Texas Injury Law Blog : Dallas Accident Lawyer & Attorney : Fears Nachawati Law Firm : Personal Injury, Wrongful Death : Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Texas

A construction worker in a Houston suburb died yesterday when the metal form of a crane tilted, then broke loose, trapping him underneath. During the accident, a metal strut struck the worker on the head, killing him. The worker, just 28-years-old, was the unintended victim of a construction tool that failed in its obligation to protect him, resulting in his tragic and unnecessary death.

Workplace accidents cause injuries, often referred to as “occupational injuries,” every day. Thousands of Americans suffer annually from the effects of poorly designed products, improper supervision, and a host of other negligent acts. Want to know more about occupational injuries? Fears | Nachawati can answer all of your questions and help you decide how to move forward. For a free consultation, call us at 1.866.705.7584 or send an email to info@fnlawfirm.com. We’re ready to help you!

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Starbucks is in hot water over its hot tea.  Plaintiff Zeynep Inanli has sued the company alleging that a Manhattan Starbucks served her tea that was so hot it caused second-degree burns.  She also complains that the container her tea was served in was defective, noting that the lid was not properly secured, causing her to become burned.  She seeks unspecified damages for her burns, pain and mental anguish.  

Inanli v. Starbucks is reminiscent of a case involving McDonald's and hot coffee.  In that case, a jury in 1994 ordered McDonald's to pay nearly $3 million to Stella Liebeck, in compensation for severe burns Ms. Liebeck suffered when she was burned by the restaurant's coffee. 

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After federal regulators noted manufacturing deficiencies, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Johnson & Johnson, has voluntarily recalled 43 medications for children.  The medications recalled include liquid versions of Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl.  McNeil has suspended operations at the affected facility while the FDA investigates. 

Generic versions of these medications are not included in the recall. 

Parents and caregivers should seek medical attention for a child who has consumed any of the recalled medications and exhibits any unexpected symptoms.

Click here for a full list of the recalled medications.  McNeil is offering full refunds or coupons for replacement products.  Click here for more information on refunds and replacements. 

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A recent report reveals that less than 25% of FDA-regulated food plants were inspected annually, and more than half of the plants were not inspected at all, during a five year period from 2004 through 2008.  Inspections at plants considered high risk also dropped off.  At the same time, consumers were seriously injured and even died from tainted peanut butter, vegetables and other food products. 

Like many government agencies, the FDA is stretched thin, having experienced a staff decrease of 18% since 2003.  Fortunately for consumers, Congress has recently authorized filling a number of vacant positions.  However, even after these additions, the FDA will still have 145 fewer inspectors on staff than it did in 2004. 

Consumer groups have reported that they are alarmed, but not surprised, by the report.  Many groups continue to take issue with what they describe as serious deficiencies in the country's food inspection system. 

If you believe you have been injured or made ill by tainted food, contact the attorneys of Fears | Nachawati to see whether you are entitled to compensation for your illness or injury.  We would be happy to speak with you at 1-866-705-7584 at your convenience. 

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled a number of very popular drop-side cribs manufactured by industry leader Graco.  Manufactured by LaJobi, Inc. of Cranbury, NJ, the cribs were sold at retailers nationwide from February 2007 through March 2010 and retailed for $140 to $200. This popular crib design is used in daycare centers throughout the country. 

The hardware that allows the side of the crib to drop can break or fail.  This defect allows the drop side to detach from the crib, creating a hazardous gap between the crib side and the crib mattress.  Children could become trapped in the gap, and could be suffocated or strangled.  Additionally, children could fall from the crib when the side becomes detached.  Prior to recall, at least two children had become trapped in the gap, and were fortunately freed by their caregivers.  At least six children fell from the crib, including one infant who suffered a concussion.

Consumers should stop using these cribs immediately and contact LaJobi, which will provide consumers with a hardware retrofit kit that will immobilize the drop-side feature. 

Click here for more information about the recalled cribs, including a list of the affected model numbers. 

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Last month the Food & Drug Administration held hearings concerning the safety of tanning beds.  The World Health Organization recently release a report on tanning beds, rating their cancer risk as comparable to that of tobacco smoke and asbestos.  The research was published in the journal Lancet Oncology, and shows a 75% increase in risk of melanoma, the most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer, in individuals who use tanning beds before age 30.  While some regulation exists today, studies show that tanning bed operators frequently do not comply with recommended safety guidelines.  Stronger regulation would results in additional warnings and better protection of minors who use tanning beds. 

If you or someone you know has been injured by a tanning bed or another dangerous product, or by the acts or omissions of a person or a business, the attorneys of Fears | Nachawati would be happy to seek justice on your behalf.  Call us today at 1-866-705-7584 and let our legal team work for you. 

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A number of popular items have been recently recalled because they have caused or could cause serious injury or death. 

Grills: Kuuma IR Stow and Go grills sold at West Marine stores nationwide from January 2009 through August 2009 have been recalled because of leaky propane tanks.  The leak poses a fire hazard, and at least three fires have started as a result of this defect.

Scuba Gear: TUSA RS-670 SCUBA regulators, sold nationwide by authorized TUSA distributors and also diving and equipment stores from May 2009 through September 2009 have been recalled because of a potential high-pressure leak.  The potential leak creates a drowning hazard. 

Baby Walkers: Baby walkers sold in California and Arizona from June 2009 through August 2009 bearing the item number L-0809EN and imported by Le Hing, Inc.  The walkers can fit through a standard doorway but are not designed to stop at the edge of a step.  These defects could cause serious injury or death to infants using such a walker. 

Click here for more information about recent recalls.

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