On October 28, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a notice of the voluntary recall of Halloween Flashlights sold exclusively this season at Target stores around the country. When in use these flashlights can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to the consumer. There have been eight reported incidents of the flashlights melting and at least one report of burns to the consumers’ hands. The Halloween Flashlights were sold in two styles: the mini flashlights have a king ring extending from the bottom and were sold in packs of three; the packaging advertises “Mini Flashlights 3 Pack.” The second style is a standard flashlight with a black handle and an orange top. The standard size flashlight was sold in a package with six stencils in various colors labeled as “Flashlight with Stencil.” Approximately 610,000 of the Halloween Flashlight were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide from August 2009 through September 2009 costing $1 for the mini flashlights and $2.50 for the standard flashlights. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that consumers immediately stop using the flashlights and return them to Target stores for a full refund.
Archive for October, 2009
Occupational Tax Update
In Legal News on October 23, 2009 at 9:54 amCounsel for workers who paid the old Jefferson County occupational tax have filed motions with the Court to have the funds currently held by the County transferred to an escrow account for the purposes of distributing refunds. “All the money owed back to the taxpayers has now been collected,” said Sam Hill. “We believe it is time for the money held by the County under the Orders entered by Judge Rains to be removed from the County’s account and for the process of getting refunds to the taxpayers put in place.” Added Jim McFerrin, “We have deposed Travis Hulsey, the County’s Finance Director, and we have a real good idea of what was collected, what the County was allowed to spend, and how much interest should be paid on this judgment.” The parties anticipate a hearing in short order on making the transfer. The next step will be the development of a plan to get refunds of amounts currently held back to the taxpayers, while at the same time implementing a plan to repay the sums the County was allowed to spend earlier this year.
Additionally, lawyers representing the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center, who had intervened in the occupational tax lawsuit, have filed a motion to be dismissed from the case now that all issues related to their interests have been resolved. Counsel for the taxpayers have consented to this dismissal, while attorneys for Jefferson County have filed an opposition, citing possible future appeal issues. Judge Rains has yet to rule on this motion.
Yaz/Yasmin Birth Control Injuries
In Uncategorized on October 21, 2009 at 12:32 pmBayer Corporation, the maker or the popular birth control Yaz, and its predecessor Yasmin, is currently facing legal issues due to potential health problems associated with these drugs. While all hormone based birth control poses some health risks, the risks are greater with Yaz and Yasmin because they are created using a third generation progestin called drospirenone. Drospirenone can cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia has been linked to various medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances, such as extrsystolies, pauses or bradycardia. If left untreated hyperkalemia can be fatal. Drospirenone also increases the risk of blood clots forming, including deep vein thrombosis which can lead to heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, or can travel to the brain causing strokes. These are serious health concerns that consumers should be aware of. Since Yasmin and Yaz have been on the market, there have been hundreds of accounts of injury and death reported in users of these drugs. If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective product and are seeking more information, please go to our “about us” page and contact Hill | Turner LLC.
Chinese Drywall Contamination
In Uncategorized on October 21, 2009 at 12:29 pmContaminated Chinese drywall began entering the country in 2001 through two dozen ports. This contaminated drywall can cause serious health issues including, but not limited to, upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches, eye irritation, and allergies. Chinese drywall emits gasses which corrode copper and metal surfaces, including electrical wiring, air conditioners and appliances. These gasses not only destroy homes, but the personal property within homes, such as televisions, computers and electronics. The majority of the contaminated drywall entered the country during the construction boom from 2004-2006. There are many theories as to what is causing these issues; however, as of now the exact cause is unknown. If you believe that your home may be contaminated or there are telltale signs in your home including a rotten egg or sulfur smell emanating from the contaminated walls, Chinese labels on the drywall itself, and corrosion of copper wiring and appliances in the home, please contact Hill | Turner LLC for more information about protecting your rights.
Major Toyota Recall
In Legal News on October 1, 2009 at 10:07 amOn Tuesday, September 29, 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation announced it will recall 3.8 million vehicles in the United States. The recall will affect 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350. The recall is to address problems with a removable floor mat that could cause accelerators to get stuck and lead to high speed accidents. Toyota will be working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to find a remedy to fix the problem and said owners could be notified about the recall as early as next week.
Toyota spokesman Irv Miller said until the company finds a fix, owners should take out the removable floor mat on the driver’s side and not replace it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received reports of 102 incidents in which the accelerator may have become stuck on the Toyota vehicles involved in the recall. In September 2007, Toyota recalled an accessory all-weather floor mat sold for use in some 2007 and 2008 model year Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry vehicles because of similar problems. Toyota has ordered 1,400 Toyota and Lexus dealers nationwide to ensure that each new, used and loaner vehicles has the proper floor mats and that the mats were properly secured. For more information, consumers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s hotline at (888) 327-4236, Toyota at (800) 331-4331 or Lexus at (800) 255-3987.
