New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
Toyota Recalls Almost 500,000 Vehicles due to Air Bag Defect
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota Motor North America, Inc. is recalling 495,470 vehicles due to a defect in the driver’s side air bag. Over time, the spiral cable assembly, also known as the clockspring, which powers the driver’s side air bag module may become damaged by steering wheel vibration. If such damage occurs, the air bag warning light will turn on and the air bag may deactivate and fail to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of suffering serious injury.
This recall affects model year 2005-2009 Tacoma vehicles that were manufactured from September 14, 2004 through August 29, 2008. Toyota will notify owners of the recalled vehicles and dealers will replace the defective spiral cable assembly at no-cost. The recall is expected to start at the beginning of April 2012. For additional information, owners can call Toyota at (800) 331-4331.
Air bags are important safety features of a vehicle. When functioning properly, they can effectively protect vehicle occupants from serious injury. However, air bags which are defective or malfunctioning increase the risk of injury. In some cases, defects may cause an air bag to deploy inadvertently, in which case the injuries a vehicle occupant suffers may be directly caused by the air bag. If the air bag fails to deploy entirely, then the vehicle occupant is not adequately protected against the force of a crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in New Jersey as the result of a defective air bag, the experienced New Jersey defective air bag attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can examine the details of your accident in order to determine whether you may have a valid claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer. To find out whether your potential claim may have merit, call us at (973) 6350-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
CPSC Announces Recall of Fuji Women’s Bicycles due to Fall Hazard
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Advanced Sports, Inc. of Philadelphia is recalling approximately 10,500 Fuji Saratoga Women’s Bicycles due to a fall hazard caused by a defective bicycle frame. The frame can break in the center of the downtube while in use and cause the rider to lose control of the bike and fall. The CPSC has received 12 reports of the bike frames breaking; two of these incidents involved injuries, which included bruises, scrapes and a head laceration that required 20 stitches.
The affected bicycles were manufactured in China and include 2008 through 2010 model Saratoga 1.0, Saratoga 2.0, Saratoga 3.0, and Saratoga 4.0 Fuji women’s cruiser bikes in various colors. “Saratoga” and “Fuji” alone or “Saratoga” and the model number are printed on the bicycle’s frame. This recall includes serial numbers that start with ICFJ11, ICFJ7, ICFJ8, ICFJ9, and ICFJ10. The serial number may be found near the crank at the bottom of the bike frame.
The recalled bikes were sold for between $300 and $500 at specialty bicycle stores across the nation from November 2007 through December 2011. Consumers should immediately stop riding the bike and return it to an authorized Fuji bike dealer for a replacement frame at no-cost. Consumers may contact Advanced Sports, Inc. at (888) 286-6263 for additional information.
At Blume Goldfaden, our knowledgeable defective product attorneys in New Jersey have experience handling complex meritorious product liability cases.
If you have been injured by a defective product and would like find out whether you may have a pursuable claim, contact us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.
NHTSA Announces Recall of GTC Tires due to Sidewall Defect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the GTC North America Inc. recall of 12,289 Advance Extra Grip AR215 Light Truck Radial Tires (size P235 75R15) due to a defective sidewall that may increase the risk of an injury crash. The tires were manufactured from September 2008 through December 2009.
The affected tires may experience bubbling or blistering on their sidewall, which may lead to potential air loss. This increases the potential for tire failure, which can cause a serious injury accident.
GTC will notify consumers and replace the defective tires at no-cost. Balancing and mounting will also be included at no-cost, as necessary. For additional information, owners of the recalled tires may call GTC at (330) 498-5000 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4263.
A vehicle’s tires are one of the most important parts of the vehicle. They are the only part of the car that touches the road. Tire manufacturers have a duty to produce them to the appropriate specifications and with high quality materials; and to adequately test their suitability for the purpose intended. Not doing so can lead to tire failure, which places the occupants of the vehicle in danger of suffering serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by defective tires in New Jersey, or, because of a failure in any automotive related product, the experienced New Jersey tire defect lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can investigate the details of your case to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim. Call us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.
Drivers in Fatal Chesterfield Bus Accident Cited, Investigation Ongoing
The investigation continues of the devastating Chesterfield, New Jersey school bus crash that occurred on February 16, 2012 at the intersection of Old York Road and Route 528. According to NJ.com, preliminary action has been taken against the drivers, although criminal charges have not yet been brought, pending the results of toxicology reports.
