A recall has been issued in the U.S. for over 700,000 Toyota models: 2005-2006 Avalon, 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid), 2004-2006 Lexus RX330 and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250 and IS350. The recall is for a master brake cylinder seal that if not replaced can, according to Toyota’s press release, result in “a spongy or soft brake pedal feel” and the eventual decline of braking performance.

This recall adds to the millions of defective products already recalled by the company this year. In January, the company issued a recall for a number of models with sticky accelerators. In February, the Prius was recalled for brake problems and the Tacoma for propeller shaft problems. In April, Consumer Report issued a “Don’t Buy” warning for the 2010 Lexus GX 460 because of the increased risk of rollover accidents. In May, Lexus sedans were recalled for steering issues, and in July, yet more Lexus models were recalled for engine stalling problems.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck involving a Toyota vehicle, call Texas auto-vehicle accident lawyer, Brian Jensen.

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Two models of General Electric coffee makers are being recalled because of reports of overheating, which in some cases, has led to fires and burns. The models, numbered 169164 and 169165, were sold at Wal-Mart from March 2008 through the start of this year.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 2002-2006, over $1.4 billion in property damages results from the approximate 53,000 electrical home fires that occur each year.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, call Houston product liability lawyer, Brian Jensen for assistance.

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The Food and Drug Administration inspection report for the McNeil Consumer Healthcare manufacturing facility involved in the recall of over 40 over-the-counter medications for infants and children was released Tuesday.

The company’s quality control department was found deficient in many aspects. One observation of the inspectors was that “raw material lots had known contamination with gram negative organisms and were approved for use to manufacture several finished lots of Children’s and Infant’s Tylenol drug products, which remain within expiration date(s) on the market.” Another observation showed a failure on the company’s part to ensure proper dosage of products such as Infants’ Dye-Free Tylenol Suspension Drops. The company also failed to follow up on “46 consumer complaints regarding foreign materials, black or dark specks from June 2009 to April 2010.”

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, contact Houston product liability lawyer, Brian Jensen.

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A voluntary recall of all unexpired lots of 43 over-the-counter infant and children medications including Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl was announced late Friday by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Johnson & Johnson. For a full list of products check the www.mcneilproductrecall.com.

During a routine inspection on April 19, the Food and Drug Administration noticed “manufacturing deficiencies” that indicated the McNeil’s manufacturing procedures were “not in control,” which affects the medicine’s composition. According to a statement by the company, “Some of the products included in the recall may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified; others contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles.” The facility under question has been temporarily shut down while the FDA investigates.

If you or a loved has been injured by a defective product, contact Houston product liability attorney, Brian Jensen.

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The possibility of vehicular accidents caused by rolling over has led to a Consumer Report “Don’t Buy” warning for the 2010 Lexus GX 460. During the test, which simulated approaching a turn too quickly, the electronic stability control took too long to respond and the rear of the vehicle slid outward. The concern is that if the rear tires struck an obstacle the vehicle would then roll. The warning has prompted Toyota to halt sales and issue a recall while the manufacturer performs its own tests. However, 6000 units have already been sold; though no accidents have been reported.

This casts yet more pall over Toyota’s reputation, which has suffered due to questions concerning its actions over a recent recall involving millions of vehicles for sticky brake pads. Added to the vehicle defects are the results of a recent investigation by the Associated Press, which concludes that the company has withheld crucial information in previous legal cases involving their vehicles. Recent lawsuits filed in federal court have accused the company of fraud in past legal cases.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product, call Texas product liability attorney , Brian Jensen.

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Serious injuries and at least one death prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a Class I recall of Baxter HomeChoice and Homechoice PRO Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Systems yesterday. According to the FDA’s Background and Definitions page, a Class I recall is “a situation in which there is reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” [1]

The prescribed dialysis systems treat children and adults with kidney failure. Those at higher risk of injury include children, patients unable to communicate, critically ill patients and patients with pulmonary instability and instable blood circulation.

Cases of Increased Intraperitoneal Volume (IIPV), or overfill of the abdominal cavity, have been attributed to the device. IIPV can lead to heart failure, pulmonary edema and numerous other life threatening conditions.

For a list of affected models, click here . [2]

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, call Houston product liability attorney, Brian Jensen for assistance.

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Backgrounds and Definitions

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Baxter HomeChoice and HomeChoice Pro

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U.S. Senate hearings on the Toyota recall continue today. The recall involves approximately six million vehicles in the U.S. There are three major issues: gas pedals trapped by floor mats, sticky gas pedals and brake issues. Many different makes and models of Toyotas are affected. For specific information on the makes and models, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, or click here .

In a letter to Mr. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota, Chairman of the Oversight Committee, Edolphus Towns states, “there are reports that this problem may have been the direct cause of serious injury and even death .” [1]

Allegations concerning efforts to cover up the extent of the defective products surround the hearings and have led to the Oversight Committee issuing a subpoena for Toyota documents. [2]

Questions regarding when Toyota knew of the problems and what steps consumers need to take to ensure their safety are top concerns.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product call Houston product liability lawyer , Brian Jensen for assistance.

[1] Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Chairman Towns Invites Toyota President to Testify Before Committee

[2] Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Oversight Committee Issues Subpoena for Toyota Documents

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A 2009 Senate investigation released Monday, February 22nd provides another example of serious health consequences that could lead to wrongful deaths caused by a defective product , a questionable drug released by a pharmaceutical company.

According to HealthDay News citing the Saturday, February 20 edition of The New York Times , the Senate investigation concluded, "G.S.K. executives attempted to intimidate independent physicians, focused on strategies to minimize or misrepresent findings that Avandia may increase cardiovascular risk, and sought ways to downplay findings that a competing drug might reduce cardiovascular risk.” [1]

The article states, “The blockbuster type 2 diabetes drug Avandia raises users’ odds for heart attack and heart failure and should be removed from the market, according to confidential U.S. government reports.” Citing the Saturday, February 20 The New York Times edition, the article goes on to say the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found an estimated 500 heart attacks and 300 heart failures a month could be eliminated by switching from Avandia to Actos, an alternative drug treatment. [1]

The article reports, in May 2007, a Cleveland Clinic study “found that Avandia increased a user’s odds of heart attack by 43 percent compared to those not taking the medicine.” [1] Furthermore, in 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued numerous alerts regarding rosiglitazone maleate, which is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline as Avandia, Avandamet and Avandaryl. The alerts called for better labeling to notify patients and doctors of the higher risk of myocardial ischema, or heart failure. [2]

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or questionable drug, call Houston product liability lawyer , Brian Jensen for assistance.

[1] E.J. Mundell, Healthfinder.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Remove Diabetes Drug Avandia From Market: FDA Documents

http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.aspx?docid=636256

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Rosiglitazone maleate (marketed as Avandia, Avandamet, and Avandaryl) Information

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm143349.htm

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