Dangerous Products

If you have a new Subaru, your vehicle may have just been recalled because of a dangerous steering issue. According to a CNN Money report, Subaru is recalling 5,379 Legacy and Outback cars that have a defective steering shaft. The recalled vehicles have a steering shaft that is composed of an inner and outer shaft. If these two pieces become separated, the driver can lose his or her ability to steer the car.

Subaru uncovered the potentially dangerous auto defect at a factory in Indiana. The auto manufacturer then received a complaint about a loss of steering control from a driver. They submitted a document to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on May 13, 2013 stating that they plan on notifying dealers about the recall within 30 days.

This is not the only auto recall that Subaru has had to issue in recent months. In April, Subaru recalled about 200,000 Legacy and Outback vehicles from model years 2005 to 2009 for issues with the brake lines. According to that recall notice, the brake lines could corrode if splashed by salt water, making it difficult for the driver to stop the vehicle. In March, about 50,000 Legacy, Outback, and Impreza models produced from 2010 to 2013 and Crosstrek vehicles produced in 2013 were recalled because they run the risk of starting themselves.

Auto manufacturers have a legal obligation to manufacture reasonably safe vehicles. If you have suffered an injury because of a mechanical malfunction, it is important that you:

• Take photos of the crash site and damaged vehicle.
• Notify the authorities before leaving the scene of the crash.
• Preserve the vehicle for a thorough inspection.
• Seek out immediate medical attention and document your injuries.
• Contact an experienced Oklahoma defective product injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.

While you may not be able to prevent an accident from a vehicle defect, being prepared will help you properly cope in both the immediate and distant future.

Honda and Acura vehicles are being recalled for braking issues that can potentially result in serious injury accidents. According to a report in USA Today, Honda is recalling 183,000 vehicles in the United States, including Pilot SUVs, Acura MDX SUVs, and Acura RL sedans, all from the 2005 model year as well as Acura 2006 MDX models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was petitioned to investigate the issue after vehicles started braking suddenly, causing vehicles to veer of the road.

Investigators say that the issue is with the vehicles’ stability control system. When working properly, this system helps drivers maintain control by selectively applying the brakes. Oxidation in a loose bolt or in the wiring, however, can result in sudden and prolonged braking. Anyone with a Honda or Acura SUV from 2005 or 2006 should research if their vehicle is potentially dangerous because of this defective auto part.

Many wonder if these recent auto recalls point to a larger issue with vehicle electronics. Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUVs from 2000-2001 had issues with inadvertent braking. Odyssey minivans from 2004 through 2006 are being recalled in markets outside of the U.S. for similar issues as well. It is absolutely necessary to determine if electronic stability control systems need to be redesigned to make them less likely to fail.

It is the responsibility of all auto manufacturers to provide reasonably safe vehicles. Anyone who has suffered an injury because of a mechanical malfunction would be well advised to:

• Notify the authorities
• Preserve the defective vehicle for a complete inspection
• Seek out immediate medical attention
• Contact a skilled product liability attorney

The Oklahoma City auto defect attorneys at Maples Law Firm know how to hold auto manufacturers accountable for the damages their faulty products cause. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of an auto defect, please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

If you have recently purchased “Fast Classics Country Fried Steaks,” do not eat them until you are sure they are not part of a massive food recall. It is possible that they contain plastic fragments and other foreign materials. The Virginian Pilot reports that Oklahoma-based company AdvancePierre Foods is recalling more than 15,000 pounds of frozen, country-fried steak products that were produced on December 21, 2012. The defective meat has a “best by” date of March 21, 2014 and the case code is 1523560202.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service reports that the Oklahoma food company received two complaints from customers who suffered an oral injury while eating the food. Apparently a piece of a plastic bin broke off during production and shattered into smaller pieces.

When purchasing food for you or your family members, it is reasonable to expect a certain level of freshness and quality. Unfortunately, a number of Oklahoma residents suffer serious injuries or illnesses each year because of defective food products. Victims have suffered devastating mouth and throat injuries, allergic reactions, other forms of serious trauma, and even sudden death.

A food product can be dangerous for a variety of reasons, including:

• Improper Processing: Facilities that are unclean may expose their product to unsafe bacteria or chemicals. Negligent facilities may also fail to remove dangerous pesticides or chemicals from produce or to properly pasteurize milk or eggs.
• Defective Packaging: Food products that are not packaged properly may become unsafe to eat. Food can spoil if the packaging is unsealed or damaged.
• Dangerous Ingredients: There are many processed foods and supplements that have potentially hazardous ingredients that can cause adverse effects.
• Animal Pathogens: There are times when animals become sick or infected with E. coli bacteria. Their meat can prove extremely dangerous if eaten.

If a defective product has injured you or a loved one, please call the Maples Law Firm for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159 to find out how we can help you.

