January 20, 2010

Time to check your products for recalls and dangers

The attorneys at Levin & Perconti just read about several product concerns and wanted to make our readers aware. Read below to learn about the recalls and other warnings.

First, look out for the safety of your pets! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning that dog treats may be contaminated with salmonella. Merrick Pet Care’s pet food may be contaminated with salmonella; click here to read more about the possible salmonella contamination in the dog treats.

Continue reading "Time to check your products for recalls and dangers" »

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Posted In: Current Issues , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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January 4, 2010

Illinois toymaker to pay $1.25 million fine over lead in paint

ChicagoBreakingNews.com has reported that an Oak Brook Illinois company has agreed to pay a $1.25 million civil penalty for importing and selling toys that contained too much lead in the paint. The product liability fine is part of a settlement that the Illinois company reached with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The U.S. CPSC claims that the Illinois toy seller and its Learning Curve Brands, Inc. unit knowingly imported and distributed various Thomas & Friends wooden railway toys with paints or other surface coatings with excessive lead levels. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicated that this is the second biggest civil penalty ever imposed against a toymaker.

Continue reading "Illinois toymaker to pay $1.25 million fine over lead in paint" »

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Posted In: Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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December 25, 2009

Some safety reminders for the holidays

As many people celebrate the holidays, it is important to remember to practice safety with new electronics or toys. The attorneys at Levin & Perconti have highlighted many product recalls recently, including Children's Plush Books and Children's Hoodie-style sweatshirts.

For the most recent and updated information on product recalls, please check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website. Please enjoy your holidays and be safe!

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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December 7, 2009

Are the popular Zhu Zhu toys safe?

The Chicago Tribune released a story today about a consumer group is contending that this season’s “must have” toy is an unsafe product. Since the “Black Friday” shopping bonanza day, the Zhu Zhu hamster toys have been extremely popular; however, a recent study has highlighted potential concern. A study by a San Francisco group stated that higher-than-allowed levels of antimony (which can cause health problems) were found on the hair and nose of the toys hamsters. Antimony was measured at 93 parts per million in the hamster’s fur and 106 parts per million in its nose. Both of these readings exceed the allowable level of 60 parts per million. Despite this study, the toy’s maker insisted that its product is safe and has passed rigorous safety testing.

Continue reading "Are the popular Zhu Zhu toys safe? " »

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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November 27, 2009

What toys to avoid when you go shopping today

Today is expected to be one of the biggest shopping days of the year. In the hectic atmosphere of finding the best deals, Levin & Perconti wanted to highlight what toys to avoid. Many toys have been recalled because of product liability concerns. Some of the toys are choking hazards, others pose burn hazards, and other contain excessive amounts of lead. More information on all of the following toys and additional recalled products are available on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Continue reading "What toys to avoid when you go shopping today" »

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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October 17, 2009

Settlement reached in lead paint toy litigation

A product liability settlement has been reached in the largest recall of children’s toys in recent history by Mattel. In 2006 and 2007, Mattel recalled over 14 million toys in the U.S. alone due to excessive lead or lead paint. In Illinois, Mattel withdrew toy blood-pressure cuffs after the Illinois Attorney General found lead in the plastic.

To read more about the lead paint toy settlement.

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Posted In: Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys , Verdicts and Settlements

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October 6, 2009

Target fined over lead paint in toys

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has fined Target for selling toys that post personal injury risks to children due to lead paint. The fine is $600,000 for violating the government lead paint ban on toys.

To read more about the lead toy ban.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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August 30, 2009

Toys “R” Us launches used baby-product exchange program

In an attempt to remove dangerous products from the market, Toys “R” Us is launching an exchange program. Consumers can bring used baby products such as cribs and car seats in exchange for 20% discount coupons on new products. The company is hoping that this move will keep potentially dangerous children’s products from being resold.

To read more about the baby product exchange program.

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Posted In: Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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July 13, 2009

Playpen recall raises child safety concerns

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is expected to recall one million play yards, a children’s toy. This product recall raises questions over the safety of products perceived as safe for unattended children. This product recall would follow hundreds of complaints of collapsing sides and reports of 21 injured children.

To read more about the potential child safety recall.

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Posted In: Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Toys

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July 13, 2009

How to report a dangerous product

With all of the recently blogged recalled products, Levin & Perconti wanted to make you aware of how you can report an unsafe product to the government if you receive personal injuries.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission has an online form to report dangerous products here.

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Posted In: Current Issues , Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Machinery , Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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July 9, 2009

Illinois Attorney General issues product recall for 4 million baby floats

In the midst of summer pool days, the Illinois Attorney General has issued a good reminder that we must be vigilant in supervising minors in pools. There has been an Illinois product recall for 4 million Aqua-Leisure inflatable baby floats after Illinois consumers reported at least 31 incidents of the float seat tearing, causing infants to fall into the water.

To read more about the Illinois product recall.

