Alabama Product Injury Lawyer Blog

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that 7 crib manufacturers have voluntarily agreed to the recall of more than 2 million cribs whose drop sides create hazard concerns of entrapment, suffocation and falls. The recall involves cribs manufactured between 2000 and 2009 and include the following manufacturers: Child Craft (out of business), Delta Enterprise, Evenflo, Jardine Enterprises, LaJobi, Million Dollar Baby and Simmons Juvenile Products. The companies will be providing free repair kits to all owners to keep the drop side from moving. As Consumer Reports indicated "the CPSC's emphatic message to parents: Do not attempt to fix these cribs with homemade remedies."

The CPSC has indicated it is continuing to investigate cribs for other hazards as well in order to make the market free from unsafe cribs. The CPSC has indicated that it "is committed to addressing the hazards with cribs and to restoring parents' confidence that their child will have a safe sleep". It is also important to note that if your drop side crib is already broken, the new hardware being provided by the manufacturers for this recall will not help and/or fix the problem. If that is the case, you need to contact the manufacturer and talk to them about an alternative remedy. Also, to obtain information about the remedy, you need to contact the individual manufacturer. To figure out how to do that, go to the CPSC site and it will provide you a link to the contact information for your manufacturer.

This is an important recall. Children are our most precious possession and we must do all possible to insure their safety.

Toyota has seen its share of problems as of recent. Unintended acceleration, severe fines, recalls, and now the recall of the brand new 2010 Lexus GX 460 as a result some testing performed by Consumer Reports which resulted in it indicating it was a "Don't Buy: Safety Risk." This recall involves almost 10,000 brand new vehicles. Consumer Reports notified Toyota that during its testing of the vehicle in its standard emergency-handling tests, the rear of the vehicle slid out to the point it was almost sideways before the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system kicked in to try and bring the vehicle under control. Which raises the questions: what is ESC, what is it suppose to do, and does it have real value.

Consumer Reports, as a result of the problems it found with the Lexus GX, recently published a blog post providing the "101" of what ESC is all about and why its so important to have it on a vehicle. Basically, if you are in a situation where you are losing control of the vehicle, the vehicle and its on board computer senses this and through use of selective braking it helps to bring your car back under control. It has been found to be especially useful during situations of accident avoidance or in slippery conditions like wet roads and ice. Various studies have estimated that ESC can reduce the risk of fatal single vehicle accidents by 51%. Specifically as to SUV's which have an increased potential of rollovers due to loss of control, it is estimated that ESC can reduce SUV single vehicle accidents by almost 60%. Consumer Reports, as well as others have indicated that this is the most significant advancement in vehicle safety since the seat belt. In fact the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA) which regulates the automotive industry has mandated that by 2012, all vehicles sold in the U.S. must have ESC as a standard feature.

Over the past year I have been handling an automotive products liability case in which one of the claims of defect is that the manufacturer should have provided ESC on the vehicle in question as standard equipment and not optional. In the accident at issue, it is claimed that with ESC, the accident would not have happened and the front seat passenger would not have died. Bottom line this is a significant advancement in vehicle safety which will assist many people in avoiding accidents in the future. If you are in the market for a vehicle, ask about its availability. It should be one of the top things you look for as being included in any new vehicle you are buying. Bottom line, its a must have!

Some good news this week for those living in anguish with their homes constructed out of Chinese Drywall. First, both HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) issued guidance regarding the method owners of these homes should undertake to rid themselves of the hazards of Chinese Drywall. The corrosion that is occurring to appliances and electrical outlets in these homes is being caused by hydrogen sulfide in the drywall. The hydrogen sulfide emitted from the Chinese Drywall is 100 times greater than drywall made elsewhere. The CPSC is still looking into whether there are long term health and safety issues caused by the Chinese Drywall.

With regard to fixing houses with Chinese Drywall, all possible drywall must be removed from the home and all electrical components and wiring, gas service piping, fire suppression sprinkler systems, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms must be replaced. For a more extensive discussion of the recommendations for remediation of these homes, see here.

