The Recall Lawyers

6 Bicycle Recalls to Check Out Before You Hit the Road

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:59:00 -0500

Before you hit the road this spring, here are 6 bicycle, bicycle accessory, and bicycle component recalls to check out. Recalled bicycles, accessories, and components can result in injury and even death. If you have any of the below recalled products be sure to contact the manufacturer before you strap on your helmet.

Bridgeway Bicycles

Bridegway issued a recall of approximately 91,000 of its bicycles in September of 2011 because the bicycle chain can break, causing the rider to lose control and fall. At that time, Bridgeway had received 11 reports of bike chains breaking, including 9 reports of injuries.

Trek 2012 FX and District Bicycles

Trek recalled its 2012 FX bicycles (shown above) and District bicycles in October of 2011. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the bolt that secures the seat saddle clamp to the seat post can break and cause the rider to fall. Prior to the recall, Trek had received 4 reports of breaking bolts with one injury involving a broken tooth.

Fuji Saratoga Women's Bicycles

In February of 2012, Advanced Sports Inc. recalled approximately 10,500 of its Fuji Saratoga women's bicycles. Advance Sports issued the recall because the bicycle's frame can break in the center of the downtube. A broken frame can cause the rider to lose control of the bicycle and crash. Advanced Sports was aware of 12 reports of breaking frames at the time of the recall. Two reports included scrapes and bruises and a head laceration requiring 20 stitches.

Public Bikes

Public Bikes recalled 18 models of its men's and women's bicycles because of a defect with the pedals, which causes them to crack and break. The recalled bicycles were sold in various colors and sizes. For additional information on this recall, consumers should visit the company's website at www.publicbikes.com.

Specialized 2012 Bicycles with Advanced Group Carbon Forks

Approximately 460 of Specialized 2012 bicycles with Advanced Group carbon forks were recalled in January of 2012. The brake component housed in the bicycles carbon fork can disengage and allow the brake assembly to come in contact with the wheel spokes. If the contact occurs while the bicycle is in motion the rider can fall. The recall involves the 2012 Tricross Comp (shown above) and the 2012 Tricross Sport models.

Topeak Babyseat II Bicycle Carrier Seats

Todson Inc. recalled approximately 40,000 its Topeak Babyseat II Bicycle Carrier Seats because of a defect with the grab bar. According to Todson, children can place their fingers in the opening at the grab bar's hinge. When the carrier is lifted, children's fingertips can be caught in the hinge mechanism, posing a possible fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child. At the time of the recall in April of 2012, Todson had received two reports of injuries, including a crushed finger and a near amputation that required stitches.

The attorneys of JONES WARD PLC represent hundreds of persons all across the country who have been injured by defective products, prescription drugs and medical devices. If you have any questions about any type of defective or recalled product, contact attorney Terrance Massey at JONES WARD PLC. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Z-Pack: Cardiovascular Risks??

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:39:12 -0500

The FDA announced today that it is looking into a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine that reported an increase in cardiovascular deaths, and in the risk of death from any cause, in persons treated with a 5-day course of azithromycin (Zithromax) compared to persons treated with other antibiotics.

I've used the Z-Pack numerous times in my life and I always thought it was safe. But, as a drug lawyer, I should know better. The pharmaceutical companies never, and I do mean never, adequately test their drugs before they are released to the general public. In essence, we are all guinea pigs for the drug companies as they "test" their drugs using post-market surveillance data. In other words, they sell you a product and then sit back and see how many people it hurts before they decide to make a label change to warn of the true risks associated with their products.

But, even worse, they try every trick in the book to hide the true risks of their drugs from the general public. And what happens when the hammer finally falls and they start getting sued? They fight like hell, and then pay a couple billion to make the problem go away, and pocket several more billion in profits in the process. I guess it is a cost of doing business to them, but I see the true agony that they cause every day as I represent my clients. I must say, I find this conduct disgusting.

What are your thought? Share them with attorney Larry Jones at www.the-recall-lawyers.com
or by email to larry@jonesward.com

April 2012 Label Changes: Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz, Tekturna

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:03:18 -0500

In April, forty-three medical products underwent label revisions, with changes to the prescribing information to include any of the following areas: boxed warnings, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse reactions, patient package insert, and medication guide.

