on the Freightway Transport model is marked H5705 and the packaging on the Special Track Pack model is marked K3013.
Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from September 2006 through August
2007 for between $3 and $16.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product in order to receive a free replacement toy.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price toll-free at (888) 496-8330 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com
Fisher-Price Recalls Bongo Band Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Big Big World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys
Units: About 8,900
Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.
Hazard: Surface paints on the toys contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal law prohibiting lead paint on children's toys.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled toys have two bongos, including one with a yellow and green plastic drum base with a blue drum surface. The other bongo is yellow and green plastic drum base with an orange drum surface with "It's a Big, Big World" printed on it. The toys were sold with animal shaped accessories including a monkey, bird, tambourine and drum stick. The toys have product number K9343 inside the orange drum. A date code between 139-7SH and 232-7SH is printed on the drum's orange ring surface. Bongo Band toys included in this recall must have both the product number and date code.
Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from July 2007 through August 2007 for about $20.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price for instructions on returning the product in order to receive a free replacement toy.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at
(888) 496-8330 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.mattel.com/safety
Many families who own guns admit they don't store them safely according to a recent study published in the medical journal Pediatrics. The study involved more than 3.700 parents with children between 2 and 11 years of age, interviewed in the offices of pediatricians in 45 states and Puerto Rico. About half of all families with guns reported that they were not kept locked and roughly 20% failed to store firearms and ammunition in separate locations.
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Clothes dryers contribute to approximately 15,600 house fires, 400 injuries and 15 deaths each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Failure to clean lint from those dryers is a leading cause of fires. Improper installation and maintenance are also common contributing factors. Clothes dryers force hot air through a revolving drum to dry clothes. The lint that accumulates during this drying process is mostly caught in a filter trap, but some also accumulates in both the dryer and the dryer vent. This accumulation of debris reduces airflow through the machine, raises temperature levels, and provides a highly flammable source of fuel for a residential fire.
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September is Child Passenger Safety Month -- a month when children begin commuting to school each day and spending more time on the road. Designating the month as a time to focus on child safety is one aspect of a national effort by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) to save lives by preventing injuries to children. This national campaign, called "Boost to Safety," focuses on the importance of child safety seats.
September is National Preparedness Month -- a collaborative effort of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Ad Council to help ensure that Americans across the country are equipped to respond to emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. Throughout the month of September, the coalition works to help people take simple steps toward emergency preparedness.
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Only seven percent of U.S. households have taken three basic steps the American Red Cross recommends to prepare for a natural disaster, according to an agency news release. The organization advises that those steps can be conveniently summarized as: Get a kit, Make a plan, Be informed. In extended format, the steps are as follows:
"Assemble or buy a disaster kit containing at least three days of supplies in an easy–to–carry container, like a backpack. It’s also important to check that stock every six months and replace expired items.
As part of your family plan, each person should know how to reach family members and where to meet if they can’t go home.
Families should learn about what types of disasters or emergencies are most likely to occur where they live, work and play, and take first aid and CPR courses—a vital component of disaster preparedness."
Roughly 3,800 injuries -- and even 34 deaths -- occur every year due to scalding injuries from tap water that is too hot, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Most of these injuries involve senior citizens, children, and water heater thermostats that are turned up entirely too high. Don't take hot water temperatures for granted. The Home Safety Council offers the following tips to help reduce the risk that anyone suffers a scalding injury in your home:
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Graco Children's Products, Inc. and Britax Child Safety, Inc. have each recently issued safety alerts related to certain models of child safety seats for automobiles.
Affected Graco seats have misrouted lower anchor belts -- a flaw that could prevent the seat from remaining firmly restrained in the event of a collision, and potentially lead to serious injuries. On affected units, the lower anchorage belt was mistakenly routed behind the shoulder portion of the harness rather than under the buckle portion of the harness. These seats are not being recalled, but the manufacturer has issued a safety notice and instructions for re-routing the lower belt.
The Britax seats are being recalled because under certain circumstances, when the harness adjuster strap is pulled from an angle, the bezel may separate from the restraint shell, causing difficulty with the proper adjustment of the harness. This difficulty may lead to improper usage or adjustment, and a loose-fitting belt may ultimately cause injuries in the event of an accident.
Many families will soon hit the road for one last summer trip or vacation, but many will overlook one of the most important safety considerations of all, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) -- the condition of their vehicle's tires. Proper tire condition (including proper inflation) can improve your vacation in the following ways:
"Improves vehicle handling
Helps protect you and others from avoidable break-downs and accidents
Late summer is a popular time for recreational boaters, and consequently a time of increased boating injuries, many of which involve alcohol as a contributing factor. Operating, or even riding in a boat while intoxicated poses a number of dangers that may not become evident until it's too late. According to the U.S. Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.), alcohol is particularly dangerous to boaters for these reasons, among others:
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Approximately seven students die and 47 more are injured each year in college dorm fires, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Worse, data suggests that the number of fires has been increasing. The new data triggered an alarm at CPSC, and the organization issued a public warning this week, as thousands of students head toward campus to begin the new academic year.
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Many teens with graduated or provisional driving licenses will soon resume their daily commutes to high school or college, presenting a good opportunity to brush-up on some safe driving skills. The automotive safety website, Teendriving.com, offers the following suggestions for teens to prevent accidents or injuries specifically while driving to and from school:
"Get to school five to ten minutes early and leave five minutes late to avoid the mad dash into and out from the parking lots. Many accidents happen when kids are rushing around.
If your school lot has perpendicular spaces (not angle parking), park in a space you can pull straight out of instead of having to back out. Backing out in crowed lots is tricky. Also, the Key Driving School has written me that pulling straight through a parking space is illegal in some states--so check your local traffic laws before using this tip.
Watch for kids getting on and off school buses--and don't run into the school buses, either.
Go slow
Don't leave valuables like wallets, shoes, leather jackets or sports equipment in your cars where they can be seen because they invite break-ins.
Always stop for school buses with flashing lights. The flashing lights mean that students are either getting on or off the bus--and may be crossing the street. Their safety depends on cars obeying this law.
Don't park in fire lanes around the school. Not only will you probably get a ticket, but you could be blocking the area where a fire truck needs to park in case of an emergency."
Teens need more sleep than younger kids -- 9 or more hours per night -- but they frequently get 6 hours or less, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Though insufficient sleep carries a number of negative implications for teens' health, it can make them particularly dangerous drivers. Here are nine things all teen drivers and their parents should know about the dangers of drowsy driving:
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According to the U.S. National Safety Council (NSC), children under the age of 6 are at the greatest risk of lead poisoning. Most significant, perhaps, is that it is difficult for parents to identify that their children are suffering from lead poisoning. The symptoms are often subtle, and differ according to age.
Though lead occurs naturally in the soil, it can be toxic to humans, particularly in high concentrations. Those higher concentrations are most typically associated with industrial products made with refined lead. For instance, prior to 1978, house paint commonly contained lead; until recently, so did gasoline. Lead poisonings are all too common, and frequently involve children, who ingest chips of lead paint commonly found in older homes, or who simply breathe the dust of deteriorating, lead-based paint.
Vinyl baby bibs sold at Toys "R" Us stores may contain dangerous levels of lead, according to a recent Washington Post article. The bibs were produced in China for Louisiana-based Hamco Baby Products.
According to the Post article, the Center for Environmental Health in Oakland, California -- a nonprofit environmental advocacy group -- purchased bibs from Toys "R" Us and had their lead levels independently analyzed earlier in the year. When they failed to meet acceptable health and safety standards, the group notified the store and threatened legal action if the bibs weren't removed from shelves.
Toys "R" Us is conducting additional tests on the bibs, and has said the products will be removed if found to contain unacceptable levels of lead. According to the store, the products it sells are regularly analyzed to ensure acceptable lead levels. This additional testing is being conducted in response to the findings of the Center for Environmental Health, and in response to a decision by Wal-Mart to remove lead-tainted bibs from its shelves earlier this year. Wal-Mart removed its lead-tainted bibs after the Center for Environmental Health determined that they were unsafe and threatened legal action.
Parents should pay special attention this fall to safety issues surrounding back-to-school clothing, helmets and art materials, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Thanks to CPSC, avoiding personal injury this season is as easy as remembering your ABCs:
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State laws mandating the immediate license suspension of any driver who fails a breathalizer test have a deterrent effect on drunk driving and save approximately 800 lives each year, according to a new study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. The study also found that license suspensions which occur after conviction of the offense have relatively little deterrent effect. The study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Substance Abuse Policy Research Program (SAPRP), is one of the most comprehensive examinations of the efficacy of drunk driving laws ever conducted.