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Posted In: Accidental Drownings , Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Product Recalls , Toys

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March 10, 2009

Choking hazard and lead paint prompts recall of children’s toys

Nearly 40,000 fishing games, rattles, pull-a-long cars, mini pull back cars, and cartoon bubble guns are being recalled by the CBB group for fear of product liability. Specifically, the toys pose a danger to small children because their small parts can detach and cause personal injuries. Additionally, some of the toys contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

To read more about the toy recall.

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Posted In: Products liability , Toys

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February 13, 2009

Handy Manny tool sets recalled

The Disney Store USA has voluntarily issued a product recall for about 20,000 Playhouse Disney Handy Manny tool toy sets after reports that the eyes can detach and cause a choking hazard. The company received three reports about the defect, including two where children started to choke on the detached pieces.

To read more about the product recall.

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Posted In: Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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January 17, 2009

Cribs and baby clothes recalled

Stork Craft Baby Manufacturing, Inc. and federal regulators in the U.S. and Canada recalled more than one million cribs this week because of metal support brackets that can break, the latest in the rash of crib recalls that have led to infant deaths or injuries. In addition to the cribs, about 16,000 baby garments have been recalled because of the snaps on the garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

For the full article.

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Posted In: Products liability , Toys

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January 7, 2009

Join the AAJ Products Liability Section

The products liability section of the American Association for Justice focuses on cases and legislation regarding products liability and product safety. It covers consumer products, automobiles, toys, and more.

To learn more about joining the Products Liability Section, click here.

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Posted In: Machinery , Preemption , Product Recalls , Products liability , Tips for Lawyers , Toys , pharmaceuticals

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December 30, 2008

Some toymakers may be exempt from the lead rule

Remember earlier this month, the presence of lead in toys was all over the news. Everyone was concerned that with the holiday seasons, kids would receive lead-laden toys. Then, regulations were passed overwhelmingly limiting the lead allowed in toys. Today, there was another update in the lead toys saga. The Consumer Product Safety Commission staff members have recommended that the agency exempt some natural materials from the lead testing requirements in order to relieve financial burden on toymakers in these tough economic times.

For the full article.

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Posted In: Lead Products , Products liability , Toys

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December 17, 2008

CPSC urges parents to check toys on website

During the holiday season, many parents buy toys for their children. This year, the CPSC is urging parents to check its website prior to purchase to avoid product liability. Toys present safety concerns and some recently have been found to contain lead. Even after the holidays, parents should frequently and routinely check the recall list.

For the full article.

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Posted In: Lead Products , Products liability , Toys

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December 4, 2008

Lead-laden toys may still be at stores

In a recent testing of toys, nearly a third tested positive for medium to high levels of lead, cadmium, mercury or other potentially dangerous chemicals. Product liability recalls are on the rise, with two-thirds of the product liability recalls being children’s toys, nursery items, and clothing.

For the full article.

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Posted In: Products liability , Toys

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November 27, 2008

Consumers Warned of Toxic Toys and Toy Dangers

The Illinois Public Interest Research Group (IPIRG) has issued its annual Survey of Toy Safety. This year’s report focuses on toxic toys and it particularly warns against toys that contain phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastics. Phthalates are often used to make the plastic in teething toys, bath books and rubber duckies soft and flexible, but the chemicals are suspected of causing reproductive and developmental problems, especially in boys. Congress has passed legislation this year, to take effect on February 1, 2009, that bans 6 types of phthalates.

The group also warned of toys that pose choking hazards and those that contain lead and magnets. The Illinois Attorney General warns that if more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract to each other, causing severe personal injuries such as intestinal perforations or blockages which can result in permanent intestinal damage and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

To check the safety of your children’s toys, check the Illinois Attorney General’s 2008 Children’s Product Recall Guide, by clicking here. View the IPIRG report, by clicking here. To read the full story, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Lead Products , Product Recalls , Products liability , Toys

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November 27, 2008

Are Toys Safer this Christmas?

Increased testing has made toys safer this Christmas than last year, says both government regulators and toy experts. Only 74 toys have been recalled this year, all related to elevated lead levels. Lead is especially harmful to a child’s developing brain. Effects include reduced IQ, shorter attention span and learning disabilities. In response to last year’s toy tragedy federal rules mandate that surface lead, must drop below 90 parts per million by August 2009. It should be noted that this standard takes effect after this year’s holiday season. Since major toy companies and stores are not waiting for the deadline, the Consumer Product Safety Commission urges particular caution for toys bought secondhand or from independent online sellers. Buyers should ensure that they are not buying recalled products or toys that do not meet current or pending standards. Some recalled toys this year include 57,000 Rage Wireless Guitars for Nintendo’s Wii game system and 330,000 Nerf Blasters. The guitars were recalled after leaky batteries caused chemical burns and the blasters after 46 reports of kids getting pinched in the face, neck or chest. To read the full story, click here.

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Posted In: Dangerous toys , Injuries to Minors and Children , Products liability , Toys

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The purpose of this blog is to deliver news and information that is relevant to our areas of practice. The news and information reported on this blog represent the legal actions of attorneys throughout the United States. Our firm does not claim to represent plaintiffs in all of the lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts reported, only those noted as Levin & Perconti cases.

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