In addition to Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Tekturna, the following medications have been affected:

Aceon
Altace
Atacand
Sporanox
Zortress
Advicor
Altoprev
Amturnide
Premarin
TekAmlo
Tekturna HCT
Vagifem
Valturna
Viracept
Cimzia
Krystexxa
Levaquin
Levemir
Neupro
Nutropin
Prandimet
Safyral
Sutent
Synagis
Tarceva
Victoza  
Votrient
Xgeva
Zegerid

The attorneys of JONES WARD PLC represent hundreds of persons all across the country who have been injured by defective products, prescription drugs and medical devices. If you have any questions about one of the above prescription drugs and the ramifications of a drug label change, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Banzai Pool Slides Recalled Due To Fatality and Neck Injuries

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:36:09 -0500

Banzi Inflatable Pool Slides have been recalled due to one death and two other serious neck injuries. The slides were sold at Walmart and Toys R Us. The two retailers and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the recall of approximately 21,000 inflatable Banzi in-ground pool water slides for all the right reasons. According to the Commission, the slides can deflate during use, which allows a user to come in contact with the side of the pool. The slide is also extremely unstable and can topple over even absent windy conditions. Importantly, the Commission has determined the slides carry inadequate instructions and warnings.

The Commission is aware of a 29-year-old mother who died in Andover, Massachusetts after fracturing her neck. In this case, the slide was properly placed over the concrete edge of the pool. As the woman was going down the slide, she hit her head on the concrete because the slide had partially deflated. The Commission is also aware of two injuries, which occurred in a similar fashion, and left a woman from Allentown, Pennsylvania with a fractured her neck and a man from Springfield, Missouri a quadriplegic.

The recalled slides (shown below) were manufactured in China by Manley Toys, Ltd. and sold nationwide at Walmart and Toys R Us from January 2005 through June 2009. The slides clearly present a risk of death and serious injury. Consumers should stop using this horribly defective product immediately.

Companies such as Wal-Mart and Toys R Us should take the safety and protection of its customers and consumers very seriously. A company's duty to the public requires it to take immediate action upon being informed of a potential defect with its product. To properly carry out this duty, a company should have systems in place, which allow it to trace and account for all potentially affected products and then quarantine and destroy any remaining inventory.

The attorneys of JONES WARD PLC represent hundreds of persons all across the country who have been injured by defective products, prescription drugs and medical devices. If you have any questions about any type of defective or recalled product, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Yaz and Yasmin Lawsuits: Why Bayer is Liable

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:18:57 -0500

Yaz and Yasmin lawsuits are still pending against Bayer, the manufacturer of the two drugs. In addition to failing to warn consumers of the drugs' dangerous side effects, Bayer must be held liable for engaging in extensive off-label promotion of Yaz and Yasmin for unapproved uses.

Drugs are regulated by the FDA based on their intended conditions of use and may not be promoted or marketed for non-approved or 'off-label' uses. It is a drug's 'intended use' that is reviewed and approved by the FDA. Thus, it is not the chemical compound that is approved, but a chemical compound for a specific disease or condition at a specific dose that FDA reviews and approves. 'Off-label' uses are those that the FDA has not determined to be safe or effective, either because the manufacturer did not submit an application requesting approval for such uses, or because the FDA did not approve an application that was submitted in support of such uses.

FDA regulations prohibit drug manufactures from promoting drugs for non-approved uses. All major pharmaceutical manufactures are well aware of these provisions, which have been in force for decades. Nonetheless, Bayer promoted Yaz and Yasmin off-label for unapproved uses. In an effort to increase sales and profits, Bayer induced thousands of women to take these drugs. Increased sales and consumption caused thousands of women to suffer serious injuries and recklessly exposed thousands more to the drugs harmful side effects. Bayer must be held accountable for such flagrant behavior and thus liable for the damages inflicted on innocent women.

Yaz and Yasmin were both FDA approved for the specific indication of oral contraception. Yasmin was approved in May 2001 and has not received FDA approval for any other indication. Yaz was approved for oral contraception in March 2006. In October 2006, Yaz received subsequent approval to treat "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder" (PMDD) and approved for "moderate acne vulgaris" in January 2007.

With the approval of Yaz in 2006, Bayer began a huge marketing campaign promoting the two drugs. Despite the limited and specific indications for which Yaz and Yasmin were approved, Bayer's campaign promoted the drugs for 'Premenstrual Syndrome' (PMS), "severe PMS," relief of the physical and emotional symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, acne and skin benefits.