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Physician-based counseling of patients regarding the proper use of seat belts and admonitions for driving while intoxicated do not lead to demonstrated improvements in behavior or public health, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Research conducted by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has found that while physician counseling causes no apparent harm, the benefits attributable to it are generally negligible. The group recommends that physicians and their patients may be better served by using office visit time to focus on other preventive care issues.
Kids who bully others and kids who are victimized by bullies each face an increased risk of psychiatric disorders by early adulthood, according to a study recently published in the journal Pediatrics. According to comprehensive study data, frequent bullying behavior in childhood reliably predicted antisocial personality, substance abuse, and depressive and anxiety disorders. Frequent episodes of victimization predicted future anxiety disorders in adolescence.
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More than a third of all U.S. kids between 9 and 15 years of age live within a mile of school, yet fewer than half of them regularly get there by walking or riding a bicycle, according to a study recently published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The phenomenon has important public health implications in a time when many schools have acted to shorten or eliminate recesses and physical education classes. According to the study, in 1969, 90% of kids who lived within a mile of school regularly walked or rode a bike to get there. In 2004, only 48% walked or rode a bike once or more per week. Students in the southern U.S., students living in mostly rural areas, and students of parents with advanced degrees were found to be most likely to catch a ride.
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Mattel, Inc. has announced an expanded recall of 9 million toys due to health threats posed by powerful magnets and toxic lead paint. Approximately 1.5 million toys were recalled on August 1st, all of which had been manufactured in China. These latest additions were also manufactured in China. Among those magnetic toys most recently recalled are Polly Pocket toys, Barbie and Tanner sets, Doggie Daycare sets and Batman figurines. Sarge characters from the movie Cars are being recalled due to toxic surface paint.
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A web-based Dangerous Dog Registry has been launched by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The database, modeled after the state's sex offender registry, can be searched by zip code or locality, and is designed to alert Virginians to the whereabouts of dogs with an established history of violence. Each dog listing includes a description of any attack(s), primary and secondary breed information, photos of the offending animal, the address at which it resides and other pertinent information.
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Bicycling is a healthy, environmentally-friendly, low-cost way to commute and it can be enjoyable recreation, as well. While safety equipment such as helmets and reflective clothing can help you avoid crashes and injuries, knowing the traffic rules for cyclists in your jurisdiction and developing your cycling skills can also contribute to your safety. Maryland, Virginia and D.C. laws all require bicyclists to be familiar with street signs and markings, and to follow the rules of the road -- as well as other rules that apply in off-road situations. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association, in conjunction with the D.C. Department of Transportation and Arlington County, Virginia, publishes a booklet entitled "Safe Bicycling in the Washington Area," which lists relevant bicycling laws and travel tips by jurisdiction.
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As the new academic year begins, many metro area kids will resume walking to school each day. While walking is great exercise, it also puts people at risk for pedestrian injuries. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that young children face a particular risk, because they move quickly and are unaware of many dangers. The agency offers the following facts regarding injuries to preschoolers:
"Most preschoolers are injured near their home or on their own street.
Most crashes involving preschool children happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Most crashes involving preschoolers occur in fair and warm weather.
Twice as many preschool boys are injured than preschool girls."
More than 33 million Americans are injured in their homes each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). While some home-based hazards arise from new trends or technologies, many are age-old dangers -- the unanchored stove that tips forward and burns a curious child, for example. To help increase awareness of preventable home injuries, CPSC recently published its list of "Top Five Hidden Home Hazards." A serious injury can change your life, or the life of your child, forever. Your own awareness of these "Top Five" dangers can be your best protection from personal injury:
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Red yeast rice and red yeast rice supplements are often marketed as cholesterol-lowering alternatives to medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced, however, that some red yeast rice products may lower peoples' cholesterol because manufacturers have been illegally lacing them with lovastatin -- the active ingredient in Mevacor, a prescription cholesterol drug. The FDA has issued warnings related to the following specific red yeast rice products:
Red Yeast Rice and Red Yeast Rice/Policosonal Complex, sold by Swanson Healthcare Products, Inc. and manufactured by Nature’s Value Inc. and Kabco Inc., respectively
Cholestrix, sold by Sunburst Biorganics.
They warn that the products are particularly dangerous because consumers may be eating the rice for its health benefits precisely because they are not good candidates for treatment with lovastatin. Additionally, they may not know the side effects of lovastatin or the ways in which it could interact with other prescription drugs they may be taking.
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While backpacks can make your child's life easier in the short-term, they can give rise to long-term health consequences in the form of back injuries if overloaded or worn improperly. Compared to brief cases or bags designed to be carried, backpacks are preferable, as they distribute weight more evenly across the body, allowing it to be supported by the back and abdominal muscles. Before you send your child back to school with a backpack, review the following injury prevention recommendations by experts at the Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders and Orthopedic Center, as reported in Medical News Today:
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U.S. children made approximately 51,000 emergency room visits between 2001 and 2003 for injuries resulting from school bus-related accidents, according to a study recently published in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers note that kids between 10 and 14 years of age accounted for the greatest proportion of injuries. Most of those injuries (43%) were the result of motor vehicle accidents, and roughly a quarter happened as a child was approaching the bus.
According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), 23 million students nationwide rely on buses to get to school. The agency offers the following recommendations to help reduce the number of school bus-related accidents, and to protect your children and yourself as children begin returning to school this fall:
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Metro area neighborhoods will observe the 24th Annual National Night Out -- a crime and drug prevention and awareness event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), a national nonprofit crime prevention organization. The event occurs each year on the second Tuesday in August. Thirty-four million people are expected to participate in "America's Night Out Against Crime" this year. In D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty and Police Chief Cathy Lanier will kick off the event at the Ledroit Park Market in the Northwest. In Montgomery County, community events include parades, free food and other recreation. In Fairfax County, a kick-off event will be held at Camelot Elementary School in Annandale, from 3pm to 5pm, with refreshments and child fingerprinting among other activities.
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After a local incident of carbon monoxide poisoning, D.C. Fire and Rescue officials say the episode was likely related to a malfunctioning hot water heater in the basement of a house. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and practically odorless gas, and is highly dangerous.
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Whole Foods Market has issued a recall of Swiss Dark Chocolate Bars marketed under the 365 Organic Everyday Value label, because they could contain undeclared almonds. The chocolate bars were sold in stores throughout the U.S., including Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the bars affected by the recall have a lot code that begins with the letters "L71423" followed by a time stamp of between the hours of 11:33 and 12:15. The time stamp can be found on the back of the wrapper. The recall is only being conducted because the product ingredient label does not include almonds -- a flaw that has been tied to a temporary error in the packaging process. Customers who purchased the chocolate bars can return them to the store for a full refund, or may call Whole Foods Markets at (512) 542-0656. According to the Nemours Foundation, sponsor of the popular Healthy Kids' Organization, some of the earliest signs or symptoms that you're experiencing a nut allergy may include: Continue Reading...
Fisher-Price and its parent company, Mattel, Inc., are recalling 83 kinds of children's toys, including Sesame Street, Sponge Bob and Dora the Explorer figures among others, because surface paint on the toys contains high levels of lead. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has stated that the toys were available in most major retail stores between May 2007 and August 2007, for prices between $5 and $40. The recall is the first ever for Fisher-Price or Mattel, Inc. involving lead paint, and the largest recall for Mattel, Inc. in nearly a decade. No injuries have yet been attributed to the toys, which were manufactured in Chinese facilities.
CPSC advises that parents who have purchased any of the recalled toys immediately place them out of reach of children, and contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498, or by visiting their recall website, at http://www.service.mattel.com, to obtain replacement instructions.
A previous recall of Castleberry's Food Company products contaminated with deadly Clostridium botulinum has been expanded significantly to include more than 90 items according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Many contaminated canned goods are beginning to swell and explode as a result of the bacterial growth. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), consumers must be especially careful in handling and disposing of these infected products, preventing any kind of human exposure to their contents. The agency's website provides the following advice regarding proper disposal:
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Bicycle accidents bring nearly half a million people into U.S. emergency rooms each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Approximately 700 of those patients die as a result of their injuries. Bicycles can be dangerous for kids and adults, alike. Before you take to the road or trail next time, be sure to take your health and safety into consideration.
