New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
Chrysler Recalls 213,000 Vehicles in 6 Recalls; More Worldwide
Chrysler Group LLC, recently issued a total of six recalls affecting 213,000 of its vehicles in the United States. An additional 50,000 vehicles sold outside of the U.S. are also affected by these recalls, taking the total up to 263,000.
According to an article in The New York Times, these recalls are unrelated to one another and are due to numerous types of defects affecting different models of cars.
In the largest recall, 119,497 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles from model years 2011 and 2012 have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harnesses. These could cause the airbags to malfunction, illuminate the airbag warning sign improperly, and prevent the airbags from deploying properly in an accident.
Additionally, 20,532 model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass SUVs have a defective fuel tank transfer tube. This can cause the engine to stall.
In a third recall, 61,409 Dodge Nitro 4×2 vehicles from 2007 and 2008 as well as 2008 Jeep Liberty 4×2 vehicles have been shown to have a defective transfer case heat shield. The shield could drop down and hit the drive shaft, possibly breaking it or resulting in the airbag computer believing a collision has occurred, leading to an airbag deployment.
Three smaller recalls were also issued. A total of 6,100 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups were recalled due to an increased risk of engine compartment fires. Additionally, 6,500 Ram 1500 pickups have a parking brake that may fail on surfaces pitched at 20 percent or greater. Finally, 46 Dodge Darts from 2013 have faulty rear brake calipers.
Through a consultation with the New Jersey auto product liability lawyers at Blume Goldfaden, you can learn more about what may have precipitated your, and if due to a product defect, whether you may have a meritorious claim agains the vehicle’s manufacturer. Understanding your rights, what caused your losses and determining which entities may be responsible are all critical to the litigation process. Call us at (973) 635-5400 to find out more about auto defects and your rights as a consumer.
Manchester Propane Cylinders Recalled for Fire Hazard Leaks
A recall was recently issued for 100-pound propane cylinders manufactured by the Manchester Tank & Equipment Company. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a total of approximately 7,500 units have been recalled due to a defect posing a fire hazard.
The recalled cylinders were manufactured from January through September 2012. Reports indicate that due to the defect, fuel can leak from the thread connection between the cylinder and the valve. If the leaked fuel is exposed to an ignition source, it could result in fire or explosion.
Recalled products can be identified by the date of manufacture printed on the collar of the cylinder; with month and date noted. The CPSC points out the example that the stamp “6*12” means June 2012. Additionally, the name Manchester and the water capacity WC238# are pressed into the cylinder’s collar.
The cylinders are 41 inches tall and 15 inches in diameter and colored gray. Cylinders with a green dot on the hand wheel at the top of the product are not part of the recall. The recalled cylinders were sold at propane dealers, distributors, and hardware stores from January 2012 through March 2013, and cost between $140 and $170.
It is advised that consumers immediately stop using the recalled products and contact Manchester or go to the firm’s website at www.mantank.com for instructions on how to have the cylinder inspected by a dealer. That inspection will determine if a repair is needed.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, it is important that you fully understand your rights; and determine if a manufacturer is possibly responsible for the accident and resulting injuries. Through a consultation with the defective product attorneys at Blume Goldfaden, you can learn more about product liability laws and how you may have a potential meritorious claim under them. We can be reached by calling (973) 635-5400.
Honda Recalls Additional Vehicles, This Time for Engine Stalling
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 76,253 Acura vehicles by the American Honda Motor Co. due to a defect that may result in an engine stall. In states that use corrosive materials for roadway de-icing, drivers may introduce such substances to the interior of the vehicle on their footwear, saturating the carpeting which has contact with the engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This may cause the ECU to corrode or rust, resulting in damage that may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a traffic accident.
The recalled vehicles include certain model year 2004 -2008 Acura TSX sedans that are currently registered in or were originally sold in the District of Columbia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Virginia, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Kentucky, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Delaware and Connecticut.
Owners will be notified of the recall and Acura dealers will both inspect the car and replace the ECU if damaged at no-cost. Additionally, ECUs in all cars will have a waterproof cover installed, at no-cost. The recall was expected to start on April 11, 2013. For more information, owners can visit Acura’s website at www.recalls.acura.com or call Acura Client Relations at (800) 382-2238 and select option 4.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by an auto defect, our auto product liability lawyers in New Jersey at Blume Goldfaden have the knowledge and resources necessary to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim against the auto manufacturer.
