North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Every day, there are more and more recalls affecting the very products in our own homes. Oftentimes these recalls go unnoticed and the dangers continue to lurk in our households. A lot of these recalls warn us of some serious risks for child injury in Winston-Salem and elsewhere.

It's important for parents to stay on top of the latest recall product lists to help keep everyone safe in the household. A good way to stay up to date is to visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website and sign up for email or text message updates regarding the latest recalls. Staying in the know helps to keep your family safe!

One of the most recent recalls to make headlines across the U.S. was the recall of the Push 'N Snap Cabinet Locks that are imported by Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) Inc. These locks don't do their jobs. While they're supposed to help keep small children out of cabinets and keep them away from dangerous and hazardous products, they're not holding up. They work by securing the handles or knobs of your cabinet to keep the doors shut and keep the items inside safely away from children, according to The Washington Post.

Our North Carolina defective product lawyers understand that parents rely on these kinds of products and locks to keep dangerous items away from children and pets. These dangerous and hazardous products include medications, household cleaners, etc. When these products get into the hands of children, results can be deadly. One of the most common results is poisonings. That's why us parents purchase these products and expect them to work!

Push 'N Snap Cabinet Locks:

-The items were sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond, online and retail stores nationwide from 2004 to 2012.

-They worked by wrapping around the knobs and the handles of cabinets to prevent children from opening them.

-The Safety 1st logo is embossed on the front of the lock.

-It's been proven that children can disengage the cabinet locks and can get into cabinets to potentially access to contents within.

-There have been 200 incidents reports filed.

-There have been nearly five reports of child poisonings.

At this time, we would like to remind parents about the dangers associated with hazardous products within the household and with accidental child poisonings. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are nearly 100,000 children every year who visit the emergency room because of accidental poisonings. Parents and guardians are urged to take the proper safety precautions and keep these items completely out of the reach of children. Talk to them about what each item is and how it's dangerous. Your supervision, preparation and responsibility can help to keep them safe.

Continue reading "Defective Product in South Carolina Increasing Risks of Unintentional Poisonings" »

Family, friends and co-workers are busy shopping at North Carolina malls and retail outlets in an effort to finish up last-minute gift purchases. Defective product accident attorneys in Greensboro, Charlotte and elsewhere want to remind shoppers to be cautious of what they buy because not all gifts are safe or hazard-free.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced that toys are safer due to more stringent manufacturing rules. But even though defective-toy recalls are down the last few years, child injuries and deaths still remain alarmingly high when it comes to toy-related accidents in North Carolina or elsewhere.

In 2010, 17 children under the age of 16 died in a toy-related accident in addition to another 181,500 kids who were injured badly enough to need immediate medical treatment. Parents and consumers should stay away from balloons, small balls and non-motorized scooters as they often put children at risk of choking hazards or fall accidents leading to serious injuries or death.

The CPSC has recently recalled several products for defects or safety hazards. Some of them include:

TXT golf cars, Cushman shuttle vehicles and Bad Boy off-road utility vehicles: manufactured by E-Z-GO, approximately 22,000 units have been sold. Drivers are at risk of losing control when the threaded end of the rack rod ball breaks and the ball joint becomes displaced. There have been 71 reported incidents of the ball joint breaking on these units. Products sold for $6,650 to $10,650 at Bad Boy and E-Z-GO dealers nationwide from February 2011 through July 2011.

Rocketfish Battery Case: approximately 31,000 units have been sold in the U.S. The battery case made for 3G/3GS iPhones is at risk of overheating while the phone is charging and can cause a fire. The CPSC has received seven reports of burn injuries or property damage while a phone covered with this product was recharging. The battery cases were sold exclusively at Best Buy stores and Future Shop or were available online between April 2010 and September 2011. The units range in price from $10 to $60. Consumers can receive a Best Buy gift card and instructions on how to return the unit by getting in touch with a local Best Buy store.

KEDS "Know It All" Girls Shoes: approximately 45,000 units have been sold from June through October 2011 at various online retailers or department stores for approximately $23 each. The shoes pose a laceration hazard when the ornamental stars on the heel loosen. There have been 27 reports of scratches or cuts caused by the metal stars coming loose. Girls in possession of these shoes should stop wearing them immediately and return them for a $30 gift card to be redeemed at Stride Rite stores.