As discussed in the Consumer Reports Safety Blog, what's left to be determined is how this extensive work will be paid for. This leads to the next story which happened only today. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that a federal judge in New Orleans awarded 7 families in Virginia with Chinese Drywall $2.6 million to pay for removal of the Chinese Drywall in their homes. Its a start. Problem is the defendant is a Chinese company which has not responded to lawsuits. Therefore, there will clearly be a problem collecting on this judgment. No doubt though this is a step in the right direction and a beginning to the anguish and heartache the affected consumers have had to deal with.

Its been a long while since I've posted....not good. Reality is my day to day work has taken on a life of its in own. I have several significant products liability cases in their last phases before trial and been focusing all my time and energies to that endeavor. Although still in the depths of preparation for these cases, I will do what I can to bring you information of importance relating to pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, auto problems and consumer product issues.

I also write on a day where a significant event in our countries history has occurred...the passing of the Healthcare Plan. In concept, I have always had a strong belief that health care and keeping our citizens healthy should be a main priority of our government. The insurance companies have been abusing the system...and us for so many years we have gotten use to it. Many of us just feel lucky for what our employers provide, even though today most employers require at least some employee contribution to the premium they must pay for the individual's insurance. I recall when I first started working as a young lawyer just out of law school, not only could you expect to receive rock solid medical insurance coverage from your law firm, but you would never be asked to contribute toward its cost. In the 1990s, as insurance premiums soared for employers, everything changed. More and more employers required employees to contribute to the premium and not only that, but provided less and less coverage. We would complain, be upset at our employers, but our frustration was misplaced. It is the insurance companies and their continued efforts to put more zeros in their bottom line combined with the every increasing cost of medical care that was killing the system. When i hear "opponents" to this Healthcare Plan, they spout that healthcare is not a right, it is a privilege and if you want it, go out and get a job that provides it. Not only is this such a ludicrous statement given the state of the economy and job losses, but don't forget, we are all only one step away from being on the employment line...or worse, homeless. All it takes is some catastrophic event in our lives, to set the wheels spinning.

What passed yesterday is far from perfect. Although I have been strongly in favor of a significant overhaul to the health care system, I was not convinced, with all the political favors latched on to the bill, that this is the right way to go. But as I thought more and more about it, I realized we have to start somewhere. Sure, there will be fixes and changes along the way, but something significant needed to happen to get us moving in the right direction....and yesterday it did. Wiping out the "donut hole" in medicare prescription plans, no more denial of insurance because you are "too risky", your kids can stay on your plan till they are 26 and are strongly on their way to creating their own life. Republicans refused to negotiate, to deal, to talk, even though much of this plan came from Mitt Romney's Massachusetts plan, and plans talked about in the early 90's by conservative think tanks. It was more about the politics, then what was good for Americans. Not to say many of the Democrats are without blame.....but there were doors open for negotiation, and the Republican leadership continually slammed them shut. Not to belabor the politics of it all, but take a gander at this "day after" commentary from David Frum, conservative political writer and former Bush speech writer. He concludes his commentary by saying "For the cause they purport to represent, however, the "Waterloo" threatened by GOP Sen. Jim DeMint last year regarding Obama and health care has finally arrived. Only it turns out to be our own." ....Interesting comment.

Finally, and not least important, late last week the FDA issued warnings regarding the anti-cholesterol drug Zocor (simvastatin). There is concern that those taking the highest dose (80mg) are at an increased risk for muscle injury (myopathy). Although this is a concern with regard to all statin/anti-cholesterol drugs (which became of significance several years back with the recall of the statin drug Baycol which caused myopathy and in its worse and potentially deadly form, rhabdomyolysis), people taking Zocor at the 80 mg strength have a greater risk of developing muscle injury then other patients. This also goes for drugs which include Zocor as part of the medication, such as Vytorin and Simcor. The FDA is continuing to review studies on the drug to see if more action is necessary. As a consumer, if you are taking this medication and are having muscle aches and pains, especially in the legs, you should consult your physician immediately.

So there you go. I am back. Can't make promises, because don't want to disappoint, but hopefully I will continue to post on a regular weekly basis. Let me know your thoughts and comments about anything I discussed in this post or any other issues. Until next time....be careful out there.