The accident occurred when a school bus, headed for Chesterfield Elementary School, entered the intersection of Old York Road and Route 528 and was subsequently struck on the driver’s side rear end by a loaded dump truck. The collision caused the school bus to spin into a traffic light utility pole. One child, a triplet, was killed and another 17 were injured in the morning crash. The fatally injured triplet’s sisters were critically injured, as was an 11-year-old boy. Although two remain under medical care, all three are no longer in critical condition.
Both the school bus driver and the dump truck driver have been issued summonses for their part in the fatal accident, with the bus driver receiving a summons for failure to stop and yield. According to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesman, the bus driver did not come to a complete stop at the intersection, but inched forward for a better view of traffic conditions and then entered the intersection. The dump truck driver was issued two summonses, one for failing to secure the container of the truck, and the other, for failing to cover the load with a tarp. Herman’s Trucking of Wrightstown, the owner of the dump truck, received four summonses for exceeding allowable weight limits and braking problems.
Rules of the road, such as coming to a full stop at an intersection, are meant to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants. If a driver breaches these rules, an accident mayoccur causing injury or death.
If you or a loved one has been injured, or you have lost a loved one, in a New Jersey motor vehicle accident due to the negligent actions of another, you may be entitled to pursue civil action.
The experienced New Jersey motor vehicle accident attorneys at Blume Goldfaden have obtained significant verdicts and settlements for meritorious accident cases and can assist in determining the validity of your potential claim. Call us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
2 Men Injured in New Jersey Single-Engine Plane Crash
A small plane crash at Somerset Airport in Bedminster, New Jersey left its two occupants with minor injuries, according to The Star-Ledger. The model CH74 American Champion plane, which was built in 2009 and registered to a Bridgewater company, ended up nose-down near the runway.
The plane, which was approaching from the southeast, was landing for unknown reasons when it crashed down just short of the runway, according to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesperson. The crash is still under investigation. According to the Far Hills-Bedminster volunteer Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief, one of the occupants was treated by paramedics for an ankle injury at the scene of the aviation accident, while the other suffered facial injuries and was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Almost two years ago, a similar incident occurred at Somerset Airport when a small plane landed on its belly and skidded across the runway due to a landing gear malfunction. It is possible that an equipment or instrument malfunction or defect also caused the most recent crash at the airport.
Plane and aviation equipment manufacturers may be held liable for any injuries or deaths caused by defective equipment.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an NJ aviation accident, the experienced aviation accident lawyers in New Jersey at Blume Goldfaden can examine the details of your potential case in order to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim. Contact us to learn more about your legal rights and options at (973) 635-5400.
CPSC Announces Recall of Ganz Dancing Teapots due to Burn Hazard
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ganz U.S.A., LLC of New York is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,100 Dancing Teapots due to an increased risk of burn injury to consumers. The pot’s handle can get extremely hot when the teapot is filled with hot water, posing a burn hazard when consumers grab the handle to pour the tea.
The affected products include Ganz ceramic teapots that are tilted so that they appear to be dancing. This recall only involves the 32-ounce teapots, which are eight inches wide and 10 inches tall. The recalled teapots were sold in green, yellow, blue, black, orange, and pink and have a sticker on the bottom with the following information:
- UPC: 661371626062
- SKU number: ER19252
The teapots were manufactured in China and sold for approximately $30 at coffee and tea specialty stores, drug stores, gift stores, hospital gift shops, kitchen supply stores, and other retail shops across the nation from December 2011 through January 2012.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dancing teapots and contact Ganz at (800) 724-5902 for information on returning the teapot for a full refund.
Burn injuries are painful and can require extensive medical treatment and even surgery.
Manufacturers of products that will be heated over a flame, or others meant to contain hot liquids, have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the consumer when using the product for its intended purpose. Should defective design, faulty manufacturing or shortcomings in labeling or instructions pose a hazard, the manufacturer may be held liable for any injuries that result.
At Blume Goldfaden, our experienced defective household product lawyers in New Jersey have the skills and resources to successfully pursue compensation on behalf of clients with meritorious product liability claims. If you have been injured by a defective product in New Jersey, contact us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.