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According to a recent FDA Notice, Gerber Products Company (a division of Novartis Consumer Health) is voluntarily recalling 8-oz containers of Organic Rice and Organic Oatmeal baby cereals due to the presence of non-dissolving cereal lumps that pose a choking hazard in infants. The food has been distributed across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Consumers who have the cereal in their possession are instructed to call the Gerber Parents Resource Center at 1-800-443-7237, or 1-231-928-3000 to receive a refund.
For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
Dog bite injuries send approximately 800,000 Americans to the doctor each year and half of those are children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Among those injured, approximately 386,000 go to emergency rooms, and nearly a dozen die.
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The Hasbro corporation is recalling approximately 1 million children's Easy Bake ovens. The move follows 249 incidents of kid's hands becoming stuck in the opening, and 77 incidents of burn injury, 16 of which involved second or third degree burns. One 5-year-old girl sustained burns that necessitated finger amputation. An earlier recall of the same toys involved the installation of a repair kit, whereas this recall requires a complete replacement of the toy. Continue Reading...
A recall of the Thomas & Friends wooden train set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has once more thrust the safety of imported goods -- particularly those from China -- into the spotlight. This latest recall of the Thomas & Friends set stems from the presence of lead in paint used to manufacture the toys. If ingested, the paint can cause brain damage. According to the recall notice, approximately 1.5 million units are affected by the recall. Customers are advised to collect the toys immediately, and to contact the importer for a replacement toy.
The CPSC notice states: "For additional information, contact RC2 Corp. toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at recalls.rc2.com."
If you or a family member believe that you have a case involving personal injury or a defective product, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.
High school football players are three times more likely than college players to sustain catastrophic brain injuries while playing, according to a study recently published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Catastrophic injuries are those that may include brain bleeding and swelling -- injuries that can easily leave a player with permanent brain damage. Among U.S. high school players, seven of these catastrophic events occur annually, according to physicians. Continue Reading...
According to a recent study published in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, between the years of 1990 and 2004, more than 140,000 kids made trips to U.S. emergency rooms due to lawn mower accidents -- almost 9,400 visits annually. The average age of the injured children was 10.7 years, and 78% were boys. Most typically, injuries included lacerations, burns, eye damage, soft tissue damage and bone fractures.
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Recently, multiple local news sources have reported that as many as 23 Arlington County, Virginia residents have been exposed to a rabid stray kitten and have begun taking a series of preventive rabies injections. Authorities are searching for another kitten and the mother. Continue Reading...
A new standard for mattress safety has been mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) this month, requiring that mattresses manufactured on or after July 1, 2007 be more fire-resistant. The standard is aimed specifically at reducing the release of heat in the event that a mattress is ignited. CPSC estimates that design changes may prevent as many as 270 deaths and 1,330 injuries each year.
Local News4 has reported that a 18-year-old Oxon Hill, Maryland girl recently was struck by lightning, and later died from her serious injuries. She was waiting beneath a tree at a bus stop. It was National Lightning Safety Week. Last year alone, 246 U.S. residents were injured by lightning and 47 were killed.
Experts recommend that if you find yourself outdoors in lightning, you should quickly take shelter in a large, enclosed building -- its wiring and plumbing will direct lightning bolts away and from you and into the ground. If one isn't available, the next safest place is an enclosed metal vehicle (though not a convertible). Carports, pavilions or sheds without electricity or plumbing are not safe. Continue Reading...
As of July 1, 2007, children under the age of 8 must be secured in a booster seat when riding in a motor vehicle in Virginia. According to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) news release, the new law also requires that rear-facing child seats be placed in the back seat of vehicles. Those seats may be placed in the front if the vehicle has no back seat, but only if the passenger seat has no airbag, or if it has been disabled. An exemption to the booster seat rule is permitted if a physician certifies that a child's weight or other physical or medical limitation make it inadvisable. Virginia law has previously only required safety seats for children through the age of 5.
A local 9-year-old Queen Anne's County boy was seriously burned this week by an ignited sparkler, an incident that serves as a reminder of the dangers posed even by novelty fireworks.
This Fourth of July, personal fireworks and sparklers could easily spark forest fires, according to the Virginia Dept. of Forestry. In a recent news release, the agency warned that a lack of rain throughout the month of June has left much surrounding timber particularly dry and vulnerable to wildfires this summer. As an alternative to personal fireworks displays this year, they urge residents to attend one of the many public events scheduled around the D.C. Metro area.
Traditionally, summer is a time to enjoy many outdoor recreational activities. Unfortunately, it's also the time of year when people are most likely to be injured. A little awareness of some basic summer hazards can help ensure that you spend your vacation time relaxing, and not racing to the nearest emergency room.
A longstanding safety problem with kitchen ranges could affect as many as 20 million homes in the U.S., consumer advocates warn. Affected ovens tip forward when weight is applied to open doors or lower drawers, crushing and burning consumers in the process. According to Public Citizen, a national non-profit public interest group, reports of fatalities include children as young as 12 months, weighing as little as 24 pounds, and elderly people who lean on the appliances for support, particularly when cleaning or cooking. More than 100 reported cases of death and injury from scalding due to hot foods have surfaced to date. Officials believe the true number is actually much higher.
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Independence Day is celebrated across the U.S. each year with spectacular public fireworks displays, as well as smaller private ones. Each carries a potential for personal injury. As you prepare to celebrate this holiday season, we hope you'll exercise good judgment in preventing injuries when possible, and by being prepared to respond should an accident occur. The following tips are offered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
"Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal 'safe' firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
Observe local laws.
Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting."
Senior Beach Week is a popular June event in the DC Metro area in which many area graduates and other young people take to area beaches in celebration. Unfortunately, it's a tradition associated with an increased incidence of binge drinking, underage drinking, unprotected sex, and illicit drug use.
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George Robinson and Elisa Kelly are in jail in Virginia for providing alcohol to their 16-year-old son and his friends, as part of a 16th birthday party celebration. The story, widely covered in the national media, prefaces a season of graduation and prom parties, and serves as a warning to adults who may consider purchasing alcohol on behalf of minors.
The teen celebration, with 30 underage attendees, was held five years ago and supervised by the couple, who collected the keys of all party-goers before serving alcohol. The party was later interrupted by police, who determined that nine minors had been drinking, though none had consumed enough to reach the legal blood alcohol limit for adults. The parents' original sentence of eight years was reduced to 27 months, and the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear their appeal.
The Century Council and the American School Counselor's Association offer the following prom tips for parents, to safeguard the health of your teens this summer:
"Make sure your child has a plan for the evening and that you know it.
Work with the school to have food served during the prom.
Know all of the 'hot spot' destinations.
Take stock of the alcohol in your home.
Know who is driving -- if it's a limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.
Discuss the school's prom rules with your child and the consequences for violating them.
Encourage seatbelt use -- the best accessory!
Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.
Communicate with other parents and school officials.
Bills under consideration in the U.S. Senate and House would require visibility standards for all cars, SUVs and light trucks to prevent accidents involving small children in driveways and parking lots.
According to a report in the May / June 2007 issue of Public Citizen News, as of May 7th, 2007, there have been 235 non-traffic motor vehicle accidents reported this year, involving a total of 261 children, and 77 child fatalities.
A Senate Bill under consideration, named The Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2007, would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to devise a rear visibility standard for automakers, as well as require manufacturers to install technology that would make brake pedals be fully depressed before vehicles could shift into gear. It would also force manufacturers to install technology that would automatically retract a power window when sensors detect an obstruction.
Data concerning non-traffic automobile injuries has recently become more available, due to the passage of the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act. The law required the NHTSA to begin compiling statistics concerning child injuries in driveways and other off-road locations.
If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving an automobile accident, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that each year, 260 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools, and many are entrapped by the suction from dangerous pool and spa drains. To help keep people safe in a season when many people seek relief from the heat in pools, the American Red Cross offers the following swimming safety guidelines:
"Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim well.
Never leave a child unattended around water. Children should never swim unsupervised, and everyone should always swim with a buddy.
Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. A reaching pole, a ring buoy, a portable phone and U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are recommended. A pool alarm can also add a layer of protection.
Be sure the pool is surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least four feet high. It should not provide any footholds which would allow a child to climb over or spacing to climb through. The fence should have a self-closing, self-latching gate that is locked when the pool is not in use.
Learn Red Cross CPR. Insist that babysitters, grandparents and others who care for your child know CPR. Post CPR instructions in the pool area."
"Do not let your child use air-filled 'swimming aides' because they are not a substitute for approved life vests and can be dangerous.
Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them."
The CPSC advises that the dangers of drain-related entrapment can be reduced by heeding this advice:
"Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken drain cover. Be sure a newer, safer drain cover is in place. The new drain covers are normally dome-shaped -- instead of the old flat drain covers.