Yes, holiday times are here. Everyone rushing around buying gifts, going to parties, hanging out with friends and family. Its a time you want to sit back and sort of breath a little. Alas, my work schedule does not allow me. Hope all of you are enjoying this crazy, hectic and in some many ways beautiful time of year. So for the Recalls of the Week, here we go:

1. All Roman Shades : This one is hot off the presses today. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today a voluntary recall of ALL Roman shades and roll-up blinds...yes that is correct, ALL....to prevent strangulation issues to young children. Over the past several months, certain specific shades have been recalled for this reason, but this time, it is across the board with no exceptions. It is reported that this recall involves millions of Roman and roll-up shades. Since 2006, the CPSC has received reports of 5 deaths and 16 near strangulation with Roman Shades and 3 deaths since 2001 for roll-up blinds. If you have these shades in your home, you need to contact the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling 800-506-4636 and you will be sent a free repair kit. It is an issue with the cords used with these blinds. For more information regarding this recall and for instructions on what to do until you receive the repair kit, see here.

2. Sylvania Portable Nightlights: About 26,000 LED Rocketship PalPODzzz Portable Nightlights manufactured by Sylvania are being recalled due to the bottom plastic cover on the recharging base can break, which can expose internal electrical parts posing risk of shock to consumers. The recall involved model number 72174. The nightlight is shaped like a rocket and sits on a plastic base that plugs into the wall. The nightlights were sold at Home Depot, Stop and Shop and at other retailers and online at Amazon.com and other websites. You should immediately stop using the light and contact Sylvania for a free replacement and a $5 coupon to by other Sylvania products. For more information, see here.

3. Evenflo ExerSaucer 1-2-3 Tea for Me Activity Learning Centers: This recall involves activity learning centers for young children. About 66,000 of these have been sold in the U.S. at Toys "R" Us and other juvenile product stores between December 2008 and March 2009. There is a cake toy that is part of the Learning Center and the candle flame attached at the top can detach and create a choking hazard for small children. The two-tier cake is light blue, dark pink and yellow. Models included in the recall are 6161834 and 6161920. The model numbers are on a label located on the underside of the base of the product. You should immediately remove the cake toy from the product and contact Evenflo for a free replacement. For more information, see here.

4. Amby Baby Motion Beds: These "beds", which essentially are a steel frame and a fabric hammock which is connected to the frame by a large spring and crossbar, are meant to lay infants down to sleep. However, the side-to-side shifting of the hammock can cause an infant to roll and became entrapped in the fabric, creating a potential for suffocation. The manufacturer, Amby Baby, is aware of 2 suffocation deaths in the hammock. There is only one model of the hammock. It was sold by online retailers, including Ambybaby.com between 2003 and October 2009. If you have one of these hammocks, stop using it immediately and contact Amby Baby for a free repair kit. In the meantime, find another place for your child to sleep. For more information, see here.

That's all for this week. Please, with the holidays and all the rushing around, remember this is all about family and spending time with the ones you love and care about. As always, be careful out there.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the FDA warned doctors earlier this week that they should tell their patients taking the anti-clotting drug Plavix not to take popular heartburn drugs like Prilosec and Nexium because they may lessen the effects of Plavix. This may be problematic since about half of the patients taking Plavix also take Nexium, Prilosec and other similar medications to prevent stomach bleeding and ulcers which are common side effects of taking Plavix. The alternatives which at this time don't appear to have any effect on the anti-clotting properties of Plavix are heartburn drugs like Zantac, Axid and Pepcid and older formulations like Mylanta or Maalox, which work differently than Nexium and Prilosec.

A previous study indicated that if you took heartburn drugs like Nexium and Prilosec with Plavix, the risk of heart attack and stroke increased by 50%. For a specific description of the FDA's position, see the FDA's press release issued on November 18th.

Time boys and girls for the update on Recalls of the Week. These are some of the most significant recalls which have occurred over the past week. You are welcome to contact me by calling or using the "contact" form here if you have any thoughts or questions on any of these recalls.

