The American Association for Justice released an incredible report yesterday--- They all Knew and Failed to.... The report details how lawsuits keep us safe.
Listed in the report are numerous examples of companies that knowingly and willfully released products that harmed or even killed consumers. It describes the case of a company that discovers rat droppings are contaminating its food products but insists that the products be recooked, boxed up, and sold anyway. Then there is the example of a company that discovers its bulletproof vests are defective but still sells them to law enforcement agencies and the military-- putting those that protect us at grave risk.
Showing posts with label safe products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safe products. Show all posts
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Toys to Toxic Waste
For Immediate Release: October 28, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Fuson
202-965-3500 x369
AAJ Press Room
Toys to Toxic Waste: New Report Details Corporations that Skirt Responsibility and Shun Consumer Safety to Save Money
Washington, DC—As the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform holds their annual summit – an event dedicated to championing corporate misconduct and evading accountability – a new report released today details true stories of corporations that knew their products were dangerous, yet failed to act and protect consumers.
“They Knew and Failed To” details numerous examples of medical devices, prescription drugs, and other consumer products that remained on the market after critical safety concerns had been raised within the company, while using all means necessary to avoid being held accountable for their misconduct.
In one example, police officer Tony Zeppetella of Oceanside, Calif. had paid $313 to “upgrade” his standard bullet proof vest. The Ultima body armor Zeppetella had purchased was widely used by law enforcement, military personnel, and even worn by the President and Mrs. Bush. Unfortunately, Zeppetella was shot and killed on a routine traffic stop in June 2003, when a bullet penetrated his vest.
Second Chance, the manufacturer, had known as early as 1998 that heat and sunlight caused the material to degrade, making the vests penetrable. Internal corporate memos from 2001 revealed an executive at the company had recommended notifying customers about the products’ defect, saying, “Lives and our credibility are at stake.” It was not until September 2003 that the company eventually recalled 130,000 vests, three months after Zeppetella was shot. The company had known for five years there were problems with their vests, but failed to notify consumers, putting law enforcement and service members’ lives at risk. Several years later, Second Chance recalled another 98,000 vests.
“While most businesses act in good faith to serve their customers and communities, unfortunately some corporations recklessly put lives at risk for the sake of profit,” said American Association for Justice President Anthony Tarricone. “While front groups like the Chamber stage events practically celebrating corporate misconduct, this new report convincingly illustrates the importance of holding wrongdoers accountable.”
The full report, “They Knew and Failed To,” is available at: www.justice.org/clips/TheyKnewAndFailedTo.pdf.
Contact: Jennifer Fuson
202-965-3500 x369
AAJ Press Room
Toys to Toxic Waste: New Report Details Corporations that Skirt Responsibility and Shun Consumer Safety to Save Money
Washington, DC—As the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform holds their annual summit – an event dedicated to championing corporate misconduct and evading accountability – a new report released today details true stories of corporations that knew their products were dangerous, yet failed to act and protect consumers.
“They Knew and Failed To” details numerous examples of medical devices, prescription drugs, and other consumer products that remained on the market after critical safety concerns had been raised within the company, while using all means necessary to avoid being held accountable for their misconduct.
In one example, police officer Tony Zeppetella of Oceanside, Calif. had paid $313 to “upgrade” his standard bullet proof vest. The Ultima body armor Zeppetella had purchased was widely used by law enforcement, military personnel, and even worn by the President and Mrs. Bush. Unfortunately, Zeppetella was shot and killed on a routine traffic stop in June 2003, when a bullet penetrated his vest.
Second Chance, the manufacturer, had known as early as 1998 that heat and sunlight caused the material to degrade, making the vests penetrable. Internal corporate memos from 2001 revealed an executive at the company had recommended notifying customers about the products’ defect, saying, “Lives and our credibility are at stake.” It was not until September 2003 that the company eventually recalled 130,000 vests, three months after Zeppetella was shot. The company had known for five years there were problems with their vests, but failed to notify consumers, putting law enforcement and service members’ lives at risk. Several years later, Second Chance recalled another 98,000 vests.
“While most businesses act in good faith to serve their customers and communities, unfortunately some corporations recklessly put lives at risk for the sake of profit,” said American Association for Justice President Anthony Tarricone. “While front groups like the Chamber stage events practically celebrating corporate misconduct, this new report convincingly illustrates the importance of holding wrongdoers accountable.”