Consider adding a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS),a device that will automatically shut off the pump if a blockage is detected.
Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for entrapment or entanglement hazards.
Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump.
If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the powerful suction, pry a hand between the drain and the person’s body to break the seal."
Area residents of Montgomery County, MD are also encouraged to call that county’s Pool Safety Hotline this year to request a free evaluation of their private swimming pool. The hotline number is (240) 777-2239.
If you or a family member has suffered injuries from defective swimming pool conditions, please contact Regan Zambri and Long at 202-463-3030 or contact us on line.
A recent article in the journal Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the orthopedic dangers of "Heelys" -- popular kids' shoes that feature a partially-embedded, removable wheel in the heel. Authors of the study recommend that protective gear be worn at all times while using the products, and that children learning to use the shoes be closely supervised.
"Heelers" -- those using the devices -- can alternate between walking and rolling by shifting their weight to various parts of their feet while wearing the popular shoes. "Street Gliders," another type of product, operate similarly, but are designed to temporarily attach to regular sneakers.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has also reported an increased incidence of injuries related to the sneakers. Those injuries predominately affect the wrists, hands and elbows, but the group also notes a potential for head injury among users. They recommend the following guidelines for those who may decide to use the new products:
"Learn the basic skills of the sport; particularly how to stop properly, before venturing out.
Wear a helmet, wrist protectors and knee and elbow pads.
Avoid rolling in crowded walkways.
Avoid rolling in traffic. If you come to a cross walk, obey traffic signals, stay to the right side of the sidewalk and don’t weave in and out of crowds.
Heel on smooth surfaces, away from traffic.
Do not let a young child heel unsupervised."
We urge parents to exercise good judgment in buying safe and age-appropriate toys and sporting goods for their children, and always encourage the use of protective equipment. If you have any questions at all about the products you or your children are using this summer, please feel free to contact us.
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June is a month of many graduation celebrations in the metro area. Too often, post-graduation parties end in tragedy when hosts or party-goers drink and drive, or make other poor decisions. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD, formerly Students Against Driving Drunk), along with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) offer this advice to parents of teenagers who will be attending graduation parties:
"Reinforce your expectations. Throughout their high school years, you've set rules and established the consequences for breaking them. Perhaps you've loosened up on a few rules, like curfew. But be clear -- drinking or drug use remains unacceptable. Being an upperclassman has privileges, but it also has responsibilities.
Encourage your teens to make each moment count. They only get one senior year. Let them know you don't want them to miss out on things because of bad choices, like drinking or drug use. One bad choice could change their lives forever.
Provide safe alternatives. Parties abound during senior year. Plan chaperoned alcohol-free parties around graduation."
A Summer Crime Initiative is underway in the District of Columbia to help curb the increase in violent crime that tends to occur throughout cities during warmer months. The summer initiative includes mandatory overtime for officers, as well as 12-hour shifts of street patrol. According to the D.C. police chief, the first weekend of the initiative resulted in a 10 percent dip in crime rates. Neighborhood activists also praised the initiative for creating a high profile presence for police officers and sending a message that the police department is responsive to community concerns. The summer crime-fighting plan relies on proactive patrols and other tactics developed after analyzing a pattern of crime trends for the past five years.
If you're out and about in the city this summer, the Metropolitan Police Department offers the following advice to keep you from becoming the target of robbery or assault:
"Personal Safety Tips on the Street
If possible, don't walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is always safety in numbers.
Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes, and other potential hiding places.
If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Don't stop to talk to strangers.
Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don't burden yourself with too many packages or items.
Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don't turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Metropolitan Police Department at 3-1-1. Or, if it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewelry in public."
To stay safe on the metro transit system, in particular, the Metro Transit Police Department offers the following tips:
"Late Night Travel Tips:
Travel with someone you know.
Stand near other passengers when waiting for a train or Metrobus
If you feel uncomfortable, move near other people or look for a Metro employee for assistance.
Ride in a rail car occupied by other people or sit in the first car where the train operator is located.
Be alert to your surroundings.
Protect Your Electronic Device:
Carry your electronic device in a pocket or a place where it is not easily seen or in easy reach of others.
Be smart about when and where you use your electronic device.
Change the color of your ear piece so that it does not readily suggest you carry an expensive electronic device.
Avoid sitting or standing near the doors of rail cars or Metrobuses.
Report suspicious behavior and objectionable conduct immediately:
Call the Metro Transit Police at (202) 962-2121
On a Metrobus, tell the operator.
In a station, use the emergency telephones located on platforms to talk to a station manager.
In a rail car, use the emergency intercoms located at both ends of the rail car to talk to the train operator."
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a voluntary recall by BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a subsidiary of Bosch Appliances, of two models of its Thermador ceramic cooktops, which turn on by themselves. Consumers are urged to turn off these affected units at the circuit breaker between uses, and immediately contact the manufacturer to arrange a free in-home repair. BSH's Recall Hotline is 1-800-758-1001.
June is also National Home Safety Month, and to heighten awareness of home safety issues like those posed by defective appliances, the Home Safety Council offers these kitchen and burn safety tips:
"Cooking Safety:
Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the range top.
Keep the range top and oven clean.
Before cooking, roll up sleeves and use oven mitts. Loose-fitting clothes can touch a hot burner and catch on fire. If clothes do catch fire, "Stop, Drop and Roll" by dropping immediately to the ground and rolling over and over or back and forth to put out the flames. Cool the burned area with cool water and seek medical attention for serious burns.
Always turn pot handles inward to prevent small children from reaching and pulling down a hot pan.
Keep hot items, such as hot beverages and trays that have just come out of the oven away from the edge of counters, so that children are not able to reach them.
Hot liquid and food burns often occur when children pull hanging tablecloths or placemats. Use tablecloths and decorations with care.
Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings from microwaved food carefully to prevent steam burns.
For extra care with toddlers and infants, use travel mugs with a tight lid for coffee, tea or other hot beverages.
Keep children and pets away from the range when anyone is cooking and keep a close eye on them at all times.
Every kitchen should be protected by Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). If you don't have them, hire an electrician to install these devices to protect electrical receptacles in the kitchen.
For safer water temperatures to prevent scalds from hot tap water, keep your hot water heater set 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Store knives and other sharp objects out of the reach of children and make sure children are a safe distance away when you are using knives to avoid injuries.
Never leave barbecue grills unattended while in use.
Keep grills at least three feet away from other objects including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall of 450,000 infant car seats by manufacturer, Evenflo. The carrying handle on many units can release unexpectedly, causing falls and other injuries. One hundred sixty child injuries have been attributed to the handles; among them, two concussions and a fractured skull.
The recall notice advises that the child seat is safe to use for travel when properly belted into an automobile, but consumers should not rely on the carrying handle until a repair kit has been fitted to the product.
For additional information regarding this product safety recall, call Evenflo at (800) 490-7497, or visit the company's recall website.
If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving Evenflo infant car seats, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.
The warning is unique in that it carries no legal weight, as the understaffed agency lacks the number of commissioners necessary to compel Kazuma to comply with an investigation.
According to CPSC, however, owners should stop using the ATV immediately, and demand a refund from the importer or dealer from whom it was purchased. The model’s lack of front brakes and parking brake, as well as its missing neutral indicator light, and ability to be started while in gear, make it a particularly unsafe vehicle. Additionally, the owner’s manual lacks important information regarding its safe operation. Because this model is designed for users between 6 and 11 years of age – riders whose handling skills are under-developed – the defects are considered especially dangerous.
Even “safe” ATVs can be dangerous if not used appropriately. If your summer vacation plans include ATV use, do yourself a favor and consider these ATV recommendations from the National Safety Council:
"An ATV is not a toy. Children should not be permitted to operate ATVs without specialized training and then they should be allowed to only operate an ATV of an appropriate size. Contact the ATV Safety Institute to enroll in a course.
ATVs with an engine size of 70cc to 90cc should be operated by people at least 12 years of age.
ATVs with an engine size of greater than 90cc should only be operated by people at least 16 years of age.
Wear appropriate riding gear: DOT-, Snell ANSI-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
Read owners manuals carefully.
ATVs are not made for multiple riders. Never carry anyone else on the ATV.
Any added attachments affect the stability, operating and braking of the ATV.
Just because an attachment is available doesn't mean that it can be used without increasing your risk of being injured.
Do not operate the ATV on streets, highways or paved roads."
Grilling season traditionally begins on Memorial Day weekend. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), every year 30 people die as a result of gas grill fires and explosions and another 30 people die from CO poisoning from their charcoal grills. In addition, more than 100 people are injured in grilling accidents.