1. Maclaren Strollers: This is the big one for the week and the one that has been all over the news. Approximately one million strollers distributed in the U.S. by Maclaren are being recalled because the stroller's hinge mechanism can cause fingertip amputation and laceration to the child when the consumer is opening the stroller. Maclaren has received 15 reports of children putting their fingers in the hinge mechanism which has resulted in 12...yes 12 fingertip amputation of small children. Not much of a shock, these strollers were made in China. They have been sold at Babies "R" Us, Target and other retailers between 1999 and November 2009 (yup, 10 years this unsafe product has been on the market). The recall involves all "umbrella" strollers, single and double, with the name "Maclaren" on the stroller. If you have one of these strollers, stop using it immediately and contact Maclaren at 1-877-688-2326 to receive a free repair kit. For more information and photos of the type of strollers involved, see here. Consumer Reports has a good suggestion for anyone using any type of stroller with children. Make sure to keep your child far away while you are folding and unfolding the stroller and make sure it is fully opened and engaged before putting your child in the stroller (and buckled up too).

2. Samsung Over-The-Range Microwave Ovens: Approximately 43,000 Samsung Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens are being recalled due to an installation bolt potentially contacting an electrical component inside the microwave and if the oven is plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it could cause a shock. This involves the 1000 watt microwave ovens. For the model and serial numbers involved see here. These microwaves were sold nationwide between January 2009 and July 2009. If you have one of these microwaves, unplug it immediately and contact Samsung at 888-402-6974 to schedule a free repair.

3. Adventure Playsets Wooden Playset: These playsets are being recalled because the plastic coated lumber that is on the "monkey bar" can weaken over time as a result of rotting and lead to a fall hazard. Adventure Playsets, which have been sold at Walmart, Toys "R" Us, Academy Sports, Menards and Mill stores as well as on line, has received over 1400 reports of rotting ladders and there have been 16 injuries reported. You should immediately stop your children from using the Playset and call Adventure Playsets at 877-840-9068 to obtain ad replacement kit. For a further description of the model sets involved in this recall, see here.

That's all that is going on presently. Again, if you have any questions about these recalls, or any other recalls, you can contact me toll free at 1-866-977-4529 or through the "contact" form on this page. Until next time, be careful out there.

Well, time to toot my own horn. The most recent November 2009 edition of the American Bar Association's Magazine, the ABA Journal, included a feature article entitled "So You Want To Go Solo? You Sure?" which included an interview (and yes a picture) of me regarding how I have incorporated social media, and specifically this blog, into my work as a solo practitioner. I am honored to have been approached and interviewed for this article published in one of the most widely read publications by lawyers throughout the country.

I would also like to thank Susan Cartier Liebel, founder of Solo Practice University who recommended me for this interview. Susan approached me several months after I started my own practice and asked if I'd be willing to teach a course at Solo Practice University on Products Liability. Given Susan's enthusiasm and cutting edge concept about how to assist solo practitioners in developing and growing their practice, I could give no other answer but yes. I started teaching my internet based classes earlier this year and it has been a great thrill and honor to be part of the start of a such a valuable, timely and much needed tool for the enterprising lawyer looking to start a solo or small firm.

Putting myself out into the social media world of Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and my blog has allowed me to interact with individuals throughout the country and the world on issues related to products liability and helping the injured victims exposed to defective products. I highly recommend all lawyers, of both big and small firms, to venture into the world of social media. The contacts and interesting people you meet, some of whom you actually help, is invaluable to any practice.

Back to give you an update on some of the most important recent recalls. Been crazy busy and thus my time for blogging has suffered. Still looking to dedicate 2-3 days a week to post. Ahh, the life of a solo practice attorney --- never enough hours in the day. So here we go with the recalls:

1. Toyota/Lexus Floor Mats:The biggest news in problematic products is Toyota's most recent announcement that it is recalling some 3.8 million Lexus and Toyota vehicles to remove factory installed driver-side floor mats in order to prevent the gas pedal from becoming trapped leading to unintended acceleration. In other words, your gas pedal can become stuck by the floor mat and even though you take your foot off the gas pedal, it will continue moving and potentially accelerating. The vehicles involved include 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2004-2009 Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2007-2010 ES350 and 2006-2010 IS250 and 350. Its unclear what may have prompted Toyota to undergo this massive recall, but there was a horrible crash in California in late August 2009 involving an off duty police officer and a Lexus ES sedan where there is indication a misaligned floor mat may have lead to the accident. Toyota is asking owners to immediately remove the driver's side mats and to not replace them while Toyota works on creating model-specific replacements. Consumer Reports recommends that if you get in a situation where your car is not slowing down, to immediately put your car in neutral, and then brake which should help bring your car to a stop. Here is a link to Consumer Reports discussion of the issue and testing they have done to address this concern. This is a very serious issue and one that all owners of the affected vehicles must address.