The full report, “They Knew and Failed To,” is available at: www.justice.org/clips/TheyKnewAndFailedTo.pdf.
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As the world's largest trial bar, the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) works to make sure people have a fair chance to receive justice through the legal system when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others--even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations. Visit http://www.justice.org.
As the world's largest trial bar, the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) works to make sure people have a fair chance to receive justice through the legal system when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others--even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations. Visit http://www.justice.org.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Senate Hearing Highlights Victim’s Medical Device Nightmare, Asks Congress to Hold Manufacturer Accountable
Contact: Jennifer Fuson
American Association for Justice
Jennifer.Fuson@justice.org
202-965-3500 x369
Washington, DC—Two years ago, Michael Mulvihill of Bettendorf, Iowa, was driving with his wife across the Midwest to visit his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren when he saw a blue light flash before his eyes. He felt his body shaking and thought it was from hitting road debris. He soon realized his heart defibrillator was malfunctioning and sending electrical shocks throughout his body while he was driving on the interstate.
His nightmare continues because he cannot hold the manufacturer of his faulty medical device accountable for their faulty product because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that gave the manufacturer complete immunity. Today, Mulvihill will testify before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, asking for Congress to pass the Medical Device Safety Act (MDSA), legislation that would restore the right of patients to hold manufacturers of medical devices accountable in court when their devices have malfunctioned.
Mulvihill had an irregular heartbeat, and was implanted with a defibrillator in 2006 to control his heart rhythm and pulse. The device intended to save his life nearly killed him and his wife when it malfunctioned while he was driving. The anxiety from the episode led Mulvihill into taking early retirement because his job required so much interstate travel.
A representative from Medtronic confirmed the device had shocked Mulvihill 22 times in 53 minutes. The wire that connects the defibrillator to the heart was recalled four months later after over a hundred reports of the lead malfunctioning had been reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year, Mulvihill does not have any recourse to hold the manufacturer accountable.
In February 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Riegel v. Medtronic that because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved a medical device through the pre-market approval process, patients injured by medical devices do not have any recourse to hold the manufacturers accountable. The Supreme Court ruled earlier this year in Wyeth v. Levine that patients harmed by prescription drugs can hold manufacturers accountable in state courts, creating a double standard between prescription drugs and medical devices.
“I relied on this medical device to save my life. Instead, the trauma I experienced because the device was not safe cost me my career and crippled my lifestyle,” said Mulvihill. “Medical device companies should be held accountable for the safety of the products they produce and profit from. I am asking Congress to restore my right to seek justice for myself and medical device patients everywhere.”
“Medtronic put profits ahead of patient safety. They were aware the device was failing at abnormally high rates but continued to market it, as alleged in lawsuits filed against the company,” according to Wendy Fleishman, Mulvihill’s attorney with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP. “Medtronic should not receive the benefit of a judicial doctrine granting the company immunity.”
Medtronic’s Sprint Fidelis’ lead, like Mulvihill’s, is the subject of multidistrict litigation in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. In January, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Kyle dismissed over 1,400 patients’ cases, citing the Supreme Court decision in Riegel v. Medtronic. The ruling stated, “The Court recognizes that at least some Plaintiffs have suffered injuries from using Sprint Fidelis leads, and the Court is not unsympathetic to their plight. … Plaintiffs’ remedy, therefore, lies with Congress, and not with this Court.”
MDSA, sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), would restore the right to seek justice in state courts for victims of faulty medical devices like heart defibrillators, prosthetic knees, and hips.
“The Medical Device Safety Act is necessary to protect patients from defective devices and make sure manufacturers are held accountable,” said Linda Lipsen, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the American Association for Justice. “The Supreme Court has affirmed that state law offers an important layer of consumer protection, and Congress should make clear that this applies not just in cases of pharmaceutical drugs, but also medical devices approved by the FDA that are later faulty or malfunction.”
For copy of Mulvihill’s testimony, please contact kyle.murphy@justice.org.
###
American Association for Justice
Jennifer.Fuson@justice.org
202-965-3500 x369
Senate Hearing Highlights Victim’s Medical Device Nightmare, Asks Congress to Hold Manufacturer Accountable
Iowa Patient Testifies in Favor of Legislation to Restore Legal Rights
Through Civil Justice System
Through Civil Justice System
Washington, DC—Two years ago, Michael Mulvihill of Bettendorf, Iowa, was driving with his wife across the Midwest to visit his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren when he saw a blue light flash before his eyes. He felt his body shaking and thought it was from hitting road debris. He soon realized his heart defibrillator was malfunctioning and sending electrical shocks throughout his body while he was driving on the interstate.