Neither Yaz nor Yasmin was ever approved for PMS, severe PMS or for relief of the physical and emotional symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. While Yaz was approved for "moderate acne vulgaris" it was neither approved for acne, nor for general benefit to skin condition. Bayer's extensive off-label promotion of Yaz and Yasmin for these unapproved uses is a clear violation of FDA regulations.

Bayer's marketing campaign not only persuaded thousands of women to take these drugs but also misrepresented and omitted the dangers of blood clots, pulmonary embolisms and other serious side effects. Bayer's actions violate FDA regulations, are contrary to good industry practice, and place all consumers at serious risk. Bayer must be held responsible for such flagrant behavior and liable for the damages Yaz and Yasmin inflicted on innocent women.

Bayer, not the FDA, is primarily responsible for the safety of its products. Bayer and all drug manufacturers have the responsibility to study a drug for its intended uses and submit such data to the FDA for their approval before they may promote and market a drug for non-intended uses.

To date, more than 11,000 women have filed suit against Bayer for injures they suffered as a result of taking Yaz, Yasmin, and its generic version, Ocella. Their injuries include strokes, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. Additionally, many healthy and young women with no other risk factors had their gallbladders removed. However, these women shared a common denominator: they all took a birth control pill in the Yaz-family.

The attorneys at JONES WARD PLC represent women from all over the country who have suffered blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, strokes and gallbladder problems after taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella. If you or someone you know has suffered any of these side effects because of these drugs, contact attorney Terrance Massey at JONES WARD PLC. You can reach him by phone at 502-882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Kolcraft Bassinets Recalled

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:38:13 -0500

Kolcraft has issued a recall of its Tender Vibes and Light Vibes bassinets. The latches that attach the bassinet base onto the frame can appear locked when actually unlocked. When unlocked, the bassinet can detach from the frame and fall to the ground. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Kolcraft initiated the recall because of the potential risk this fall hazard poses to infants. The Commission and Kolcraft have received seven reports of detaching latches. One infant suffered a bruised cheek when the bassinet landed sideways on the floor with the infant inside.

The recall involves Tender Vibes bassinets with model numbers KB039-CMR1, KB021-ARC, KB022-VER and Light Vibes bassinet with model number KB043-BNT1. Both bassinets were sold in specialty stores nationwide and online from July 2008 through May 2012. Parents and caretakers should immediately stop using the recalled bassinets and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for infants.

The attorneys of JONES WARD PLC represent hundreds of persons all across the country who have been injured by defective products, prescription drugs and medical devices. If you have any questions about any type of defective or recalled product, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Chrysler Recalls Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300

Mon, 07 May 2012 22:40:37 -0500

Chrysler has recalled approximately 119,000 model year 2011 and 2012 Dodge Charger sedans and Chrysler 300s. According to news reports, Chrysler initiated the recall because of a problem with the cars anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems.

During hard breaking, anti-lock brake systems pump the car's brakes rapidly to prevent the wheels from "locking up." Locking up can cause loss of control and longer stopping distances because it can cause the car to skid. The electronic stability control systems use computerized brake controls to intervene to prevent a car from skidding during abrupt maneuvers or sharp turns. In the recalled cars, a fuse for the computer controller that operates these two systems can overheat, causing both systems to lose effectiveness.

The attorneys of Jones Ward PLC represent hundreds of persons all across the country who have been injured by defective products, prescription drugs and medical devices. If you have any questions about any type of defective or recalled product, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Exmark Quest ZRT Riding Mowers Recalled

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:53:52 -0500

Exmark recently issued a recall of approximately 2,200 of its Exmark Quest 42-inch ZRT riding mowers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the bearings supporting the mower's deck can fail, which can cause the deck to interfere with the operator's controls. Exmark issued the recall because this interference can result in a crash hazard. To date, Exmark has received 18 reports of bearing failure and deck interference. Thankfully no injuries have been reported.

The recalled mowers (shown below) have a model number of "QST20BE422" and serial numbers ranging from 790,000 through 860,652. Both numbers can be found on a metal plate behind the operator's seat. The mowers were sold at Exmark dealers nationwide from March 2009 through April 2010. Consumers should stop using the recalled mowers immediately.

