Vlaw Legal and Consumer News

Menards has announced the recall of approximately 42,000 units of the MasterForce 3.6-volt Cordless Screwdriver due to a potential fire and burn hazard. The recall is effective immediately.

The Menards Company, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, imports the products from the Great Star Industry Co., of China. The screwdrivers were manufactured without any protective device on the lithium battery, creating the potential for overheating and fire during charging.

To date, three reports of fires have been received. Minor injuries, including burns to the hands and temporary hearing loss,  were also reported.

The recalled cordless screwdrivers are described as Read full entry and feel free to comment »

Share this article with others:

New statistics released by the federal government show a significant decline in drunken driving-related fatalities.  The figures reflect a decrease in deaths in 32 states as well as an overall reduction nationwide.

These statistics, for 2007, show a 3.7 percent decline in fatalities as compared with 2006.  This means that nearly 500 fewer individuals lost their lives in alcohol-related auto accidents in 2007.

Mary Peters, Secretary of Transportation, called the numbers good news, and commented that while citizens are “getting the message” that drinking and driving will lead to arrest and jail time, there is no reason in the first place for an individual to drink and drive “in this day and age.”

The good news is somewhat tempered by a slight increase in drunken driving motorcycle fatalities.

The Department of Transportation plans to continue its use of the “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign.

Drunk Driving (DUI) is a serious offense, but is not without options. If you or a loved one are involved in a DUI offense, good legal counsel from an experienced Chicago DUI lawyer is invaluable. Call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. Your initial consultation is always free of charge.

Share this article with others:

Accessory bags for children’s cosmetics have been recalled due to the presence of high levels of lead in the bag’s handle clasps.  These clasps pose a poisoning risk if swallowed.  It is reported that just under one million units (about 945,000) are part of this recall.  The bags were sold under the Bonne Bell name at retail stores nationwide and at Bonne Bell’s website from September 2007 through August 2008 for about $9.

Consumers can recognize the products by the name Bonne Bell Children’s Cosmetics Accessory Bags, as well as through the description below.  Please note that the cosmetic products sold inside of the bag are not part of this recall.  The products were originally manufactured in China.  To date, there have been no reports of injuries or incidents.  This is a voluntary recall.  Please refer to the following information for positive identification of these products: Read full entry and feel free to comment »

Share this article with others:

Each year, consumer products injure 33.1 million people in their homes. Whether houses or apartments, owned or rented, Americans place great value on the home as a center of safety and security: a realization of the “American dream.” Hazardous products in the home threaten to taint this security. However, by remaining aware and familiarizing yourself with these top five hazards as determined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), you can come one step closer to a safe, happy home. Some hazards are new; others have been around for years. Whether this is new information or a refresher, it can bring more security into the life of your family. Best of all, with minimal investment of time and money, the dangers on this list are preventable. Read full entry and feel free to comment »

Share this article with others:

An estimated 50 million children are returning to school this fall and, as always, safety should be number one in the minds of teachers, parents, children, and the public. Here are a few tips on children’s school-related products to help keep kids safe as school resumes: Read full entry and feel free to comment »

Share this article with others:

A voluntary recall has been issued for 12-cup Kenmore coffee makers, model numbers 100.80006, 100.81006, and 100.82006. Kenmore Elite models 100.90007 and 100.90006 are also included in the recall. This recall has been reported by the CPSC. Consumers are instructed to stop using these hazardous products immediately due to overheating risks and fire hazards. Products should be Read full entry and feel free to comment »

Share this article with others:

11,000 children’s swing sets, sold nationwide at Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us, have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The swing set negligent design recall has been prompted by more than 100 reports of parts breaking, putting a serious risk to the safety of children using the toy. The hazardous product recall was issued by Backyard Leisure LLC.

The wooden swing sets, which come in four different styles, come with a variety of swings, slides, and gliders for children to play on. In each of the reports, customers say that the hangers supporting glider chains have broken due to negligent design. This can cause a child to fall off the moving glider, and the chain may strike the child in the head after breaking from its hanger.

Faulty design or manufacture of the Chinese-produced swing sets put the safety of children at risk, particularly because gliders are elevated and often in motion at the time the defect causes a problem. Backyard Leisure is instructing consumers to remove the glider from the swing set so it cannot be used. The company is offering free replacement glider hangers, as well as instructions on how to repair the product. The four styles included in the recall are the pathfinder, Conqueror, Cedar Ridge and Windsor styles. For more information, read the original press release.

Share this article with others:

Chantix or Varenicline Tartrate as it is also known is a prescription medicine prescribed for smoking cessation. Chantix, unlike similar drugs in the past, does not contain nicotine. Instead of slowly lessening the nicotine levels in one’s body, Chantix attempts to reduce and ultimately eliminate cravings of those individuals taking it.

Since its FDA approval in May 2006, there have been hundreds of reports of serious psychiatric complications including agitation, suicidal behavior and/or successful suicide, depression and increased aggression levels in patients taking the drug.  These symptoms were linked but not limited to patients who suffered pre-existing mental conditions.

Pfizer, the drug manufacturer, maintains the position and opinion that the severe changes in mood and erratic behavior in Chantix users is due to the withdrawal of nicotine from the body. The FDA’s findings indicate that even those patients who had continued smoking had similar psychiatric episodes and that it is “increasingly likely that there may be an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms”.

Share this article with others:

Yet another set of children’s jewelry is being recalled due to high levels of lead paint. This time, the products are Makit & Bakit Jewelry Sets and Suncatcher Sets. More than 70,000 pieces were sold nationwide that are now included in the recall. Read on for specific product numbers.

The manufacturer, based in Michigan, is QuinCrafts. The following jewelry sets sold from August 2007 to March of this year for approximately $2:

For photos of the recalled toys and information on what to do, visit the official Consumer Product Safety Commission press release.

Share this article with others:

Little Tikes is recalling a children’s toy that can pose a serious threat of choking if it comes apart. The toy is a fake cell phone, and the company has received three reports thus far of the phone breaking, and one report of a child begining to choke on one of the parts that came off.

Because the toy phone is modeled as a flip phone style, there is a hinge area where the phone unfolds into two portions. The two portions can at that site detach, and the hinge cover becomes a threat to the safety of the child.

The phone is designed to appeal to children, with bright colors and pictures of animals plus sound effects. the toy sold for $8 each or $20 for a set for nearly two years beginning in June of 2006.

If you believe you have one of these toys, stop letting your child play with it immediately. Contact Little Tikes or refer to the official press release to learn how you can get a replacement toy that is safer for your child to use.

Share this article with others: