Pennsylvania Injury Attorneys Blog
The attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Recall of Baby Monitor Due to 2 Infant Deaths
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of 600,000 Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors with Sensor Pads after 2 children died after being strangled by a cord extending from the sensor pad.
According to CNN.com, both infants pulled the cord from the sensor pad into the crib. One death took place in 2004 and the other death happened in 2011. When asked why so much time passed between the infant deaths and the recall, the CPSC is quoted in the article as saying, “There are times when we see information we can act upon, and there are times when we need to gather more information.”
The recall affects only the United States and the company is offering rigid cord covers to consumers. The sensor pad goes under the mattress to monitor the baby’s movements. Some models did not include cord covers, exposing an 11-foot long electrical cord which could be pulled into the crib by an infant.
Family Gives Back in Memory of Young Man
Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect and give thanks for the things we have. It often prompts us to think of others less fortunate. So our staff was proud to hear of the efforts of our marketing coordinator, Samantha Cody, and her aunt who are gathering donated items this holiday season to help families affected by domestic violence. But their efforts aren’t just helping those in need; it’s a way for their family to remember Sammi’s cousin, Dave Guzick, who died in March as a result of an accident involving a distracted driver.
Sammi and her aunt are collecting everyday necessities such as bathroom tissue, soap, and detergent and placing them into laundry baskets that will be donated to Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC). SWIC is a non-profit organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence, here in Schuylkill County.
In an article on the RepublicanHerald.com, Sammi’s aunt said that since Christmas is a time for families to get together, they thought this would be a positive way to remember their nephew and cousin, who was only 24 when he died.
Remember Veteran’s Day
The attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law would like to thank all of those who have served our country, especially any veterans who have died in combat. We owe them a debt that we can never repay.
Diet Pill Being Recalled After Links to Liver Damage
USPlabs of Dallas is recalling their OxyElite Pro products after investigators linked the products to dozens of cases of hepatitis and liver failure.
According to an article on FoxNews.com, the cases were initially reported in Hawaii, then cases were linked to other states as well. The products, which are dietary supplements used for weight loss and to build muscle, are thought to have impurities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said one patient died, another required a liver transplant, and others are awaiting liver transplants.
The FDA issued a letter to USPlabs notifying the company that they must issue a voluntary recall, or the FDA could order a halt to distribution of the products. According to the article, this is the second time that the FDA has used its recall authority under their Food Safety Modernization Act.
O’Connor Law Has a Spook-iffic Time on Halloween
As anyone who has worked for the law offices of O’Connor Law will tell you, Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. Staff and attorneys go all out, to come up with creative and eye-catching costumes. And this year was no exception.
Office festivities included prizes for best costume. There were flappers and pirate girls, a bus and bus driver, and the devil with the blue dress on…complete with accompanying song. Winners included:
First place: a tie between Mario Brothers (including Princess Peach, Mario, and Wario) and Katy Perry
Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease at South Whitehall Township Outpatient Facility
This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued an advisory asking doctors to be on the lookout for patients who may have developed Legionnaires’ disease after visiting the Integrated Health Campus in South Whitehall Township.
According to an article on McCall.com, 6 cases of the disease, also called legionellosis, have been linked to the facility on Cetronia Road. Doctors should be alert for pneumonia-like symptoms among patients who may have visited the facility within 2 weeks of their illness.
The investigation into the incident focused on a decorative fountain located in the facility’s lobby. Remediation has been performed on the heath campus water system, which involved shutting down and draining the fountain, as well as sanitizing the facility’s drinking water system. As a result, the health department has cleared the campus to continue business as usual.
Tires Detach from Truck and Hit Another Vehicle in South Whitehall Township
Earlier this month, a Lehigh County woman was injured when a tractor trailer’s tires came loose and hit her car. Now, the driver of the truck is being charged with a vehicle code violation.
According to an article on SouthWhitehall.patch.com, the truck was travelling west on Route 22 by the Cedar Crest Boulevard exit in South Whitehall Township when its fifth axel tires detached and bounced into the eastbound lanes of traffic. The tires hit the woman’s SUV, causing her “moderate injuries” according to state troopers.
The driver of the truck was not injured, but was charged with a vehicle code violation.
Fair Goers Fall from Ride at North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Three people are in the hospital after falling from a ride at the North Caroline Fairgrounds this week.
According to an article on Yahoo News, five people were taken to a nearby hospital. Two were released, two remain are in good condition and one is in critical condition. The accident occurred when the ride named the “Vortex” started up again as passengers were getting off the ride. Bystanders described the scene by saying “There were actually some people that were still, I think, strapped in and holding on, really hanging on for their lives.”
The accident is under investigation by fair officials and officials from the Department of Labor. Earlier in the week a problem a switch had been fixed on the ride, which is described as a pendulum ride that flips passengers upside down as it heads toward the sky.
Turkey Hill Recalls Ice Cream
Turkey Hill has issued a voluntary recall of some ice cream flavors because they could have metal shavings.
According to an article on LancasterOnline.com, the ice cream packages have been sold at Turkey Hill Minit Markets in Pennsylvania, selected Wal-Marts in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and other small grocers and convenience stores in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Packages being recalled include 1.5-quart (48 oz./1.42L) “Fudge Ripple Premium” ice cream, 1-pint (16 oz./473 ml) packages of “Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Premium” ice cream and “Moose Tracks Stuff’d Frozen Dairy Dessert.” These packages would have been purchased after Oct. 1.