Before beginning your grilling season, conducting a quick inspection of your grill will help ensure that you and your family will be safe. CPSC offers the following safety tips for gas grilling:
"Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through the main part of the burner.
Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hoses or tubing.
Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.
Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.
Never use a grill indoors. Use a grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill."
Of course, common sense guidelines should not be forgotten. Always shut off the valve to propane tanks when not using your gas grill. Keep children and pets away from the grill while it is in use and until it has cooled after use. Use proper utensils that allow you to be a safe distance from the grill while cooking. Do NOT wear any loose clothing while grilling.
Storage of LP gas containers requires caution. Always keep containers upright and never store them under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids near the grill. When transporting LP gas containers, never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk and always transport the container in a secure upright position. Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers. Continue Reading...
According to a recent comprehensive study of nearly 300,000 fatal accident crashes over seven years, from data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers of vehicles involved in head-on collisions are twice as likely to die in an accident if the backseat passenger is not wearing a seatbelt and the passenger is three times more likely to die from the accident. In this scenario, the backseat passenger essentially becomes a "backseat bullet," increasing the risk of death significantly for both the driver and the passenger. The lead author of the study, James Mayrose, Ph.D., further described the situation, " The unrestrained occupant is thrown into the seat in front of him, forcing the driver into the steering column and dashboard."
The research was conducted by Center for Transportation Injury Research (CenTIR), affiliated with the University of Buffalo and the Calspan UB Research Center. In addition to the increased risk of death to the driver, the research results showed that there was a four-fold increase in the maximum force to both the head and chest of the driver when the backseat passenger was unbelted. These tests were conducted at the CenTIR testing complex in Buffalo, using instrumented crash test dummies.
Another member of the group, Dietrich Jehle, associate professor of emergency medicine and Erie County Medical Center site director of CenTIR, emphasized, "It is estimated that if we approached a rear seat-belt usage rate of 95 percent, more than 800 lives would be saved and more than 65,000 injuries prevented in the U.S. This would represent savings of approximately $3.8 billion per year in the U.S."
Jehle added, "Less than one-third of states require adults sitting in the backseat to wear seat belts, We hope our findings will prompt drivers to make sure that all backseat occupants are properly restrained. If all rear-seat passengers would buckle up, thousands of lives and billions of dollars could be saved."
If you or a family member has suffered injuries in connection with an automobile accident, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our electronic newsletter, please click here.
High school students become anxious over proms for any number of reasons, including expenses. On the other hand, parents are much more worried about their child's safety. Several common-sense tips for parents and their prom-focused teen are offered by News for Parents, an on-line parenting magazine.
Talk to your child about specifics: itinerary, contact information, curfew, etc. "Discuss drinking, drugging, driving under the influence, and sex. Reinforce your belief in their character and ability to act responsibly."
Know who you child will be riding with and the rules for avoiding the dangers of driving under the influence. "You need their promise on these rules. These rules are non-negotiable."
Make certain that you and your child have post-prom parent-child check-in calls. Establish some mandatory call-in times.
Give your child the unconditional option of calling you at any time for help or advice.
According to Mothers Against Against Drunk Driving (MADD), "Statistics show that traffic deaths among teens during typical prom season weekends (March 1-May 31) are higher than any other time of year. In 2005, 290 young people ages 15-20 were killed in alcohol-related crashes—of those 198 deaths involved a 15-20 year old impaired driver."
Locally, Montgomery County Schools has become affiliated with a national program, "Every 15 Minutes" designed to give teenagers a "real-life experience without the real-life risks." Promotional material for "Every 15 Minutes" states that, "This powerful program will challenge students to think about drinking, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved."
According to a recent press release by 24-7 Press Release, an on-line press release
distribution service, "Child car seats can cause serious damage or personal injury if not
designed or used correctly."
"/24-7PressRelease/ - March 21, 2007 - Motor vehicle accidents are the leading
cause of death for anyone in the U.S. from birth until his or her teen years. Child
car seats are designed to prevent death and minimize injuries to children in the
event of an automobile accident. There are many reasons why child car seats
sometimes do not perform as they should, not the least of which is that many
parents do not know when to use them or how to use them correctly. In addition
to failing to protect a child from harm if a child's car seat that does not work as
intended, a defective car seat can actually cause additional injuries to a child.
The more common child seat defects include:
Shoulder straps may slide loose or unclip under the force of an automobile
collision, resulting in full or partial ejection from the seat.
The slot where the seat belt holds the car seat in position is not strong enough
to hold the seat in place during a car accident.
Inadequate pelvic protection allows the child to slide down in the seat during a
car crash.
Other problems include weak construction, unanticipated rotation, sudden
releases and defective handles, among others. Holding child car seat
manufacturers liable for injuries resulting from their defective products ensures
that child car seat quality and technology will continue to improve.
When you buy a car seat for your child, you should frequently check if the car
seat has been recalled. Manufacturers are required to fix the problem free of
charge. If your car seat is recalled, be sure to get it fixed immediately.
Information on child car seat recalls is available on U.S. Department of
Transportation website. You may also obtain updated information by calling
the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT, which is provided by
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
One of the easiest ways to keep track if any recalls have been issued for your
car seat is for you to register it. If you have an older model that has not been
registered, the Auto Safety Hotline provides information on how to do so.
Before you call the Auto Safety Hotline, however, you should have the
Manufacturer's Name, the car seat's name and model number, and the date
of manufacture readily available. You may find this information on labels that
are typically attached on the back, the side, or underneath the car seat. If the
information is in number codes, it may be best to have the car seat readily
available when you make your call.
Of course, when initially purchasing a car seat for your child, you may wish
to first consult a consumer reporting agency and pay close attention to
height and weight limits of the car seat as your child grows. You should
also make sure that the car seat is compatible with your car."
In a recently published article by NewsWireRelease, Debra Holzman, recognized safety and health expert, and author of The Safe Baby: A Do--It Yourself Guide to Home Safety, offers some practical advice and a checklist of suggestions to help keep young children safe:
Never carry a baby younger than one year on your bicycle.
Select the right helmet. Look for the CPSC standard sticker inside the helmet.
Choose seating approved by ASTM (American Standard for for Testing and Materials).
Carry children in child trailers pulled by the bike. Attach a 6 foot red or orange flag to the trailer for better visibility.
Have the bike store where your purchase a carrier install it for you.
Make certain that the following features are included for your rear-mounted child seat: high back, sturdy shoulder harness, snug fitting lap belt, spoke guards
Practice riding your bike with a weight comparable to the child's weight before allowing the child to ride with you. Bikes handle and balance differently with extra weight.
Both you and your child should wear brightly-colored clothing and close-toe shoes.
Ride only in daylight, in safe areas, avoiding busy roads and bad weather. Obey all traffic laws.
Give up cycling with a child who is too fidgety to ride safely.
Easter baskets are traditional gifts for adults and children of all ages. Along with the traditional colored eggs, chocolate bunnies and stuffed animals, many people include live baby chicks or ducklings in their Easter baskets. Because they look so soft, cuddly and cute, many people do not realize that how harmful live baby chicks and ducklings can be for small children. According to the Centers for for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young birds often carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be particularly dangerous and contagious for young children.
The CDC website answers the following questions regarding the hazards of giving small children live chicks or ducklings as Easter basket presents:
Why should I not buy chicks and ducklings as Easter gifts?
How is Salmonella transmitted?
How do I know if a chick or duckling has Salmonella?
How do I reduce the exposure of young children to Salmonella from chicks and ducklings?
What are the signs of Salmonella infections in humans?
How are Salmonella infections diagnosed and treated?
Are there any government restrictions concerning the sale of chicks?
According to the CDC National Center forInfectious Diseases, Salmonella is more likely to affect infants, children younger than five years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people receiving treatment for cancer.
We encourage everyone to avoid including live baby animals in their Easter celebrations, so that this time of year can be healthy for their families.
For many years, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and defendants generally have settled cases with the caveat that the settlement and facts of the case be kept secret forever. Although their wrongdoing may have seriously, if not fatally, injured victims, their goal was to shield the rest of the world from their misconduct. In a recent decision governing the professional conduct of lawyers, the District of Columbia Office of Bar Counsel has made clear that a settlement agreement “may not compel counsel to keep confidential . . . public information about the case, such as the name of the opponent, the allegations set forth in the complaint on file, or the fact that the case has settled.” Bar Counsel rightly determined that, among other things, suppression of this information works to keep important information from other victims who deserve to know that their injuries may have been caused by the wrongdoing of others.