Children Mistakenly Given Breast Cancer Pills at Chatham CVS
According to NJ.com, over the course of two months, approximately 50 children were given breast cancer treatment medication instead of the fluoride pills they were prescribed. The error occurred at the CVS in Chatham, New Jersey from December 20, 2011 through February 20, 2012. The pharmacy mixed up 20 mg Tamoxifen tablets with 0.5 mg fluoride tablets.
Although both are round, white, and small, they are uniquely stamped. The fluoride pills have “SCI” and “1007” on them, whereas the Tamoxifen pills have “M” and “247.” The exact reason for the mix-up is still under investigation. CVS has contacted each family whose child was given a fluoride prescription within the last 60 days from the Chatham, New Jersey location.
There have not yet been any reported injuries or adverse effects associated with this medication/prescription error. However, Tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker, does pose some dangerous side-effects, including cataracts, strokes, and blood clots. It has been deemed unlikely that any children would experience these serious side-effects, as they don’t usually occur after such short-term use, according to the Director of Drug Information Service at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Prescription medications can cause severe illness or injury if contraindicated or taken by people other than to whom they are prescribed. It is a pharmacy’s duty to ensure that the prescription medications are dispensed properly. If negligence on the part of a pharmacy results in injury or illness, it may be held liable.
At Blume Goldfaden, our experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers are committed to representing people who have sustained significant injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury as the result of another’s negligence, contact us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.
International Playthings Recalls Tumblekins Toys due to Laceration and Choking Hazards
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the voluntary recall of approximately 31,000 Tumblekins Toys by New Jersey-based International Playthings LLC. The toys can break into small sharp pieces posing laceration and choking risks to children. There have been no reported injuries as of yet, however, there has been one report of a toy breaking into small pieces.
The affected toys include all Tumblekins toy playsets and vehicles, including the fire station, farm playset, roadster, police car, school bus, and fire truck. The toys, which were manufactured in China, are made out of wood and painted in bright colors. They are four to nine and a half inches tall and six to twelve inches long. The brand name “Tumblekins,” “Made in China,” and either of the manufacturing codes “346101461502” or “171111461502” are printed on the toys. The UPC and item numbers are found on the toy’s packaging as follows:
- Fire Station – Item T05000, UPC 20373050006
- Farm Playset – Item T05001, UPC 20373050013
- Police Car – Item T05002, UPC 20373050020
- Roadster – Item T05003, UPC 20373050037
- Off-Roader – Item T05004, UPC 2037350044
- Fire Truck – Item T05005, UPC 20373050051
- School Bus – Item T05006, UPC 20373050068
The recalled toys were sold from March 2011 through December 2011 for between $14 and $35 by mass merchandisers, child product stores, and other stores across the nation, as well as online.
Parents should take the recalled toys away from their children immediately and contact International Playthings for a replacement toy at no-cost.
At Blume Goldfaden, our experienced toy defect attorneys in New Jersey have the experience and resources to successfully pursue meritorious product liability claims.
If your child has been injured by a defective toy in New Jersey, or any children’s’ product, contact us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation to discuss your legal rights and potential options.
Goodyear Tires Recalls Over 40,000 Tires due to Tread Defect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall of 40,915 Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company tires as the result of a defect in the tread that can cause partial tire tread separation. This can cause damage to the vehicle and/or lead to tire failure, which can cause an accident resulting in injuries.
The recalled tires were manufactured from March 1, 2009 through May 31, 2009, and include the following:
- Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT235/80R17 LRE
- Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT245/75R17 LRE
- Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT265/70R17 LRE
- Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT275/70R18 LRE
- Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT285/70R17 LRD
- Goodyear/Wrangler Silent Armor/LT325/60R18 LRE
Goodyear will notify owners of the defective tires and replace them at no cost. The recall is expected to begin by March 22, 2012. For additional information, consumers may call Goodyear at (800) 592-3267 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.
The tires are one of the most important components of a motor vehicle. If tires are defectively designed or manufactured using substandard materials, it greatly increases the chance of tire failure and motor vehicle accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey auto accident as the result of defective tires or any automotive related product, the experienced tire defects attorneys in New Jersey at Blume Goldfaden can examine the details of your case to determine whether your claim may be meritorious. To learn more, contact us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.