More information about these recalls and many others is available online at CPSC.gov.

Continue reading "North Carolina Shoppers Can Check Consumer Group's Website for Defective, Recalled Products" »

With the holiday season fast approaching, parents, caregivers and guardians may be contemplating what gifts or toys to get children this year. This is the time of year we invite all sorts of new products into our lives, increasing our risk of defective product injuries in North Carolina as well as child injuries in Greensboro and elsewhere.

With 3 billion toys being sold annually, our Charlotte defective product attorneys want to remind parents and other consumers that there are loads of hazardous toys placed on store shelves and online toy sites. Try to research before you purchase in order to avoid a preventable injury to your child or loved one.

Safe Kids USA reports that emergency rooms are busy with children injured from defective toys in recent years -- roughly 217,000 visits on average each year.

Children under the age of 14 average a total of 15 deaths from a toy-related accident annually. In 2005, there were 20 child deaths related to a defective toy and 75,000 toy-related injuries for children ages 13 and under.

The most common causes of toy-related deaths are from choking, riding accidents, strangulation and drowning. A high percentage of toy-related injuries are to the head or face but defective toys can also cause broken bones, lacerations and puncture wounds to other areas of the body like legs, arms, hands and chest.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently adopted a new testing system and certification rules for children's products to help prevent defective products from reaching consumers. Domestic manufacturers, private labelers and distributors have a responsibility to catch defective products before they hit the market.

The following requirements are now in place:

-Compliance with product safety standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 with relation to testing and certifying of their children's product.

-Periodic third party testing will now be conducted to ensure product reliability and safety.

-Any changes in product design, the source of the product components or manufacturing is required to be re-tested and re-certified for federal safety standards.

-Labeling is voluntary but children's products may now apply a label "Meets CPSC Safety Requirements" if compliance is met with federal standards.

-Must keep accurate and up-to-date records on testing and certification.

Consumers may need some help when it comes to detecting a hazardous toy. Kids Health offers these tips to parents, caregivers or guardians when purchasing a toy for a child:

-Any toy made of fabric should either be marked with a flame retardant or flame resistant label.

-Look for an "I am washable" indicator on all stuffed toys.

-Materials used for art should state they are nontoxic. Crayons and paints should be evaluated by the American Society for Testing Materials and contain an ASTM D-4236 label for compliance.

-Any painted toy should have been covered in lead-free paint.

-Refrain from purchasing old toys at flea markets or yard sales because they may not be compliant with federal safety standards.

To review past and present recalls on defective products before you shop for the holidays, visit CPSC recalls online.

Continue reading "Holidays Bring Risk of Defective Product Injury In Greensboro, North Carolina " »

In a joint effort, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Company are strongly advising consumers to make sure they don't own the recalled Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers. These units were recalled back in December 2009 but only two percent of the units have gotten the free repair needed to make them safe.

Our Charlotte personal injury lawyers know that these defective dehumidifiers have allegedly caused property damage in excess of one million dollars. In the most extreme case $500,000 in fire damage was caused to a house in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.

The hazardous defect with the 98,000 dehumidifiers is that the power source to the units compressor can short circuit, which results in a fire and burn hazard. There have been a total of 27 incidents reported, including 13 major fires.

With fall approaching and bringing cooler weather, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remind us all to have our fuel-burning heating systems -- including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, boilers, wood stoves, chimneys, vents and flues -- inspected by a trained professional. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is known as the silent killer because it is odorless and colorless.

This deadly gas claims the lives of roughly 500 people every year. The CDC estimates that more than 15,000 people suffer from non-fire related unintentional CO exposure. Over 100 of them die from CO poisoning from heating systems that use natural gas, oil, wood, liquid propane, coal or kerosene. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, vomiting, confusion and chest pain.

CDC offers these helpful tips:
-Have a professional inspect your heating system each year.
-Make sure you have smoke and CO alarms in your house that are battery operated.
-It is a must to have CO alarms in and around your home's sleeping areas and smoke alarms on every level.
-Do a monthly test of your smoke and CO alarms.
-If your alarm goes off, exit your home and call 911, don't investigate the cause.
-Get medical attention right away if you or family members have CO poisoning symptoms.

Space heaters: Use space heaters that are safety tested and certified. Older heaters won't have the needed safety features necessary to keep you safe. Never place a space heater on carpet and keep it 3 feet away from any material that could catch fire. Keep pets and children away from space heaters and always turn the heater off when no one is in the area or when you go to sleep. Unplug the heater when you are leaving for the day.