Not all toys are safe for all children. When choosing a toy this Christmas, it is important that you keep in mind your child’s age and skill level. Take the time to read reviews of the product and try to choose products that are safe for your children. In addition to researching toy safety, it is also important to instruct your children about how to safely use a toy. Make sure you read labels and adhere to the age recommendations. Products that are not meant for young children may have small parts that can break and pose a serious choking hazard.

In some cases, the toy itself may not be dangerous, but the packaging material may pose hazards. Plastic wrapping, ties, and packaging materials should be thrown out immediately. It may be in your best interest to stay abreast of recent recalls issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). There are a number of toys and children’s products that are recalled each year because they are defective in some way. Knowing that a product has been recalled can help you prevent a tragic incident.

If a defective toy hurts your child, financial compensation may be available for your losses. The manufacturers of defective products can be held accountable for their negligence. A skilled product manufacturer liability attorney in Oklahoma can help you understand your rights. The experienced attorneys at Maples Law Firm provide free consultations at (888) 226-6159 to anyone who has suffered a loss because of a defective product in Oklahoma. Please contact us today to find out how we can help you.

Toyota has announced two separate recalls involving nearly 700,000 vehicles. According to a report in The New York Times, almost 187,000 Venzas from 2009-2011 and Camrys from 2009, as well as 495,000 Tacoma pickups from 2005-2009, have been recalled for safety concerns. Officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) say that the Venza and Camry models have issues with silicone grease that may cause the brake light to fail. The vehicles may also not start correctly or shift out of “park,” which could increase the risk of a car accident. The grease issues may be linked to grease from the gloves of assembly line workers from one of their plants. The Tacoma vehicles are being recalled because of safety concerns regarding airbags that fail to deploy in a crash.

Toyota is not the only car company that has recently issued recalls on their potentially defective and dangerous vehicles. Nissan has recently recalled about 23,500 Quest minivans from model years 2011 and 2012 because of issues with the fuel-pump control module that has resulted in engine stalling. Chrysler has recently recalled 210,000 of its 2004 and 2005 Jeep Liberty SUVs over concerns that a rear suspension component could rust and break.

It is the responsibility of all auto manufacturers to provide a reasonably safe product. When the design of a vehicle is defective or mistakes are made during the assembly process, the consumer is put at great risk of suffering an injury. In such cases, injured victims or families of deceased victims can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective vehicle.

The experienced product liability attorneys in Oklahoma at Maples Law Firm help injured victims of defective products receive compensation for their medical bills, time away from work, and other related losses. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159 if a defective product has injured you.

Goodyear Tires has issued a defective product recall for about 41,000 Wrangler Silent Armor tires over concerns that the tread could separate and cause a car accident. According to an Associated Press news report, the Goodyear tires involved in this recall can be found on trucks, vans, and SUVs, and were made in 2009. About 27,000 of the recalled tires are now in service. In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the tire maker states that the tread separation could occur “under severe usage conditions.” There is also the danger of a separated tread striking the car and damaging it, or worse, causing a tire failure.

When the recall begins on March 22, Goodyear will replace the recalled tires at no cost to consumers. The recall comes after a fatal rollover accident in Texas earlier this year took the lives of two people. Goodyear has apparently known about these problems for more than a year. The tire maker told the NHTSA that it has been looking at an increase in warranty claims relating to this issue since 2010.

It is indeed unfortunate that it took a tragic accident to prompt this much-needed recall. While tire tread separation can be dangerous for any type of vehicle, it can be devastating when it occurs with an SUV or pickup truck. These vehicles, due to their shape and design, have more of a tendency to roll over in case of tire failure. In such cases, it can be very difficult even for an experienced driver to regain control of the vehicle.

Victims of defective products can seek compensation for their losses by filing a products liability claim against the manufacturer of the faulty product. The experienced Oklahoma product defect attorneys at The Maples Law Firm have a long and successful track record of fighting negligent corporations on behalf of injured victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product, please call our offices at (888) 226-6159 to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.

California-based Toyo Tires is recalling 66,000 tires that may have been made with a kink in the bead, which could lead to tire failure. According to a news report in Auto Week, the company will recall the P225/60R-16 Extensa A/S tires that were distributed in the United States from Sept. 20, 2009, to Nov. 6, 2010. Company officials say some of these tires have a manufacturing defect where they were made with a kink in the bead. This kink could lead to a crack near the bead, especially when the tire is underinflated. When left unattended, the crack could lead to sudden tire failure. The defective tires involved in this recall were manufactured in a Georgia plant and bear the “Made in the USA” label. Those who own these tires will be notified and will receive free replacement tires.