His nightmare continues because he cannot hold the manufacturer of his faulty medical device accountable for their faulty product because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that gave the manufacturer complete immunity. Today, Mulvihill will testify before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, asking for Congress to pass the Medical Device Safety Act (MDSA), legislation that would restore the right of patients to hold manufacturers of medical devices accountable in court when their devices have malfunctioned.
Mulvihill had an irregular heartbeat, and was implanted with a defibrillator in 2006 to control his heart rhythm and pulse. The device intended to save his life nearly killed him and his wife when it malfunctioned while he was driving. The anxiety from the episode led Mulvihill into taking early retirement because his job required so much interstate travel.
A representative from Medtronic confirmed the device had shocked Mulvihill 22 times in 53 minutes. The wire that connects the defibrillator to the heart was recalled four months later after over a hundred reports of the lead malfunctioning had been reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year, Mulvihill does not have any recourse to hold the manufacturer accountable.
In February 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Riegel v. Medtronic that because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved a medical device through the pre-market approval process, patients injured by medical devices do not have any recourse to hold the manufacturers accountable. The Supreme Court ruled earlier this year in Wyeth v. Levine that patients harmed by prescription drugs can hold manufacturers accountable in state courts, creating a double standard between prescription drugs and medical devices.
“I relied on this medical device to save my life. Instead, the trauma I experienced because the device was not safe cost me my career and crippled my lifestyle,” said Mulvihill. “Medical device companies should be held accountable for the safety of the products they produce and profit from. I am asking Congress to restore my right to seek justice for myself and medical device patients everywhere.”
“Medtronic put profits ahead of patient safety. They were aware the device was failing at abnormally high rates but continued to market it, as alleged in lawsuits filed against the company,” according to Wendy Fleishman, Mulvihill’s attorney with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP. “Medtronic should not receive the benefit of a judicial doctrine granting the company immunity.”
Medtronic’s Sprint Fidelis’ lead, like Mulvihill’s, is the subject of multidistrict litigation in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. In January, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Kyle dismissed over 1,400 patients’ cases, citing the Supreme Court decision in Riegel v. Medtronic. The ruling stated, “The Court recognizes that at least some Plaintiffs have suffered injuries from using Sprint Fidelis leads, and the Court is not unsympathetic to their plight. … Plaintiffs’ remedy, therefore, lies with Congress, and not with this Court.”
MDSA, sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), would restore the right to seek justice in state courts for victims of faulty medical devices like heart defibrillators, prosthetic knees, and hips.
“The Medical Device Safety Act is necessary to protect patients from defective devices and make sure manufacturers are held accountable,” said Linda Lipsen, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the American Association for Justice. “The Supreme Court has affirmed that state law offers an important layer of consumer protection, and Congress should make clear that this applies not just in cases of pharmaceutical drugs, but also medical devices approved by the FDA that are later faulty or malfunction.”
For copy of Mulvihill’s testimony, please contact kyle.murphy@justice.org.
###
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Public Safety at Risk
Safety Research & Strategies, inc. has published a new report, "Public Safety at Risk: Bankruptcies Leave Legacy of Defects, Injuries and Deaths." The report was prompted by the Chrysler/ GM bankruptcy plan that allowed for the car companies to shed any accountability for the injury or death of a Chrysler/GM driver-- even if the injury or death was caused by a manufacturer's defect.
Over the last weekend, a Bankruptcy Judge OKed the plan-- leaving only mere days for the chance at appeal.
Over the last weekend, a Bankruptcy Judge OKed the plan-- leaving only mere days for the chance at appeal.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Chinese Drywall Highlights Hurdles to Holding Foreign Producers Responsible for their Products
Chinese Drywall Highlights Hurdles to Holding Foreign Producers
Responsible for their Products
Hurricane Katrina Victims among Families that Face Further Home ComplicationsResponsible for their Products
Washington, DC–Chris Whitfield is just one of the families who lost his home to Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish. Just a few years later, his family now faces another uncertain future upon finding Chinese drywall in their new Picayune, Mississippi home. The drywall is corroding his appliances, and causing an egg-like smell that he has no idea what effect it will have on his families’ health or home.
Chris is just one of hundreds, if not thousands of families who wonder where they can turn for justice when their unsafe home is made from defective materials manufactured in another country.