2. Quantum Office Chair @ Office Depot Stores: The Quantum Realspace PRO 9000 Mid-Back Multifunction Mesh Chair, sold exclusively at Office Depot, is being recalled because the bolts which attach the seatback can loosen and detach, creating risk of injury to the user. The chairs were sold at Office Depot between May 2006 and August 2009. The recall does not include the Guest Chair version. If you own one of the chairs, you should stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer, Raynor (866-244-8180) for a free repair kit.

3. Diving Air Hose for Dry Suits by SI Tech: SI Tech is recalling its Diving Air Hose for Dry Suits, of which about 65,000 have been sold by diving equipment retailers and distributors between July 2006 and February 2009. The hose has an insert that can dislodge and restrict airflow to the diver, raising the potential for a drowning hazard. One death of a diver has occurred and been reported. These hosed were sold with dry suits and separately. If you have one of these hoses, you should stop using it immediately and contact SI Tech (1-877-348-3529) who will provide you with the name of an authorized dealer who can do a free repair.

4. Paula Deen Cast Iron Cookware: Now I love me some Food Network and always watching to see how much butter and sugar Paula is putting in them recipes, but some of her cookware, sold through QVC is being recalled because it can crack or shatter, raising potential for injury to the user. There have been 79 reports of the cookware cracking or shattering when heated. That's a problem, since that is the purpose of cookware. The recalled cookware is the 11 inch cast iron grill pans and griddles sold through QVC with item numbers K14984, K11970 and K135024. The cookware was sold between October 2007 and July 2009. If you have any of this cookware, stop using it immediately and you can return it to QVC for a full refund. Now this is not Paula's fault, but where were the quality control people??? Hard to make those "best dishes" if my cookware is falling apart.

That's all for this week. Check in tomorrow as I will have a post regarding a recent article in the American Bar Association's monthly magazine feature yours truly. Until next time, be careful out there.

We have some pretty big recalls this week. So here we go.

1. Baby Jogger City Mini Strollers: I remember when my younger son was an infant, strollers that you could jog with were becoming the big craze, what with the increased interest in fitness and health. Well, Baby Jogger is recalling about 41,000 of its City Mini Strollers because the restraint buckle to keep the child in can break or unlatch, which allows the child/infant to fall out. The recall involves both the single and the double strollers. The word "City Mini" is printed on the stroller. For a chart providing you the item numbers and date codes of the recalled strollers, see here. These strollers were sold between November 2007 through July 2009. If you have one of these strollers, stop using it immediately (although you can continue to jog, just not with your child in it) and contact Baby Jogger to get a free restraint buckle.

2. Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Smoothtop Electric Ranges: Frigidaire is recalling about 200,000 of it and Kenmore's Elite Smoothtop Electric Ranges because the surface heating elements can turn on by itself without being switched on, fail to turn off when switched off, or heat to different temperatures than you selected. This creates a potential for fire and burn problems. The recall involves Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite smoothtop electric ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. If you look here, it has the listing of the model and serial numbers involved in the recall. If you have one of these ranges, stop using it immediately and call Frigidaire or Sears to schedule a free repair.

3. Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo Roman Shades Sold Exclusively at Target: These shades, which were sold only at Target and Target.com, are being recalled because a child could be strangled if he puts his neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or if a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his neck. The recall includes both the Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo roman shades. For additional information regarding the shades involved in this recall see here. If you have these shades, contact Victoria Classics, the importer of the shades and they will send you a free repair kit.

4. Roman Shades Sold Exclusively at Pottery Barn Kids: Another strangulation concern with shades, this one at a store that sells its products specifically for use in kids rooms. Pottery Barn Kids is recalling Roman Shades it has sold between January 2003 and May 2007 through either its website or catalog because again, a child can place his neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind and create a potential for strangulation. The recall involves all sizes and colors. For more information regarding the specific shades involved in the recall, see here. If you have these shades, stop using them and contact Pottery Barn Kids who will provide you with a merchandise card for the purchase value.