The statement that your life rides on your tires every time you get on the road is not an exaggeration. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure. Underinflation can also affect vehicle handling and fuel consumption, but most importantly, it has a significant effect on overall safety. Underinflation can also lead to structural failures, such as tire tread separation. That is why it is critical to check and adjust tire pressure at least once a month and before every long trip. You can find your vehicle’s recommended pressures on a label located on the driver’s doorframe or in the glove box.

However, if your tires are inherently defective and you are injured as a result, then the manufacturer of the defective tire can be held liable for your injuries and losses. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, the experienced Oklahoma City dangerous products lawyers at the Maples Law Firm can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Britax Child Safety has issued a product defect recall for 14,220 child safety seats because of defective shoulder harnesses that may not hold the child in place in the event of a crash. According to a news report in The New York Times, the recall comes nine months after the company made a change in its manufacturing process to correct the defect. Product manufacturers are required under the law to notify federal safety authorities within five business days of its plan for a recall. Failing to do so can result in civil penalties. Britax sent the letter to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) only on January 26, 2012. Company officials tell the Times that they did not delay notifying the agency.

Britax started to receive complaints about the restraint failure on the Chaperone infant car seats since March. These defective seats were made between September 2010 and May 2011. The model numbers of the affected seats are E9L692J, E9L692K, E9L692L, and E9L692M. Britax traced the problem to a faulty aluminum rivet that is supposed to secure the harness strap adjuster to the seat. If the rivet breaks, the harness adjuster can detach, leaving the child unprotected in the event of a crash. Britax received 57 complaints related to the defect, but has no record of injuries or fatalities.

Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to consumers to manufacture safe products. They also have a duty to inform the appropriate agency as soon as they find out that a product is defective so that consumers can be alerted about those safety issues, especially in this case where infants are involved. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product that was poorly manufactured or defectively designed, the experienced dangerous products attorneys in Oklahoma at the Maples Law Firm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us at 1(888) 226-6159 to find out how we can help you.

Every two weeks a child dies due to a falling piece of furniture or an appliance, according to a recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, the agency urged that these deaths can be prevented with education and awareness, specifically calling parents and guardians to carefully examine these kinds of items and either fasten or anchor pieces that have any chance of falling.

From 2000 to 2010, the CPSC received accounts of 245 tip-over accidents that resulted in fatalities of children 8-years-old and younger. Over 90 percent of those accidents included kids 5-years-old and younger. Approximately 67 percent of these cases involved fatal trauma to the head. Additionally, from 2008 to 2010, over 22,000 kids 8 years of age or under are given medical care in hospital emergency rooms each year for these types of injuries. Similar to the fatalities, most of the injuries (56 percent) are trauma to the head. And 70 percent of these incidents involved televisions, while only 27 percent included furniture alone.

The most familiar tip-over situations include small children who unknowingly climb on, attempt to pull themselves up, or fall into some kind of weighty furniture or appliance. The CPSC offers of the following tips to help stop these types of tragic accidents:

• Always fasten movable items to the wall or ground.
• Anchor both the furniture and the television on top of it.
• Place the television as far back on the stand as possible.
• Keep toys, remotes, or other enticing items away from stands to avoid attracting kids’ attentions.
• Make sure cords cannot be reached by children.
• Ensure that any freestanding appliances are equipped with anti-tipping mechanisms.
• Always supervise children in rooms with these items regardless of the precautions.

Has your child been injured in a furniture or appliance tip-over accident that you believe was the fault of manufacturing errors or the failure to warn? Contact the Oklahoma dangerous product attorneys with Maples Law Firm at 1-888-429-0609 for case guidance today.

Due to manufacturing faults, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that farm tractor giant John Deere will recall more than 20,000 units of two of their tractor models as a result of safety problems.

The first recall is for approximately 15,500 Lawn Tractors. In this instance, the apparatus that secures the blade to the deck of the tractor can bust. This can allow the tractor’s mower blades to rotate for longer than they are supposed to after the power has been turned off and can pose a danger for laceration. The model was sold by Home Depot, Lowes, and John Deere dealers for between $1500 and $2000 between December 2010-September 2011.

The second recall is for approximately 5,200 units of their Lawn Tractors (model D100). In this circumstance, the apparatus that secures the brake unit with the transmission casing can snap or come apart, which can result in brake failure, loss of vehicle control, and potentially serious injury. The D100 model was sold for approximately $1,500 by Home Depot, Lowes, and John Deere dealers across the country (with the exception of California) between October 2011-September 2011.

Both products were manufactured in the United States. The CPSC instructs consumers to cease using both models at once and contact the customer service department at John Deere for further information and instructions. Have you or a family member suffered injury in an Oklahoma accident involving faulty farm or agricultural tools? Contact an Oklahoma defective product injury lawyer at the Maples Law Firm to discuss your case. Call 1-888-226-6159 for a free review with an attorney today.