Today the U.S. Senate Judiciary’s Administrative Oversight and the Courts Subcommittee will explore the topic of holding foreign manufacturers responsible in a hearing titled, “Leveling the Playing Field and Protecting Americans: Holding Foreign Manufacturers Accountable.”
“Unfortunately, when the product comes from abroad an unfair and unnecessary battle over civil procedure becomes the focus of the litigation instead of focusing on the real issue at hand, the victim’s injuries,” said Tom Gowen, of Locks Law Firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “It makes no difference whether the product is drywall, tire valves, or toothpaste. Someone has been harmed and someone has to be held responsible for the defective products.” Gowen will be testifying before the subcommittee.
There are four primary hurdles when perusing legal action against a foreign entity: identifying the manufacturer, service of process, jurisdictional issues, and collection of judgment.
Some foreign products do not contain an adequate label with the manufacturer’s proper name and might be labeled, “Made in China,” or have a retailers name like Sears, Walmart or Target. This presents a problem identifying the manufacturer responsible residing within a foreign country.
Once a manufacturer can be identified, service of process, is simply actually servicing the legal papers to pursue further legal action. The process has been made easier by a Hague Convention treaty signed by about 70 countries, but still requires the complaint to be translated in to the company’s home language, transmitted to the authority in the foreign country, and delivered to the defendant according to rules of service in the country. India, for example, has not signed the Hague Convention, so servicing the legal documents requires going through the U.S. Department of State.
Also testifying before the subcommittee, Chuck Stefan is one of the owners of The Mitchell Company which builds homes in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi that had unknowingly used the defective drywall in manufacturing about 45 homes. “Foreign manufacturers should not be allowed off the hook for harming U.S. consumers and businesses like ours, especially if they are conducting substantial business here in the U.S.,” said Stefan. “If American businesses can’t hold foreign manufacturers accountable, it hurts their bottom line in addition to harming U.S. consumers and homeowners. It also puts U.S. businesses like Mitchell Homes at a competitive disadvantage.”
To set up interviews with Tom Gowen, Chuck Stefan, or any other consumer affected by Chinese drywall, please contact AAJ Communications.
###
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Holiday Season is here
I received my first holiday card over the Thanksgiving day weekend and thought how thankful I am for lawyers. After I opened the card, I checked my email and saw a blurb from my good friend and world renowned Trial Lawyer, Don Keenan. Aside from his exploits as a Trial Lawyer, Don sends out a yearly email noting the top 10 dangerous toys.
I can't speak for Don, but I presume that he would rather you did not give those toys to your children thereby running Mr. Keenan out of his business, too. You see, Don sues manufacturers and doctors that harm children.
Many of my trial lawyer friends do the same. Big business doesn't voluntarily do the right thing and remove dangerous toys and products from the shelves. So trial lawyers sue them, put the manufacturers under the spotlight, and force them to remove the hazardous products by hitting them in their pocket books; the only thing they cherish.
We have seen time and time again where government has failed to regulate big business, too. Yet trial lawyers never fail their cause- the promotion of safety.
That's why I am thankful for lawyers this holiday season.
I can't speak for Don, but I presume that he would rather you did not give those toys to your children thereby running Mr. Keenan out of his business, too. You see, Don sues manufacturers and doctors that harm children.
Many of my trial lawyer friends do the same. Big business doesn't voluntarily do the right thing and remove dangerous toys and products from the shelves. So trial lawyers sue them, put the manufacturers under the spotlight, and force them to remove the hazardous products by hitting them in their pocket books; the only thing they cherish.
We have seen time and time again where government has failed to regulate big business, too. Yet trial lawyers never fail their cause- the promotion of safety.
That's why I am thankful for lawyers this holiday season.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Court Secrecy
For Immediate Release
AAJ Press Room
AAJ Seeks Legislative Action to Stop “Court Secrecy”
Washington, DC— Invoked in countless legal settlements, secrecy provisions allow big corporations to prevent the public from finding out about dangerous products that kill and injure people, and the American Association for Justice is fighting back to stop agreements that endanger public health and safety.
As a condition of settling product liability cases, businesses often demand that injured individuals agree to secrecy provisions which prohibit them from disclosing any public safety hazards uncovered during litigation. Court secrecy allows corporate wrongdoers to evade real accountability when evidence of dangerous defects and corporate negligence is routinely covered up. Consequently, irresponsible businesses continue to profit from product sales at the expense of consumer safety.