5. Maytag, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley Refrigerators: This is the expansion of a previous recall back in March 2009 adding another 46,000 units to this recall. I wrote about the previous recall here. These additional models are being recalled again for an electrical failure in the part that turns off the compressor, which can cause overheating and create a risk of fire. The refrigerators involved were sold between September 2000 and May 2004. For a complete listing of the model and serial numbers involved, see here. If you have one of these refrigerators, you should contact Maytag (where is that Maytag repairman when you need him) and they will send someone out for a free in-home repair.

Those are the most significant recalls of this past week. Remember to check up weekly with this blog to get the latest information on major recalls of consumer products and drugs. You can also subscribe above and have it come into your reader. Until next time, be careful out there.

Yesterday the FDA issued what it refers to as an "early communication" advising Drs. and patients that it is investigating whether the weight control drug Orlistat, which is marketed over the counter as Alli, and by prescription as Xenical, may cause liver injury. Thus far, the FDA reports it has received 32 reports of serious liver injury, which include 6 reports of complete liver failure, of patients who were using Orlistat. The FDA is now reviewing data provided by the manufacturers of Orlistat of suspected cases of liver injury. In its press release, the FDA has emphasized that no definite association between liver injury and use of this drug has been determined at this time.

GlaxoSmithKline, which manufactures Alli, the OTC version of this drug, insists "there is no evidence that Alli causes liver damage". The company went on to indicate the people who are overweight or obese are predisposed to liver problems.

My only comment on this issue is the use of medication to lose weight. Time and time again you will here experts in this area say, "there is no easy fix...no magic pill" to make your weight problems go away. It all comes down to 2 things, diet and exercise. Watch what you put in your mouth, and more importantly, how much you are putting in your mouth and get out there and move! I will continue to monitor the concerns raised on this drug and will update here when further information is released. If you have any concerns or issues regarding Alli or Xenical, you are welcome to contact me to discuss them.

Time once again to address the Recalls of the Week. Been dealing this past week with "back to school" issues; one son going back to college and one entering high school. Summer went so fast and we begin again with the stress of the new school year. And speaking of stress....here we go with some products which have been recalled from the market over this past week.

1. Little Tykes Workshop Sets and Trucks: Little Tykes, generally a quality manufacturer of children's toys, is recalling about 1.6 million....yes million, of its Workshop Sets and Trucks because they have oversized toy nails which can create a possible choking hazard in young children. The oversized nails are in red and blue and are about 3 1/4 inches long and 1 1/4 inches in diameter. They were sold with a variety of Little Tykes toys which are shown here. These toys were sold through web sites as well as Toys "R" Us between March 1994 and June 2009. If you have any of these nails, they should be taken away from young children immediately and you can contact Little Tykes for replacements.

2. Duraband DVD Players: Wal-Mart is recalling about 1.5 million Duraband DVD Players which were sold between January 2006 and July 2009. The DVD players can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard. If you have this product, you should stop using it immediately and return it to your nearest Wal-Mart for a full refund.

3. Black & Decker Thermal Coffeemakers: About 9800 of these Black & Decker Thermal Coffeemakers, sold at Wal-Mart and small retail stores between April 2008 and July 2009 are being recalled due to potential to overheat and melt posing a risk of burn to consumers. The model number is TCM1000IKT and is printed on the rating plate on the bottom of the coffeemaker. If you have one of these coffeemakers, you should stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer, Applica (866-699-4595) to receive a free replacement.

4. Homelite, Husky and Black Max Generators: These generators were sold at Home Depot and Sam's Club under these 3 different names. The fuel gauge on the generator can leak excessive amounts of gas, creating a potential fire hazard. These generators were sold between July 2008 and May 2009. For a specific description of the models involved, see here. If you have one of these generators, stop using it immediately and contact Homelite (for Homelite or Husky brands) @ 800-242-4672 or Black Max (Black Max brands) @ 800-726-5760 for a free repair kit.

That's what we have this week. If you have any of the above products and you have been injured using the product, you can contact me for assistance. In the meantime, be careful out there.