For the complete text of the rule governing lawyer conduct, please click here.
According to NHTSA chief Nicole Nason, the plan is to update the federal regulations governing auto safety seats and the system in automobiles for securing them without using safety belts. "It's not an easy solution," Nason said. "We want to make children as safe as possible, give parents the best information and make the technology available to protect children in vehicles."
Nason also indicated that although the plan doesn't include whether to require side-impact crash tests for child safety seats, it remains under consideration.
Several automakers want better labeling of child safety seat anchors in vehicles. Automakers and car seat manufacturers are scheduled to in April, 2007 to discuss issues of common concern.
"The LATCH system has been required by Congress since 2002. But a December study by NHTSA showed that 40 percent of parents are still using seat belts to restrain children.
Safety experts emphasized that the safest place for a child is in a properly restrained child seat. Even though just 5 percent of children are unrestrained, they account for 30 percent of fatalities, said Adrian Lung, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Every day, roughly five children die and 640 are injured in U.S. automobile crashes. Car accidents remain the leading cause of death for people ages 3 to 35."
Following a recent story by Consumer Reports, the safety of car seats jumped to the public's attention. Although the report condemned most infant car seats and was later discredited, it shocked parents and prompted numerous calls to the government and car-seat makers.
"The summit brought together automotive company safety officials, child seat makers and experts to talk about how to better inform parents on the proper use of child safety seats.
On Tuesday, Consumer Reports' publisher, Consumers Union, named two well-respected independent auto safety experts to review the discredited infant car seat tests.
Brian O'Neill, former president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and Dr. Kennerly H. Digges, director of Vehicle Safety and Biomechanics at the National Crash Analysis Center in Virginia, a former senior executive at NHTSA.
"We are confident that they will conduct a thorough review of this incident and determine what went wrong," said Consumers Union President Jim Guest."
On January 18, 2007, Consumer Reports withdrew its recent claim that most infant car seats failed the magazine's front and side crash tests. A new report will be published with any necessary revisions as soon as possible after the new tests are complete.
The magazine stated: "[W]e withdrew the report immediately upon discovering a substantive issue that may have affected the original test results. The issue came to light based on new information received Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning the speed at which our side-impact tests were conducted."
Consumer Reports still urges the public to remember that use of any child seat is safer than no child seat, but to suspend judgment on the merits of individual products until the new testing has been completed and the report re-published.
For more information, please review the statements made concerning this issue by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Consumer Reports.
According to the Washington Post, many Maryland students still lack immunization shots necessary to attend class. At least 3,851 students were barred from schools in Prince George's County.
Ensuring that your child has up-to-date immunizations is one of the ways parents can help students achieve their best. Immunizations benefit students because they prevent the spread of harmful infections such as chicken pox, whooping cough and measles. Many childhood diseases, can be prevented with the following immunizations:
MMR - protects against measles, mumps and rubella
IPV - protects against polio
DTP - protects against diphtheria, lockjaw and whooping cough
Hib vaccine- protects against hemophilus influenza type b ( causes spinal meningitis)
While small cars may be back in vogue, according to the latest crash test results they do not provide you with the same protection as sport utility vehicles (SUVs) or pick up trucks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), only one of the eight models tested, the Nissan Versa, received high marks in both side and rear crash tests. Three of the other models, the Toyota Yaris, the Honda Fit and the BMW Mini Cooper, scored well in side tests but received low ratings in rear tests.
Experts caution that even the safest subcompact car cannot overcome its inherent size and weight disadvantage. On average, subcompacts weigh 4,000 pounds less than midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer. "People traveling in small, light cars are at a disadvantage, especially when they collide with bigger, heavier vehicles. The laws of physics dictate this," says Institute president Adrian Lund.
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many parents continue to improperly use the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) technology designed to better secure child safety seats to vehicles due to a lack of education about the system. “LATCH was supposed to simplify child safety seat installation for parents and this study shows that isn’t happening,” said NHTSA Administrator Nicole R. Nason. LATCH is an installation system that was created to standardize the manner in which child safety seats are attached to vehicles without using a seat belt. LATCH consists of two lower attachments and an upper tether on a child safety seat that connect with lower anchors and a top tether built into a vehicle’s back seat.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Nicole R. Nason recently called for a comprehensive solution to a tragic problem – children who are backed over by motor vehicles. The agency submitted to Congress a report on the effectiveness of various backover avoidance technologies currently available to consumers. NHTSA intends to work with safety advocates to educate parents and other caregivers about the importance of educational programs like "Spot the Tot" while pushing for improvements in video technology that provides drivers with a view behind a motor vehicle. Please review the NHTSA press release for more information.
If you have any questions related to this important issue, please email the attorneys at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration (NHTSA) has announced its "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit Under Arrest" Campaign. The Campaign consists largely of a promotional planner designed to assist communities in preventing drunk driving related fatalities. "The intent of this promotional planner is to provide you with marketing materials, earned media tools and marketing ideas you can distribute to fit your local needs and objectives while at the same time partnering with other states, communities and organizations all across the country on this promotional program."
Earlier this year, the D.C. Council passed the Pedestrian Protection Bus Safety Amendment Act of 2006. The purpose of the act is to protect pedestrians by prohibiting motor vehicle drivers from passing on the left and pulling in front of a bus in order to make a right turn when the bus is at a bus stop or intersection to pick up or discharge passengers. The vehicle must stay or merge behind the bus before turning.
During the month of December, warning notices are being issued to drivers. D.C. government agencies are informing drivers and encouraging them to be careful of pedestrians around buses. Beginning on January 1, 2007, violators will be fined at least $100.00.
This law applies to the following public transit buses that operate in the District: Metrobuses, Downtown Circulator, Georgetown "Blue Buses," Maryland and Virginia state commuter charters and Tourmobile vehicles.
During the holidays, families frequently include children in kitchen activities. Constant and close supervision of children is critical to prevent injuries. Because children have thinner skin, burns can be much more serious for them than for an adult. Safe Kids Armstrong, a Pittsburgh chapter of Safe Kids, a worldwide organization working to prevent accidental childhood injury, offers specific common-sense suggestions to parents and caregivers while children are helping in the kitchen:
"Never leave a hot stove unattended.
Never hold a child while cooking or carrying hot items.
Cook on back burners whenever possible, and turn all handles toward the back of the stove.
Don’t allow children to wear loose-fitting clothing in the kitchen.
Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables.
Tie up electrical cords of small appliances. A toddler playing with a dangling cord can pull a toaster or microwave down from a countertop.
Install a carbon monoxide detector to alert everyone to get out of the house if there is a buildup of the odorless toxic gas given off by fuel-burning appliance."
Bicycles are very popular gifts for children during the holiday season. An important consideration when giving a bicycle is to include an appropriate helmet as part of the gift. Frequently, when children have outgrown their old bike, they have outgrown their helmet as well.
The benchmark for helmet safety is whether the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards are met. General guidelines for helmet safety and purchase are provided by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Included on the website are safety ratings for various helmets, recommendations for when to replace helmets, guidelines for fitting helmets, recall information, state helmet laws, and links to manufacturers.
Low light and dark conditions make bicycle riding more dangerous than usual. Consequently, cyclists should exercise additional caution and make certain that their lights are in good working condition. According to a recent article in the Medford (OR) News Tribune, bicycle lights serve three primary purposes:
To help the rider see the road ahead.
To be seen by others quickly and easily.
To help oncoming motorists identify the direction the cyclist is traveling in (white lights are on the front of the bicycle, red or yellow behind).
"The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires all new bicycles to have a forward facing white reflector on the front of the bicycle, sideways facing white reflectors on each wheel, a red reflector mounted on the rear, and yellow reflectors mounted on the front and back of each pedal."
Other recommendations by the CPSC include:
"Be sure your bike has reflectors required on all new bicycles by the CPSC bicycle regulation. Each bike should have front and rear reflectors, pedal reflectors, and side rim or wheel reflectors. Use front and rear lights (as required in many States) to help make your bicycle more noticeable to cars at night. Small battery-operated lamps strapped to your legs also help.
Wear reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to automobile drivers. Wear a reflective vest, reflective bands on arms and legs, and reflectorized tape on helmet.
Always wear a good helmet with a rigid (but crushable) interior material which may help absorb the force of an impact. (This is important for daytime riding, too.)
Never allow children to ride at night.
Avoid riding on dark, narrow roadways where the posted speed limit is more than 35 mph."