Fireplaces: Have a professional check the chimney and flue for debris, creosote blockage and leaks. Never start a fire until the damper is open and don't close it until the ashes have cooled. Ashes should be put in a container that is fire resistant and covered. The container should be kept outside and away from anything that is flammable.

Charcoal grills: Never ever use a charcoal grill inside the house.

Gas-powered generators: Often used during power outages, the exhaust from these generators contains carbon monoxide. For this reason they can never be used inside the home and must be used outside and far away from the house.

Continue reading "Heating Units Should be Checked During Fall Season to Reduce the Risk of Injury from Defective Products in North Carolina" »

Parents and their infants can rest a little easier now that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has established new federal requirements for a safer generation of cribs.

Defective products can cause serious child injuries in North Carolina so our Greensboro personal injury lawyers want to remind parents not to take incidents too lightly. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers have an obligation to provide safe products so if your child has been hurt contact an experienced child injury lawyer right away.

Crib manufacturers are now required to meet the following 5 new standards:

• Vertical slats must be made from stronger wood to prevent breakage.


• Hardware which attaches pieces together must be made more durable by having anti-loosening devices which prevent them from falling off or coming loose.


• Drop-side cribs are prohibited from being manufactured or sold. Repair kits and immobilizers are also prohibited.


• Testing for overall safety should be done more meticulously withstanding tougher measures.


• Supports for mattresses should be sturdier.

Crib safety is not the only thing parents need to worry about these days. Several defective products have been recalled which include toys, nursery room items, and clothing. Drawstrings found in children's outerwear clothing has been in the news recently following a CPSC announcement of a final rule addressing neck and waist drawstrings as a strangulation hazard.

Children's upper outwear sizes 2T through 12 with neck or hood drawstrings and sizes 2T through 16 with waist or bottom drawstrings have been recalled and deemed dangerous for small children who wear them.

CPSC announced last month that Macy's Inc. has agreed to a $750,000 civil penalty for failing to report sold merchandise containing a children's outerwear drawstring hazard. The department store had 24 hours to report the retail of children's clothing from 2006 to 2010 after gaining knowledge of the recalled item and failed to do so.

More recently is the announcement by CPSC that CVS Pharmacy Inc. is also cited for a $45,000 civil penalty as a result of failing to report sales of children's hooded jackets with neck drawstrings from August 2008 to January 2009. Golden Grove and Young USA announced a recall of the product back in March of 2009 of which CVS had knowingly sold merchandise but failed to report to proper authorities.

Federal law requires that any product that contains a hazard or defect, creates risk of serious injury or fatality, or fails to comply with consumer product safety rules as set forth or banned by the CPSC be reported within 24 hours of acknowledgement by all retailers, distributors and manufacturers.

Failure to do so leads to harsh penalties.
Parents can do their best to protect their children by monitoring them closely but if your child has been injured by a defective product it is important that you seek legal advice and report the hazard immediately.

Continue reading "Strangulation Hazard a Serious Danger in Children's Clothes, Cribs in North Carolina" »

We have previously reported on our North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog about the importance of child safety car seats and the effect they have in reducing the severity of injuries caused by a Charlotte car accident.

Our Greensboro car accident lawyers want to reiterate the importance of child safety after hearing about the recent car crash that could have taken the lives of 3 young children.

ABC News reports that three children ages 2, 3 and 4 years-old were not strapped into a car seat prior to a crash recently. The crash occurred at the intersection of WT Harris Boulevard and North Tryon Street.

A Mercedes pulled out in front of the car carrying the three children. The mother swerved to avoid hitting the Mercedes and rolled off the side of the road. Police pulled the three young children who were only wearing a seat belt out of the crashed vehicle. Police cited the mother of the three children for driving with a revoked license and driving with children not placed in car seats.

North Carolina law requires that children ages 7 or under and 80 pounds or less be placed in a child safety seat according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Children may be placed in a seat belt that fits properly at age 8 or at 80 pounds, whichever comes first.

Buckle up NC indicates that children 15 and under sitting in the front or back seat are covered under the NC Child Passenger Safety Law. NC Seat Belt Law covers anyone ages 16 or older that is either driving or a passenger in the car.