The attorneys of JONES WARD PLC represent hundreds of persons all across the country who have been injured by defective products, prescription drugs and medical devices. If you have any questions about any type of defective or recalled product, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

Smiling Hara Recalls Soybean Tempeh

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:55:12 -0500

The company Smiling Hara is voluntarily recalling its product, soybean tempeh--a popular meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. During a routine inspection, the product tested positive for salmonella.

The recall includes any tempeh that was manufactured between January 11 and April 11. Containers of tempeh manufactured during this time are marked with best-by dates of 7/11/12 through 10/25/12.

The strain of salmonella found in the tempeh has recently sickened 37 people in North Carolina. Symptoms of salmonella can include diarrhea (bloody at times), fever, headaches, and abdominal pain. This type of salmonella may be communicated from person to person.

Whoozit Starry Time Rattle Recalled

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:22:03 -0500

Importer Manhattan Group LLC and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a recall for the Whoozit Starry Time Rattles. According to the Commission, the clear spheres on the ends of the rattle can break and release small parts, which poses a potential choking hazard to small children. Consumers and caregivers should take the recalled rattles away from children immediately to avoid possible serious injury.

Gerber Instant Knife Recalled

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:03:53 -0500

Gerber has issued a recall of its Instant Knife because it poses a laceration hazard. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the locking mechanism on the spring-assisted blade can fail to properly engage. This failure can cause the blade to fold during use and thus poses a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

The recalled knives (shown below) are spring-assisted with a black retractable 3.18" blade, which can be folded into the textured black handle. Gerber's "sword and shield" trademark appears in silver on one side of the blade. The knives were sold nationwide from February 2012 through March 2012. To avoid injury, consumers should stop using the recalled knives immediately.

Kawasaki Teryx Recreational Vehicles Recalled

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:53:50 -0500

Kawasaki has issued a voluntary recall of its 2012 model Teryx Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the vehicles are incorrectly labeled as having a higher occupant capacity than is safe. Operating these vehicles according to the label creates a risk of injury or death and the possibility consumers would do so prompted the recall. The recalled Teryx vehicles (shown below) were sold nationwide from August 2011 through March 2012.

The attorneys of Jones Ward PLC represent hundreds of persons all across the country who have been injured by defective products, prescription drugs and medical devices. If you or someone you know has been injured by any type of defective or recalled product, contact attorney Terrance Massey. You can reach him by phone at (502) 882-6000 or by email at tj@jonesward.com.

PUMA Youth Jackets Recalled

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:27:28 -0500

PUMA has issued a recall of its youth V-Konstruct Training Jackets because of a defect with the drawstring. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the drawstring at the waist is not properly attached to the back of jacket as required by CPSC guidelines. The drawstrings thus could become caught or snagged in small spaces or vehicle doors and possibly entrap or entangle children. To avoid possible injury, consumers should stop using the recalled jackets immediately.

The recalled jackets (displayed below) have two pockets, full-length zipper, a short collar and an elastic cord with toggles at the waist. The PUMA logo is featured on the left sleeve and upper right chest. The jackets have model numbers of: 65110201, 65110202, 65110203, 65110204 and 65110205, and were sold nationwide from 2007 through 2012.

XROCK Recalling Male Enhancement Supplement

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:56:58 -0500

XROCK INDUSTRIES is recalling a product that it has marketed as a dietary supplement to support male sexual performance. The product contains two undeclared and potentially hazardous ingredients.

The product, X-ROCK for men, has been determined to contain sildenafil and hydroxythiohomosildenafil. Sildenafil is an active ingredient in FDA-approved prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Similarly, hydroxythiohomosildenafil is an active ingredient used to treat erectile disfunction. It has the potential to interact with nitrates such as nitroglycerin, a drug commonly used by men who may also suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Miflex High Pressure Diving Hoses Recalled

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:50:54 -0500

XS Scuba, Inc., has issued a recall for its Miflex High Pressure Scuba Diving Hoses due to "drowning hazard." The high pressure hose is used to monitor the cylinder pressure for the air supply in a scuba tank. Reportedly, the diving hose can rupture, which will reduce the available air supply to the diver. This has the potential to cause a drowning hazard.

To date, there have been 189 reports of hose failures made to XS Scuba. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.

These hoses were sold at scuba diving retailers starting in May 2009 through this month.