In order to reduce rising numbers of highway fatalities, more Americans must take steps to protect themselves, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters recently said in connection with a study released on November 28, 2006 announcing changes in the seat belt and helmet use figures from 2005 to 2006.
In a November 21, 2006 release, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) has called for warning labels on toys with magnets after more than 4 million Mattel, Inc. play sets were recalled due to injuries to several children who swallowed magnets that fell off. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which announced the recall of magnetic Polly Pocket sets as the holiday gift-buying season begins, urged shoppers to avoid buying toy sets with small magnets for children under 6. The recall does not include Polly Pocket play sets now on store shelves, which were redesigned to make them safer, according to CPSC spokesperson, Scott Wolfson. The CPSC received nearly 200 reports of the small magnets falling from Polly Pocket dolls and accessories. Three children swallowed more than one magnet and suffered intestinal perforation that required surgery. U.S. PIRG said the CPSC should require labels on all magnetic toys warning parents to seek immediate medical help if their child has swallowed a magnet.
A recent article by Herb Weisbaum (aka "Consumerman") stresses that automobile purchasers should pay closer attention to a vehicle's safety features rather than it's color and style. A potential car buyer should look to see if the vehicle possesses key safety equipment and options. One new and important safety measure is Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
ESC uses computer sensors to monitor the motion of your car. If it detects that your vehicle is about go out of control it will automatically reduce the speed and brake individual wheels as needed. This feature allows the driver to concentrate on steering.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that ESC reduces your risk of dying in a single-vehicle crash by more than 50 percent and lowers the likelihood of a rollover accident by 80 percent.
While one in five students reported smoking, those who scored higher on the research’s “smoking media literacy” score were significantly less likely to be smokers or become smokers in the future.
Britax Child Safety, Inc., is conducting a recall of its “Companion” infant-only car seat model E9L14, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some of the seats were improperly assembled, and might cause serious injury or death to a child in the event of a vehicle crash.
Owners of the seat may call Britax at (888) 427-4829. If the carrier was assembled incorrectly, Britax will replace the seat free of charge.
If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving a child’s car seat, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.
According to the Consumer Public Safety Commission, 202,300 children were treated in emergency rooms in 2005 due to toy-related injuries. Included among those injuries were 7,820 children under 15 who suffered from eye injuries, most of whom were injured by air, BB or Spring guns. Most of the injuries were not caused by defective products.
Prevent Blindness America, a volunteer eye health and safety organization, recommends the following toy safety tips:
"Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.
Slingshots and even water guns are dangerous because they invite children to target other kids.
BB guns should not even be considered toys.
Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact.
Look for the letters “ASTM.” This means the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.
Read directions carefully and follow suggested age levels. Ask yourself if the toy is right for your child’s ability and age.
Repair or throw away damaged toys.
Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.
Make a list of safety rules and share them with your child. If your child is playing with friends, tell everyone your safety rules.
Remain aware of recalled products. For further information on toy and product recalls, visit the U.S. Product Safety Commission Web site at www.cpsc.gov."
The Detroit Free Press recently reported that parents were lobbying Congress for stronger bills that would mandate certain measures to prevent children from being run over by a vehicle backing out (back-over), accidental suffocation by power windows, and injuries when the vehicle is shifted out of park.
The discourse regarding whether or not iPods and similar new gadgets are causing measurable hearing loss based on time the device is used, particularly in young consumers is an ongoing debate. A recent Harvard study presented at a conference on noise-induced hearing loss in children may alleviate some concerns regarding use of devices at normal volumes.
While all states use some combination of age and weight requirements for children and the mandatory use of child restraints in the form of car seats or booster seats, the overwhelming majority of states have no associated or alternative height requirement, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There is, however, a height recommendation advanced by NHTSA, and through billboards and other media, NHTSA is promoting the message that children should ride in booster seats until they are at least 4-feet, 9 inches tall. The reason is very simple - seat belts, according to NHTSA, are designed for people who are at least that tall. In fact, NHTSA also reports that shorter children wearing seat belts only are four times more likely to suffer serious head injuries during a collision than children in child seats or booster seats.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. CO poisoning can cause brain damage and, in severe cases, death. Because you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it, even at toxic or life threatening levels, it is considered a silent killer. Since so many deaths occur as the result of defective or poorly operated home heating devices, CO has been termed the "silent, cold weather killer." According to eMedicineHealth, it is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, while all people are at risk for CO poisoning, certain groups — unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems — are more susceptible to its effects.
In 2001, a group of concerned parents in Southern California noticed that a certain lollipop popular in their community markets was recalled due to high levels of lead. They approached a local grassroots organization – the Environmental Health Coalition – with a request to test a wider range of candies. When initial results tested positive, the Orange County Register was approached about conducting an investigative report. They found a high rate of unsafe lead levels in candies specifically prevalent in local community stores.
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Because excited trick-or-treaters tend to forget about traffic rules, drivers need to slow down and be extra careful on Halloween, according to a statement from AAA Auto Club South.
AAA also suggests that drivers:
Keep an eye out for children in dark costumes
Follow all street signs carefully
Be vigilant when entering and exiting alleys and driveways
The statement also offers advice for trick-or-treaters and parents.
If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving personal injuries from an automobile collision, please contact us online at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at (202) 463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our complementary electronic newsletter, please click here.
A new study reported by the Journal of Adolescent Health has found that media literacy in students is substantially correlated with smoking behavior. The study found in particular that students with a higher smoking media literacy index were nearly 50% less likely to be current smokers or be susceptible to smoking in the future than their peers.
As reported by the Journal, media literacy is teaching students to watch Baywatch just as they would read Beowulf. As seen in the study, this approach holds some significance in influencing adolescent behavior, in particular as it relates to the prevention of smoking.
The University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center reports that on Halloween between 4 and 10pm there is a significant increase in falls, pedestrian injuries, and burn-related injuries. In fact children are four and a half times more likely to get struck by a car on Halloween night than any other night of the year.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has labeled October as National Fire Safety Month. Across the country, fire departments will be focusing on educating the public on the importance of fire safety. Each year many lives are lost to fire. Many of these losses could have been avoided had proper precautions been taken. Fire Safety Month provides an excellent opportunity to focus on fire prevention and bring fire related issues to the forefront. There are numerous things that you can do to ensure that your family is prepared for a fire emergency. An excellent resource for fire safety tips is the USFA's handbook entitled: "Working Together for Fire Home Safety." The most important fire safety related tips that you can do for your family are to:
Properly install, maintain, and test smoke detectors on each floor, outside each sleeping area, and in each bedroom.
Develop and then practice your family's home fire escape plan. Everyone should know exactly what to do if you need to escape from your home.
Halloween can be a fun time for kids and adults, but it can also be one of the most dangerous nights of the year. Here are a few tips to follow to help ensure a safe and happy Halloween:
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, violent acts ranging from bullying and harassment, to more life-threatening incidents such as fights and school shootings, occur in schools across the nation on a daily basis. While most schools have implemented safety programs to keep students safe, the National Crime Prevention Council offers tips on how parents can take specific steps to improve the safety of their child’s school environment.
The National Crime Prevention Council, which developed the "Be Safe and Sound Initiative" in collaboration with the National PTA, provides the following tips for parents, community members and educators, on how to make schools a safer and more pleasant environment for learning.
Every year enjoyment of summer is marked by tragedy when swimmers drown or are permanently injured in near-drowning accidents. It has been estimated that as many as 350 children under the age of 5 drown in pools each year and another 2,600 are treated for near-drowning incidents. Other dangers exist as well, especially of spinal injuries or paralysis from diving into too shallow water or injury from slips and falls.
The NCIPC lists preventative measures to minimize the risks to your child.
Put Them in the Proper Safety Seat: Child safety seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants, and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4 years.
Children Too Big for Safety Seats Should Use a Booster Seat: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends booster seats for children over 40 pounds until they are at least 8 years of age or 4'9" tall. For children 4 to 7 years, booster seats reduce injury risk by 59% compared to safety belts alone.
Young Children Should Not Be in the Front Passenger Seat: All children ages 12 years and younger should ride in the back seat. This eliminates the injury risk of deployed front passenger-side airbags and places children in the safest part of the vehicle in the event of a crash. Overall, for children less than 16 years of age, riding in the back is associated with a 40% reduction in the risk of serious injury. Appropriately restrained children ages 13 to 15 who sit in the front seat are not at increased risk for injury.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds parents to take precautions for keeping their children safe as they return to school. In a recent press release, CPSC advocates that parents prepare to keep their children in the classroom instead of the hospital emergency room.