For parents who are new at traveling with an infant or small child in the car, Car-Safety.org offers answers to these frequently asked questions:

• Why is in important to place my child in a restraint while riding in the car?
• What car seat is considered the safest?
• When can children be placed in a regular seatbelt with no booster seat?
• What car seats are compatible with my vehicle?
• Is a child safe in a built-in car seat?
• What features are important on a car safety seat?
• Where do I take my car seat to have it inspected for federal regulations?
• How do I know if my car seat has been recalled?
• Can a car seat be used after a car crash?
• How long can a car seat be used or is it important to buy a brand new seat?
• Can I install the car seat near an airbag?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers recommendations on how to buy a car seat, what the guidelines and requirements are, information about the latest child safety car seat recalls, and where you can find a safety seat inspection location near you.

Continue reading "Children at Risk of Severe Injuries in Charlotte Car Accidents" »

On the brink of Fourth of July weekend, our Hickory injury lawyers want to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly and leave the array of colors in the sky to the professionals this holiday weekend.

The threat of a North Carolina fireworks accident can be dangerous not only to those performing the exhibition but to those who sit and watch the spectacular flooding of lights falling from the sky. If injured by a defective product this weekend or at any time throughout the summer, contact North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers.

The Charlotte Observer reminds us of the tragedy that happened one year ago on Ocracoke Island that killed four people when a truckload of fireworks exploded. In light of last year's horrifying event, North Carolina is placing new restrictions on pyrotechnic operators this year.

A new law as of February 1, 2011, requires all pyrotechnic operators to be 21 years-old, complete a training course, pass a written exam, and pay $200 to earn a three-year operating license. Legislators have made an exception for those not able to complete the course by July 4th to acquire a temporary 30-day license by paying the fire marshal's office $25 and providing they have performed six North Carolina fireworks displays in the last 10 years.

"We want communities to have fireworks displays and pay tribute to the holiday," said North Carolina Fire Marshal Kerry Hall. "Prior to this law, it was up to local jurisdictions to decide what a pyrotechnics expert is. Now we have a minimum benchmark for everyone in the state."

South Carolina has been practicing fireworks safety since 1991 when a similar fireworks operator licensing law was put into place. South Carolina offers several different options for pyrotechnic licenses which include inside shooting, outside shooting, motion picture companies, or trainees.

The licensing fees range from $100 for trainee licenses to $300 for an unrestricted license. All firework technicians must be 21 years or older in South Carolina unless they are a trainee in which the minimum age requirement is 18. Licensed operators are required to take training and a written exam every two years by the South Carolina Fire Marshal's office.

The Hickory Daily Record reports that last year there were roughly 1,900 people treated for fireworks injuries at hospitals nationwide in the 30 days surrounding July 4th. There were an approximate total of 8,600 fireworks injuries for the entire year in 2010. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers often cause eye and ear damage or burns to the face, hands or head. Firecrackers and sparklers are legal in North Carolina so Hickory Fire Department is conducting surprise inspections to local or retail outlets selling fireworks. Making sure fireworks retailers are not selling anything illegal and following all safety protocols is a priority.

For a safe Independence Day, Hickory Fire Department offers the following safety tips:

• Follow and read all manufacturers' instructions on the fireworks.
• Never light fireworks inside your home.
• Stop, drop and roll if your clothing is on fire.
• Never light fireworks near buildings or dry grass areas.
• Never place fireworks in metal or glass containers before lighting.
• If a firework malfunctions, throw it away. Trying to re-light could cause an unexpected explosion.
• Only buy fireworks from a reliable dealer.
• Always have water handy in case someone gets burned or something catches on fire.
• Children should never be left alone around fireworks. They are not toys and should not be shot at someone.

Continue reading "Severe Injuries to Eyes, Ears, Face and Hands a Result of Hickory Fireworks Accidents" »

Fireworks seem to be synonymous with the Fourth of July, as Americans love to watch them light up a dark sky on a warm summer night.

But as we approach the Independence Day weekend, our Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyers would advise that you leave fireworks up to the professionals. If you decide to purchase fireworks to shoot in your backyard, please be careful. They are dangerous and can cause a long list of injuries.

As the Charlotte Observer reports, there are professional fireworks displays throughout North Carolina. And besides, these events are free and have the best fireworks you can see. They are large, light up the sky and evoke "Ooohs" and "Aaahs" as they go off.