Congress will be addressing the health and safety problems associated with court secrecy in an upcoming Congressional hearing chaired by Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI). Among those testifying will be Johnny Bradley of Pachuta, Mississippi, who suffered permanent injuries and became a widower in 2002 when the tread on his Cooper tire separated. Bradley’s attorney, Bruce Kaster, uncovered evidence of Cooper tire defects which had previously been sealed in other cases and continues to remain sealed to this day. Even at this hearing, Johnny Bradley cannot disclose the documented evidence uncovered by his attorney during litigation.
Bradley is also subject to a court secrecy order requested by Cooper Tires, which his attorney has challenged vigorously. Bradley believes these defects are so serious that Cooper would be forced to halt production if they were publicly known.The Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, has scheduled the hearing on “The Sunshine in Litigation Act: Does Court Secrecy Undermine Public Health and Safety?” for December 11, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
Chairman Kohl is expected to re-introduce the “Sunshine in Litigation Act” soon after the hearing. Previous versions of Kohl’s bill would have restricted judicial secrecy agreements that conceal dangerous product defects in product liability settlements.Also testifying at the hearing will be Public Justice Attorney Leslie Bailey, University of California law professor and attorney Richard Zitrin, and the Honorable Joseph F. Anderson, a Judge of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.In 2002, then-Chief Judge Anderson led his fellow South Carolina federal court judges in voting unanimously to ban the filing of sealed settlements in their court.
Just prior to the vote, Judge Anderson stated, “Here is a rare opportunity for our court to do the right thing and take the lead nationally in a time when the Arthur Andersen/Enron/Catholic priest controversies are undermining public confidence in our institutions and causing a growing suspicion of things that are kept secret by public bodies.”
###
AAJ Press Room
AAJ Seeks Legislative Action to Stop “Court Secrecy”
Washington, DC— Invoked in countless legal settlements, secrecy provisions allow big corporations to prevent the public from finding out about dangerous products that kill and injure people, and the American Association for Justice is fighting back to stop agreements that endanger public health and safety.
As a condition of settling product liability cases, businesses often demand that injured individuals agree to secrecy provisions which prohibit them from disclosing any public safety hazards uncovered during litigation. Court secrecy allows corporate wrongdoers to evade real accountability when evidence of dangerous defects and corporate negligence is routinely covered up. Consequently, irresponsible businesses continue to profit from product sales at the expense of consumer safety.
Congress will be addressing the health and safety problems associated with court secrecy in an upcoming Congressional hearing chaired by Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI). Among those testifying will be Johnny Bradley of Pachuta, Mississippi, who suffered permanent injuries and became a widower in 2002 when the tread on his Cooper tire separated. Bradley’s attorney, Bruce Kaster, uncovered evidence of Cooper tire defects which had previously been sealed in other cases and continues to remain sealed to this day. Even at this hearing, Johnny Bradley cannot disclose the documented evidence uncovered by his attorney during litigation.
Bradley is also subject to a court secrecy order requested by Cooper Tires, which his attorney has challenged vigorously. Bradley believes these defects are so serious that Cooper would be forced to halt production if they were publicly known.The Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, has scheduled the hearing on “The Sunshine in Litigation Act: Does Court Secrecy Undermine Public Health and Safety?” for December 11, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
Chairman Kohl is expected to re-introduce the “Sunshine in Litigation Act” soon after the hearing. Previous versions of Kohl’s bill would have restricted judicial secrecy agreements that conceal dangerous product defects in product liability settlements.Also testifying at the hearing will be Public Justice Attorney Leslie Bailey, University of California law professor and attorney Richard Zitrin, and the Honorable Joseph F. Anderson, a Judge of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.In 2002, then-Chief Judge Anderson led his fellow South Carolina federal court judges in voting unanimously to ban the filing of sealed settlements in their court.
Just prior to the vote, Judge Anderson stated, “Here is a rare opportunity for our court to do the right thing and take the lead nationally in a time when the Arthur Andersen/Enron/Catholic priest controversies are undermining public confidence in our institutions and causing a growing suspicion of things that are kept secret by public bodies.”
###
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Ten Most Dangerous Toys
Today’s article, “Unsafe Toys on Shelves,” in the AJC lists the ten most dangerous toys according to Georgia Trial Lawyer and founder of Keenan’s Kids Foundation, Don Keenan. With the holiday season approaching, the attorney and advocate for children is hopeful the list will help families as they purchase gifts for their children.
