2009 February | www.reinerinjurylaw.com

Gas Generator in Basement Kills Castella Father and Daughter

Posted under: Home Safety — tslaughter @ 10:29 am

Tragically, the bodies of two Castella residents, a father and his teenage daughter, were discovered in their home yesterday. According to the Redding Record Searchlight, the culprit was emissions from a gas generator.

Over the weekend, power was lost in this small mountain community due to inclement weather. The family had apparently tried to restore power to the home by using a gas generator placed in the basement. Given this scenario, the probable killer was carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas that can insidiously permeate a living environment in short order, creating a potential death chamber. The gas is the by-product of incomplete combustion. As every gas powered engine utilized today does not burn fuel with 100% efficiency, carbon monoxide will be emitted no matter how efficient the engine purports to be. Since it cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, carbon monoxide can move into a living environment without detection and become a silent killer.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the carbon monoxide molecule combines with the oxygen molecules in the body. This creates a state called carboxyhemoglobin which inhibits the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. As a result, the person exposed to this gas slowly, and without appreciation of the effects, suffocates to death. The first symptoms are usually dizziness, nausea, headaches, loss of coordination and fatigue or sleepiness. As the concentration of carbon monoxide increases in the body, confusion, impaired vision and cognitive problems follow. Unless the exposure is terminated, death can follow.

In regards to gas generators, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has published the following warning:

PUT GENERATORS OUTSIDE
Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas.
Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these reas and can linger
for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

In times of severe inclement weather and loss of power, people are prone to improvise solutions to obtain electrical power and heat. It is in these times that it is most important to think about the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. Opening and lighting gas stoves or ovens, resorting to portable gas stoves or heaters are often considered in these situations and are extremely dangerous. Proper venting is a must and it must be recognized that carbon monoxide will seep through andy openings in floors or walls. Lastly, a carbon monoxide alarm in the residence will provide a great measure of additional safety if the home is equipped with indoor furnaces or gas appliances.

We at Reiner, Simpson & Slaughter are saddened by this recent tragedy, and hope this advise will prevent future occurrences. Our condolences go to the family and friends of these two members of our community.

If you seek further information regarding the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, please consult the Indoor Air Quality website published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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Handy Manny Toy Tool Kits Recalled

Posted under: Product Recall, Recalled Toys — tslaughter @ 10:39 am

Today, Disney Store USA issued a recall of its Playhouse Disney “Handy Manny” Toy Tool Sets. The toys are defective because the eyes of the individual tools have detached, presenting a choking hazard to young children. Two chokings have been reported.

According to the recall notice published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 20,000 of these Tool Sets were sold at Disney Stores from October 2007 through January 2009 for about $15.00.

If you, your children, grandchildren, etc. have received one of these tool sets, you are advised immediately stop using them. The toy sets can be returned to a Disney Store for a full refund.

The Redding lawyers at Reiner, Simpson & Slaughter publish recall information from time to time on products that are commonly used in Northern California. We pay particular attention to recall of toys and children’s products. We hope to keep the public well informed about potentially hazardous products, so that injuries can be avoided. If you have any questions or information about products that have caused injury, please feel free to contact us.

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KTM ATVs Recalled for Defective Brakes

Posted under: ATV Accidents, Product Recall — tslaughter @ 11:59 am

Today, KTM North America, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of 2700 ATVs sold in the United States. The recalled models are: 450XC, 525XC, 450SX and 505SX . These ATVs have been sold by authorized KTM dealers since 2007 at a price point between $9,300 and $11,700.

The recall was issued because of defective rear brake caliper supports that can crack and front brakes that can suffer a loss of pressure. If these failures occur there is a risk of loss of braking and steering control, which could result in serious injury or death.

The condition appears to be repairable. If you have one of these bikes, stop using it immediately and contact your local KTM dealer to schedule a free repair. If you seek further information regarding the recall, KTM’s toll-free number is 888.985.6090.

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Have You Been Sickened by Salmonella Tainted Peanut Products

Posted under: Product Recall, Tainted Foods — tslaughter @ 5:03 pm

Little did we know when we reported about the Nut King recall of peanut butter products one month ago that in the following weeks over 1300 different products would be taken off the shelves by scores of food processors. The products include foods such as cookies, cracker snacks, ice cream, athletic bars, candies and many others. There have been at least 6 reported deaths and hundreds, if not thousands, of sickened people poisoned by the tainted peanut products.

If you believe that you have been sickened by Salmonella tainted peanut products, it is very important to do the following: go see the doctor now and be tested (testing of the stool is the gold standard); preserve the product container and any left over foods; locate and keep proof of purchase.

The Redding lawyers at Reiner, Simpson & Slaughter are members of InjuryBoard.com which has much greater detail concerning the Salmonella outbreak. You are invited to look at their national website. As a member of this national organization, we have direct access to firms that are evaluating and prosecuting these tainted food cases. If you believe that you have suffered Salmonella poisoning as a result of eating tainted peanut butter related products, please give us a call/email, and we would be glad to connect you with the experts handling these cases.

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Blog

February 18, 2009

Gas Generator in Basement Kills Castella Father and Daughter

February 13, 2009

Handy Manny Toy Tool Kits Recalled

February 11, 2009

KTM ATVs Recalled for Defective Brakes

February 6, 2009

Have You Been Sickened by Salmonella Tainted Peanut Products