200,000 Subaru Vehicles Recalled for Brake Line Failure
Subaru of America recently issued a recall for 200,000 Outback and Legacy sedans and wagons due to possibly corroded brake lines. As reported in an Associated Press article posted on a CBS News website, these vehicles include model years 2005 through 2009 and were made from December 2003 through April 2009.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), salty water from roads can touch the brake line. As such, the lines can possibly rust and leak braking fluid. If this occurs, it can take much longer than usual to stop the vehicle, possibly leading to a serious crash. Both the front and rear brake lines could be affected by this defect.
While there were a total of 400,000 Legacy and Outback vehicles sold that were from the affected time period, Subaru has estimated that only 200,000 of the cars were to be included in the recall.
Subaru will notify vehicle owners of the recall and have dealers check the brake lines for leaks. Should there be any damage, the lines will be replaced. If there is no sign of damage, mechanics will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the lines. Either of these remedial measures will be performed without cost to the vehicle’s owners.
The New Jersey brake defect lawyers from Blume Goldfaden are dedicated to protecting consumers who have been injured due to an auto manufacturer’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a vehicle’s defects, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. To find out whether you may have a valid claim and to learn more about your rights, contact our legal team at (973) 635-5400.
Recall Issued for 41,000 Haier Freezers That May Catch Fire
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Haier America has expanded its recall of chest freezers to a total of 108,500 units. The recall was recently expanded to include 41,000 additional units after more models were discovered to be at risk of short circuiting and catching on fire.
The capacitor in the circuitry of the freezer could overheat. As a result, a fire may occur in the unit, posing injury and property damage hazards.
While units were recalled in November 2010 after 18 incidents of fires, 27 additional incidents were reported after the recall. In total, four reports of minor property damage and three reports of substantial property damage have been reported.
The freezer recall affects three different models:
- Haier Model HNCM070E, 7.0 cubic foot capacity, with serial numbers that begin with 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0911, 0912, 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004.
- Haier Model ESNCM053E, 5.3 cubic foot capacity, with serial numbers beginning with 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0911, 0912, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, and 1007.
- Black & Decker Model BFE53, 5.3 cubic foot capacity, with UPC896603002660, with serial numbers 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0911, 0912, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, and 1007.
Consumers can find more information regarding this recall from the CPSC at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Haier-America-Expands-Recall-of-Chest-Freezers ; the recall number with the CPSC is 13-160; and/or can contact Haier America by calling (877) 878-7578.
If you have been injured by a defective product, get in touch with the team of New Jersey defective household product lawyers at Blume Goldfaden. We can be reached at (973) 635-5400 and offer a no-cost consultation for you to learn more about your rights and to help you determine what potential legal action may be right for you.
PT Domusindo Perdana Recalls 73,000 Drop-Side Cribs for Entrapment and Suffocation Hazards
The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with PT Domusindo Perdana, is recalling an estimated 73,000 wooden drop-side cribs due to entrapment and suffocation hazards. The drop sides of the cribs can detach, malfunction or otherwise fail, resulting in part of the drop side falling out of position. This creates a space that a toddler or infant can roll into and become entrapped or wedged, potentially leading to suffocation or strangulation. The defect can also cause a child to fall out of the crib.
The CPSC and company are aware of three incidents of drop-side rail malfunction or detachment, though no injuries have yet been reported.
Fourteen models of the wooden drop-side cribs are included in this recall. The model number, date code and model name can be found printed on the plywood mattress board of the cribs. For more information on the exact models being recalled, please visit the product’s CPSC recall page here: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/PT-Domusindo-Perdana-Recalls-Drop-Side-Cribs/ .
The recalled cribs were sold exclusively at JC Penny, online on JCPenny.com and through its mail order catalog for between $200 and $400. The recalled cribs were sold from January 1998 through December 2008.
Consumers should stop using the recalled drop-side cribs and call Modus Furniture International customer service at (800) 827-2129 for a free immobilizer kit. Additional information is available on the company website at www.savannababy.com under the “Recall” tab.
If you or your child has suffered injury as the result of a defective product, the household product defect lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can examine the details of your potential claim and help you understand your legal options. Call us today to learn more at (973) 635-5400.
Honda Recalls 250,000 Vehicles due to Dangerous Brake Defect
Almost 250,000 Honda and Acura vehicles are being recalled worldwide due to a defect that causes inadvertent braking, according to an article posted on USA TODAY.com. Safety advocate Sean Kane stated that this recall points to the bigger issue of overly-complex vehicle electronics.