But as many may remember, in 2009, a truck carrying fireworks for Oracoke Island's Fourth of July celebration exploded, killing three people, CBS News reported. The explosion shook homes as 40 minutes worth of fireworks went off in 40 seconds.

What this story reminds us of is the powerful nature of these explosives. They are dangerous and capable of destruction. That's why it's important to avoid fireworks-related child injuries in Charlotte.

Fireworks are one of the most common reasons children are injured in North Carolina. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 60 percent of the people injured in fireworks accidents in 2008 were under 20 years old. And in 2008, there were 7,000 people injured because of fireworks.

In addition to that, seven people were killed. The most common body parts injured were hands and fingers (1,400 injuries), eyes (1,000 injuries) and legs (900 injuries). More than half of the injuries were burns, but bruises and cuts were also reported.

What many people don't understand is that sparklers, which are considered by many to be the safest of fireworks, burn at 1,000 degrees. They can catch a child's clothes on fire or burn their fingers and hands if not used correctly.

And bottle rockets and other flying fireworks can streak out of control and hit people in the eye, causing vision problems or even blindness. And if drought conditions are just right, fireworks can cause fires that can do major damage.

If you choose to buy personal fireworks, act safety in order to avoid Charlotte fireworks injuries. Being injured can turn a joyous holiday weekend into one that brings back bad memories of hospital trips and scars.

Take advantage of these safety tips by The National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Obey local laws
• Always have water handy, either in a bucket or a hose
• Only use fireworks as intended -- don't alter them
• Never relight a "dud" firework
• Use common sense -- keep a safe distance from the shooter
• Alcohol and fireworks don't mix, so have a designated shooter
• Only people over 12 should handle sparklers
• Don't use homemade or illegal fireworks

Continue reading "Avoid Charlotte Fireworks Accidents This Independence Day Weekend" »

SaferProducts.gov, a database headed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), went live earlier this week in an attempt to reduce the risk of product liability claims in North Carolina and elsewhere across the country by disclosing more product information to consumers. This database was mandated by Congress as part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

Residents can now visit the website and submit reviews or reports pertaining to the harm or risks of products. Consumers can also search the database for information on products they currently own or may be considering for purchase.

Our North Carolina personal injury lawyers urge residents to take advantage of this new database and use it to get familiar with the possible risks that may be lurking in their homes. A number of household products are accompanied with unknown risks, and residents are often unaware of these risks because information has been, up until now, difficult to locate.

"CPSC stayed on time and on budget in building this new database," said Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum. "Through SaferProducts.gov consumers will have open access to product safety information that they have never seen before and the information will empower them to make safer choices."

The law put into effect a number of procedures that the CPSC and the database will have to follow for the smooth and accurate function of the website. After a consumer submits a report, the CSPC will have five business days to forward a qualifying report to the appropriate manufacturer. Once the manufacturer receives the report, it will have 10 business days to provide a response or any other comment regarding the claim. At the end of that 10 day period, and once all requirements are met, the database will post the report along with the manufacturer's comments.

The CPSC would like to reiterate that they will only post truthful and accurate reports. If the information fails to meet these requirements, it will be dismissed. They will also not post information that is proven to be materially inaccurate or confidential.

"I believe that an informed consumer is an empowered consumer," added Tenenbaum. "The ability for parents and consumers to search this database for incidents involving a product they already own or are thinking of purchasing will enable them to make independent decisions aimed at keeping their family safe."

The CPSC began accepting business registrations on the website in January. It currently has about 1,500 reports filed by consumers and roughly 1,400 manufacturers signed up through the Business Portal. Signing up through the Business Portal allows businesses to receive a copy of reports pertaining to their products in a timely manner.

"We will continue to accept written, phone and fax reports, as we have for decades," Tenenbaum said. "What is new and significant today is that we are launching an up-to-date system for letting consumers review safety reports alongside manufacturer comments about those reports."

Until this website, the CPSC's website only offered recall information through the database.

