2008 November | www.reinerinjurylaw.com

Motorcyclist Severely Injured in Highway 32 Crash

Posted under: Automobile Accidents — tslaughter @ 3:29 pm

CHICO, Calif. – A 30 year-old Chico man was severely injured last night when a vehicle turned left in front of him on Highway 32 at its intersection with Yosemite Drive. According to the Chico Enterprise Record, the investigating CHP has still not determined fault. The investigating officer wanted to assess the speed of the motorcycle before making this determination. No mention was made as to why the left turning driver did not see the motorcycle’s oncoming headlamp.

The cyclist was transferred to Enloe Hospital with a serious leg injury. Highway 32 was apparently closed for several hours.

The motorcycle injury lawyers at Reiner, Simpson & Slaughter want to remind drivers to keep a watchful eye for motorcyclists. The predominant cause of motorcycle versus vehicle collisions is the violation of the motorcyclist’s right of way. Travel safely this season to assure a happy holiday!

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Target Recalls Swimming Pool Dive Sticks

Posted under: Pool Safety, Product Recall — tslaughter @ 11:51 am

Target stores issed a recall notice today for toy “dive sticks” that were sold in their stores from April 2008 through August 2008. These are 8-12″ plastic sticks weighted on one end so that they will stand on end at the bottom of a swimming pool. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in “diving games” to retrieve the sticks. Unfortunately, the dive sticks pose a significant impalement hazard to kids playing with them. Reports of facial and eye injuries have been made.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, pre-weighted dive sticks have been band by the agency since 2001. About 365,000 of these Chinese manufactured toys were sold at Target stores nationwide this last summer for about $1 a set.

Consumers who have these products should remove them from children or from their “pool accessories” immediately. They can be returned to Target for a full refund.

If you have a pool, and are looking to discard these toys, this would also be a good time to assess the potential dangers of other pool toys and accessories. Common sense recommendations regarding pool safety can be found at our prior post.

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Honda Competition Motocross Motorcycles Recalled for Swing Arm Weld Failure

Posted under: Product Recall — tslaughter @ 5:50 pm

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall alert for the Honda Off-Road Competition motocross motorcycles. The recall is for the Honda CRF150R/RB for the 2007-2008 model year. The weld on the right side of the swing arm is defective and its failure could lead to a loss of control and rider injury or death. 13,000 of these bikes were sold nationwide from September 2006 through October 2008.

Honda warns that riders of these bikes should immediately stop using them and call their Honda dealer for a free repair. For additional information call Honda at 866.784.1870.

Motocross and off-road riding are very popular in Northern California. If you have one of these bikes, or have a friend or family member who may own or use one, please advise of the recall.

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Consumer Safety Tips for Holiday Toy Shopping

Posted under: Recalled Toys — tslaughter @ 2:22 pm

Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its “Top 5″ hazards to be wary of when purchasing children’s toys this upcoming holiday season. In this regard, the CPSC noted that 18 toy-related deaths occurred last year involving children under the age of 15. Most of the deaths were caused by choking on small toy parts, drowning or being hit by motor vehicles while using the toy.

The CPSC warned parents, grandparents and others purchasing toys this season of the following toy hazards:

The top 5 toy hazards:

Scooters and other Riding Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit.

Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

Balloons – Children under eight yrs. can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.

Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

The CPSC also warned that once gifts are opened:

Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.

Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.

Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.

Another tip for shoppers is to watch for potential lead-based paint in toys. One should have concerns if the toys are bright and shiny, are quite inexpensive, and were manufactured in China, Vietnam, Indonesia or other Asian countries. To see if these toys have been recalled for excessive lead content, you can review the recall notices at the Consumer Protection Agency.

We at Reiner, Simpson & Slaughter wish everyone the best and safest holiday season and hope that these simple consumer suggestions will prevent unexpected injuries to children.

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FDA Directs Bayer to Stop Misrepresenting “Heart Advantage” Aspirin-based Drugs

Posted under: Drugs and Medical Device Recalls — tslaughter @ 3:29 pm

Last week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to the German-based drug maker, Bayer, to stop misrepresenting that its “Heart Advantage” aspirin product can control cholesterol and that its “Bayer’s Woman’s” aspirin “fights” osteoporosis and strengthens bones. Further background is at the InjuryBoard.

To make these marketing statements, Bayer combined its aspirin in Heart Advantage with the supplement phytosterols. The FDA, however, does not review the efficacy of supplements and vitamins before they are distributed in the market. By combining these supplements to their over-the-counter aspirin products, Bayer is making representations about their drugs that have not specifically been approved by the FDA.

The issue rose to the top when Congressional Representatives John Dingell and Bart Supak of Michigan asked Bayer to turn over its research proving the products had a positive impact on cholesterol and osteoporosis.

Whether the FDA will pursue the matter further is unknown. Since I saw ads for these products running just today, I assume that the new products have not been pulled off the shelf. With trusted brand names like “Bayer,” you would think that the companies would be much more circumspect about their marketing schemes, particularly if the claims are not based upon study and tests.

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Murray Riding Lawn Mowers Recalled as Fire Danger

Posted under: Product Recall — tslaughter @ 2:23 pm

Briggs & Stratton has now recalled its line of Murray riding lawn mowers because a fuel tank defect that can cause fuel to leak and create a potential fire danger. These lawnmowers were sold nationwide from April 2008 through September 2008 for about $950. A recall alert was published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on October 23, 2008.

Though the current fire season is drawing to an end, we must all be concerned about the potential fire hazards that any mower presents. If you believe you purchased this model of mower this last year, you may go to the published recall alert with this link. Specific model numbers and manufacturer information are set forth there.

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Blog

November 26, 2008

Motorcyclist Severely Injured in Highway 32 Crash

November 19, 2008

Target Recalls Swimming Pool Dive Sticks

November 17, 2008

Honda Competition Motocross Motorcycles Recalled for Swing Arm Weld Failure

November 12, 2008

Consumer Safety Tips for Holiday Toy Shopping

November 4, 2008

FDA Directs Bayer to Stop Misrepresenting “Heart Advantage” Aspirin-based Drugs

November 3, 2008

Murray Riding Lawn Mowers Recalled as Fire Danger