Some specific guidelines include:
Remove drawstrings from children's outer clothing.
Make certain that soccer goals are securely anchored when in use, never allow children to climb on them and anchor them securely when not in use.
Only buy art suplies that contain the statement, "CONFORMS to ASTM D-4236."
Children frequently act without thinking first, particularly in a playground or school setting. Parents need to constantly emphasize "Safety First" to their children.
Most parents who work rely on child care services to care for their children during the work week. At some point or another, due to the environment and the close proximity of children in day care, that infants and toddlers are bound to be exposed to infection and illnesses.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced earlier this month that all uses of lidane as an agricultural insecticide would be banned in the future. Although existing supplies can be used up, manufactures have agreed to stop any new sales in the United States. Lidane is a toxic chemical known to cause seizures, damage the nervous system, and weaken the immune system. It was previously banned in 52 other countries.
However, the Food and Drug Admimistration (FDA) continues to allow lidane to be used in shampoos and lotions for the treatment of lice and scabies, even though a caution is included in the FDA's lice treatment article as well as alternative treatment suggestions. The state of California has already banned lidane for lice and scabies treatment and other states are considering following suit. Consumer safety groups, including the Pesticide Action Network have asked that the FDA withdraw lidane for pharmaceutical uses, because of its link to brain tumors and hormone disruption.
If your doctor recommends using a lidane-based shampoo or lotion for your child's lice or scabies, ask about the risk of long-term potential side effects as well as alternative medication.
Fun Express, Inc. in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling about 340,000 small bendable toys shaped like cats and dogs. Although no injuries have been reported, it has been determined that the toys contain excessive levels of lead. The toys were given away by libraries nationwide as incentives in reading programs.
For more information, please call Fun Express directly at 1-800-723-6155. The toys should be destroyed immediately.
The National Association of Auto Dealers (NADA) has announced a special promotion to host child safety seat inspections at their dealerships during the month of September, as summarized in the press release, Auto Dealers to Promote Child Passenger Safety in September.
This program is part of its "Boost for Safety" campaign, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to NHTSA statistics, more than 40,000 child passengers under the age of four are injured or killed in auto crashes each year.
The participating dealers will be posted on the NADA website in mid-August.
D.C. defines a “dangerous” dog as one who has been trained to be vicious or has demonstrated behavior that threatens the public.
Dangerous dogs are impounded by the City until a licensed veterinarian has cleared them to be re-released to the owner.
D.C. does not establish any criminal punishment for the owner of a dangerous animal, but does hold owners civilly liable for any bites the animal inflicts.
Maryland defines a “dangerous” dog as one that has killed or inflicted serious injury on a person without provocation, been determined to be “dangerous” by a state official after (1) biting a person, (2) killed or severely injured a domestic animal when not on its owner’s real property, or (3) attacked without provocation.
If your dog is found to be “dangerous,” you may not leave him alone at home unless:
the dog is confined indoors; or
the dog is securely enclosed in a locked pen; or
the dog is securely enclosed in another structure designed to hold him.
Additionally, you may not take him off your property unless he is leashed and muzzled.
Failure to comply with these laws results in a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2500.
Virginia classifies dogs with a history of attacking people or animals in two ways.
The state labels as “dangerous” any dog that has bitten, attacked, or inflicted injury on another person or domestic pet, or killed a domestic animal.
If a dog is labeled “dangerous,” his owner must obtain a license to possess the dangerous dog. To do this, the owner must present evidence that the dog will either be confined to the owner’s yard (fenced or confined indoors) or muzzled, he must post a sign warning others of the dog, and the dog must be permanently identified with a tattoo or electronic device implantation. If the dog is to be taken off the property (i.e. walked), he must be on a leash and muzzled. Failure to comply with this is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, up to a $2500 fine, or both.
The state labels as “vicious” any dog who has (1) killed a person, (2) inflicted serious injury on a person (several bites, serious disfigurement, etc.), or (3) be determined by an animal control officer to be continuously dangerous.
If a court determines a dog to be vicious, it shall be euthanized.
No dogs are per se dangerous of vicious solely based on their breed.
According to Safer Parks, a consumer’s guide to safety at amusement parks and carnivals, amusement rides are “complex, powerful machines that expose children and adults to extremes of speed, height, and dynamic force. Although the rate of injury is low, the consequences of even a single failure can be catastrophic to the individuals involved.” Safer Parks recommends the following safety tips for amusement park patrons of all ages:
Read and obey all posted rules and regulations.
Make sure the ride is appropriate for the rider.
Securely latch all restraints and use grab bars.
Stay in the "locked and loaded" position for the entire ride cycle.
Take frequent breaks if you're riding high-g rides. High-g refers to the force of gravity.
Stop riding before you get excessively tired.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout your stay at an amusement park or carvinal.
Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Don't get on any ride that looks poorly-maintained or if the operator is inattentive.
Report any accidents, problems, or safety concerns to the appropriate officials.
For guidelines on how to report an accident or safety concern, an overview of reporting steps, reporting forms, and links to the appropriate government agencies are located on the Safer Parks website.
The NHTSA and CPSC list the following recommendations on the proper use of bicycle helmets, clothing, rules of the road, and education and training programs in efforts to ensure safer bicycle usage:
The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education provides a link to each states' licensing and regulation information.
Following are the links for each of the local jurisdictions:
Now that school is over and summer has arrived, families frequently are looking for outdoor activities. The American Red Cross website provides guidlines for Summer Safety Tips for consumers. Topics of interest include water safety, boating safety, sun safety, hiking and camping safety, beach safety and backyard safety. To protect your family and prevent a family vacation from turning into a disaster, use common sense and follow safety guidlines.
As is standard during the summer and New Year's Eve, many people light sparklers, ground-based fireworks, and other forms of pyrotechnics. Here are a few safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
Always read and follow label directions.
Have an adult present.
Buy from reliable sellers.
Use outdoors only.
Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
Light only one firework at a time.
Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
Never give fireworks to small children.
If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.
Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
A timely article by the Washington Post gives us an opportunity to follow up on our recent post about Virginia's new law regarding parental liability for teenage drinking. Marc Fisher of the Post wrote an informative article about the indifference of some parents towards teenagers drinking in their house. We’d like to pass along some highlights, but be sure to read the entire article when you have time.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released their 2006 ratings for Child Safety Seats in June. In general, the seats are safer than they were last year. In 2006, 85 of 99 seats received an “A” rating, as opposed to only 74% of the seats in 2005. The administration attributes this to clearer instructions and labels.
In addition to the overall rating, the administration rates how well the seat performs in five categories: assembly requirements; clarity of label; clarity of written instructions; ease of securing child; and ease of installation in a vehicle.
In addition to these rankings, it is very important that the safety seat be properly installed. Most local fire stations assist parents with this.
D.C. offers inspection and instruction once a month from 11-3 on a drop-in basis. To find out which day the service is being offered or to schedule an appointment on a different day, call (202) 727-1778.
Outside of D.C., please contact your local fire station.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have some law regarding child safety seats.
In Maryland, children under 5 or less than 40 pounds must be in a child restraint. Children over 40 pounds or between the ages of 6 and 15 must wear a regular seatbelt.
Virginia is similar; however, the state leaves out the weight restriction. Virginia requires children under 5 to be in safety seats and children between 5 and 16 to wear seatbelts.
The District of Columbia requires children under 7 to be in safety restraints and children between 8 and 15 to wear seatbelts.
On July 1, 2006, a new Virginia law took effect, making it illegal for adults to serve alcohol to minors in their homes. Violators face misdemeanor charges and fines. Governor Timothy Kaine signed the bill in the spring, with overwhelming support by the General Assembly. According to the bill's main sponsor, Del. Brian Moran, " This would require more personal responsibility from parents." The legal drinking age in Virginia is 21.
The law's purpose is to deter adults from allowing teenagers to consume alcohol in or near their homes. The most likey scenario where this law would be enforced is at a large party where the parents are present and they either paid for or served the alcohol to the teenagers. Exceptions are allowed for small family gatherings, guests over the age of 21 and guests accompanied by a parent, guardian or spouse over 21.
The Virginia General Assembly website provides the full text of this new "social host liability" law. Law enforcement officials generally supported the bill but have questioned the feasibility of monitoring and enforcing this particular law. However, lawmakers endorsing the law indicated that its value is more in prevention: "If parents are aware they are breaking the law, they might be less likely to serve alcohol to minors."
Please review the entire advisory for more information. If you have any questions concerning this important topic, please email the attorneys at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at (202) 463-3030.
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