Continue reading "CPSC unveils new database to decrease risks of harmful product use in North Carolina and elsewhere" »

The NCGOP opened the current legislative session with a blitzkrieg assault on the civil rights of North Carolinians. High on its list of legislative priorities was so-called tort "reform." The tort reform the NCGOP, supported by the NC Chamber of Commerce, big business and the insurance industry, is pushing is contained in HB 542 & SB 33. HB 542 gives the pharmaceutical industry immunity for dangerous drugs if the drugs have FDA approval. Since all prescription drugs sold in the US are required to have prior FDA approval, the drug industry gets total immunity. Only one other state, Michigan, deprives its citizens of the right to seek compensation for defective drugs. HB 542 also contains what is known as "billed vs. paid" which gives the negligent party in a personal injury case part of the benefit of the injured party's health insurance coverage. This flies in the face of the Republican "personal responsibility" mantra, but the insurance industry is pushing it.

Apparently, Republican ideology takes a back seat to payoffs to campaign contributors. The bill also makes it more difficult for expert witnesses to testify in court and gives 75% of all punitive damages after the first $100k to the state. The latter provision is designed to discourage plaintiffs from seeking large punitive damage awards against big businesses. However, the threat of large punitive damage awards is the only thing that keeps big businesses from producing products that kill or severely injure consumers-- a la Ford Pinto. If it can be made cheaper with no or little accountability, businesses will do it to
increase profits. Bet on it.

The insanity continues with SB 33, which gives ER doctors immunity from their negligence. You heard right. ER doctors are special, or maybe it's just that doctors, hospitals and the AMA fill the GOP coffers. No other profession has immunity from acts of professional negligence. So if this bill passes, you may want to tell the ambulance driver to head to Va. or SC to find a hospital.

The only way to defeat these outrageous bills is for enough NC citizens to express opposition to their state representatives. So if these bills sound like a bad idea to you, please take a few minutes to contact your state reps:

Find my State Representatives

As shoppers hit the malls for Black Friday and the holiday shopping season which lies beyond, our Charlotte, North Carolina child injury lawyers urge parents to use caution when selecting toys and other child products to bring into the home.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled more than 160 child products and toys so far this year. Problems include choking hazards, lead paint, entrapment and amputation hazards and other dangers.

While the number of dangerous toys recalled this year has declined to 44, compared to the 50 that were recalled last year and the 172 recalled in 2008, the number of serious injuries is on the rise.

Last year, 12 deaths were reported as a result of defective child products involving children under the age of 15. However, more than 186,000 children required emergency room visits after being injured by a child product last year, compared to the 152,000 injured in 2005.

Common injuries include contusions, abrasions and lacerations, most often to a child's head or face.

"By limiting metals and chemicals in toys and making the voluntary standard mandatory, CPSC has put safeguards in place for toys to better protect children," said Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "The increase in injuries is a concern, and we want parents to make safe purchases and for children to be safe at play. To help keep what has been called the most wonderful time of the year happy and incident-free, CPSC is encouraging consumers to adopt a three-pronged safety approach."

Toy safety tips for North Carolina parents:

-Choose age appropriate toys.

-Purchase proper safety gear with bikes, skates. etc.

-Beware small parts and choking hazards.

-Keep toys for older children away from younger siblings.

A list of recalled child products in 2010 is available here.

A list of recalled toys in 2010 is here.

Continue reading "Defective products a danger to North Carolina children this holiday season" »

The Consumer Products Safety Commission is recalling a stroller that has been linked to the deaths of four infants.

Our Charlotte injury lawyers fight for the rights of parents who are dealing with a defective product accident in North Carolina. Those who think it is rare for such recalls to involve dangerous child products would be sadly mistaken. Five recalls involving products for children have been announced in the week since the latest Graco stroller recall. So far this year, more than 100 children's products have been recalled by the federal government.

Graco Children's Products is recalling the Quattro and MetroLite strollers due to a risk of entrapment and strangulation. In addition to the four infants that suffered fatal injuries, five have become entrapped and one infant reportedly had difficulty breathing.

The recall involves older versions of the stroller -- those manufactured prior to January 2008 when voluntary standards were instituted to address the height of the opening between the stroller's tray and seat bottom. The new larger openings are meant to prevent infant entrapment and strangulation hazards.

Model numbers of the Graco stroller recall are available here.

The strollers were made in China. It is the latest setback for Graco, a Georgia-based manufacturer of children's products that is no stranger to recalls. It is the second stroller recall involving the company this year. Graco has also recalled cribs and high-chairs in 2010.

Continue reading "Fourth defective product recall this year announced by Graco: North Carolina parents beware of child injury risk" »