Honda is recalling 183,000 model year 2005 vehicles in the U.S., including 60,000 Acura MDX SUVs, 21,000 Acura RL sedans, and 101,000 Pilot SUVs. Model year 2006 Acura MDX vehicles are also included in the recall.
According to Honda, the defect involves the vehicle’s stability control system, which aids the driver in keeping control of the vehicle by selectively applying braking with its “brake assist” feature. This braking is designed to reduce stopping distances during emergency braking. A loose bolt or wiring oxidation can cause the system to suddenly apply the brakes, increasing the chances that the driver may lose control of the vehicle or be involved in an injury accident.
As experienced electronic stability control defect attorneys in New Jersey, we have the knowledge and resources to help injured victims of manufacturer negligence pursue meritorious claims. If you believe you may have a legitimate claim, call us at (973) 635-5400. We can examine the details of your potential claim and help you determine whether you may have a valid case.
Lighting Science Recalls Over 550,000 LED Light Bulbs due to Fire Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of approximately 554,000 Lighting Science LED light bulbs which can overheat, creating a fire and burn injury hazard.
The recalled 8 or 6 watt light bulbs were sold under the brand names EcoSmart, Westinghouse, Definity, and Sylvania. The recalled model numbers include G25, R20/PAR20, and A19 on the light-colored circular neck just above the bulb base as well as on the packaging. The date code is also printed on the light-colored circular neck. The date codes included in this recall may be found on the CPSC product recall page here: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/LED-Light-Bulbs-Recalled-by-Lighting-Science-Group .
There have been 68 reported incidents of light bulb failures, eight of which resulted in visible smoke or fire conditions. There have been no reports of injury as of yet, however, these incidents caused damage to light sockets, burned floors/rugs/carpet, melted fixtures, and caused damage to a lamp as well as a circuit.
If you own these defective light bulbs, remove them from sockets and lamps immediately and call Lighting Science Group at (855) 574-2533 for replacement bulbs.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury as the result of a defective product in New Jersey, our attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can examine the circumstances to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim. To discuss your legal rights and potential legal options, fill out our online contact form or call us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
Laceration Hazard Prompts Recall of Pampered Chef Garlic Slicers
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced the recall of approximately 286,000 Pampered Chef garlic slicers due to a laceration hazard. The Pampered Chef has received 23 reports of the blades detaching while in use, including one incident where the blades cut a woman’s finger.
The recalled garlic slicers were sold individually or with a garlic peeler, with the product number 2578 for the set and 1113 for the individual slicer. The tube-shaped white plastic slicer measures 2.25 inches by 3.5 inches and includes two blades at the end. The top cover is engraved with “The Pampered Chef.” They were sold from January 2009 through July 2011 by The Pampered Chef independent consultants across the nation, as well as online at www.pamperedchef.com. The individual slicer was sold for about $14 and the set with the peeler was sold for about $20.
Consumers are instructed to immediately stop using the recalled slicers and contact The Pampered Chef at productalert@pamperedchef.com or (877) 917-2433 for a replacement product.
If you have been injured by a defective product in New Jersey, the experienced defective household product lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can help you understand your legal rights and potential legal options. To find out whether you may have a valid claim, contact us at (973) 635-5400.
CPSC Urges Consumers to Replace Smoke Alarm and CO Detector Batteries when Changing Clocks for Daylight Savings Time
While making sure that all clocks are set to the correct time after the Daylight Savings Time change, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) encourages consumers to make sure they have installed properly working smoke and CO detectors in their home, and to replace batteries in those detectors.
According to the CPSC Residential Fire Loss Estimates report, there are more than 366,000 residential fires each year, which result in more than 2,300 fatalities. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that two-thirds of residential fire deaths occur in homes without properly functioning smoke detectors.
The CPSC recommends that smoke alarms be placed outside sleeping areas, in each bedroom, and on every level of the home.
Smoke and CO detector batteries need to be changed every year and the detectors should be tested every month to ensure that they are working properly. Lack of maintenance is not the only circumstance under which a smoke or CO detector may fail, increasing the chances of a fatal or injury causing house fire. If a smoke alarm or CO detector is defectively designed or manufactured, it may not work properly, even if it has new batteries.
Product manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of consumers. If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries as the result of a defective smoke alarm, the New Jersey fire injury attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can help you determine if your potential claim has merit. Call us at (973) 635-5400 to learn more about your legal rights.