Magnetix 75 Piece Assortment Collector’s Tin $19.99 by Mega Brands Ages 6+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for choking injuries. Magnets that are swallowed can connect in the intestines, resulting in tissue damage, infection, and death.
Rocket Pocket Miniature Electric Motorcycle $183.22 by Razor USA, LLC Ages 12+ years Purchased at Wal-Mart HAZARD: Potential for severe bodily injuries or death.
Heelys $29.99 - $79.99 by Heeling Sports LTD Ages 5+ Purchased at Kids Foot Locker HAZARD: Potential for severe head injuries and injuries to others.
Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker $19.99 by Flying Colors Ages 8+ years Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for electric shock and burn injuries.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Sensor Sword with Magic Ring $17.99 by Zizzle Ages 5+ Purchased at Target HAZARD: Potential for eye and other bodily injuries.
Disney Princess Small Dolls - Favorite Moments $19.99 by Toys R Us Ages 3+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for choking, small pieces.
Lil’ Snoopy $7.99 by Fisher Price Age 1+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for Strangulation.
Elmo’s World: Talking Cell Phone $9.99 by Fisher-Price Ages 18+ months Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potentially dangerous levels of noise.
Yo-Yo Squeeze Toy $1.29 by Ja-Ru, Inc. Ages 4+ Purchased at KB Toys HAZARD: Potential for strangulation injuries.Hello Kitty Flavored Lip Balms and Nail Polishes $7.99 by Sanrio & Townley Cosmetics Age 5+ Purchased at Toys R Us. HAZARD: Contains the potentially toxic chemical Phthalate. Children can ingest toxins put on lips and fingernails.
To learn more about Keenan’s Kids Foundation and unsafe toys, you can find them on the web at www.keenanskidsfoundation.com
Magnetix 75 Piece Assortment Collector’s Tin $19.99 by Mega Brands Ages 6+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for choking injuries. Magnets that are swallowed can connect in the intestines, resulting in tissue damage, infection, and death.
Rocket Pocket Miniature Electric Motorcycle $183.22 by Razor USA, LLC Ages 12+ years Purchased at Wal-Mart HAZARD: Potential for severe bodily injuries or death.
Heelys $29.99 - $79.99 by Heeling Sports LTD Ages 5+ Purchased at Kids Foot Locker HAZARD: Potential for severe head injuries and injuries to others.
Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker $19.99 by Flying Colors Ages 8+ years Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for electric shock and burn injuries.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Sensor Sword with Magic Ring $17.99 by Zizzle Ages 5+ Purchased at Target HAZARD: Potential for eye and other bodily injuries.
Disney Princess Small Dolls - Favorite Moments $19.99 by Toys R Us Ages 3+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for choking, small pieces.
Lil’ Snoopy $7.99 by Fisher Price Age 1+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for Strangulation.
Elmo’s World: Talking Cell Phone $9.99 by Fisher-Price Ages 18+ months Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potentially dangerous levels of noise.
Yo-Yo Squeeze Toy $1.29 by Ja-Ru, Inc. Ages 4+ Purchased at KB Toys HAZARD: Potential for strangulation injuries.Hello Kitty Flavored Lip Balms and Nail Polishes $7.99 by Sanrio & Townley Cosmetics Age 5+ Purchased at Toys R Us. HAZARD: Contains the potentially toxic chemical Phthalate. Children can ingest toxins put on lips and fingernails.
To learn more about Keenan’s Kids Foundation and unsafe toys, you can find them on the web at www.keenanskidsfoundation.com
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Unsafe toys for kids still on shelves
For Immediate Release
AAJ Press Room
“Can’t Protect the Safety of Children” (CPSC) Chair Nancy Nord Should Resign
Washington, DC— Failing to protect the safety and health of America’s children, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chair Nancy Nord should immediately resign, the American Association for Justice said today.
“More than 13 million recalled toys on the market should never have been there in the first place, but they were because Nancy Nord was asleep at the helm,” said Jon Haber, American Association for Justice CEO. “When not asleep, she was flying around the world on the tab of the very industries she is supposed to be regulating. She should be working on keeping unsafe toys from ever reaching the hands of our children instead of allowing corporate manufacturers to put unsafe products on America’s shelves at a record pace.”
Last month, Nord opposed the efforts of Congress to increase her agency’s budget and give it more enforcement tools to stop dangerous foreign toys and other products from flooding the American market.
Nord has even opposed a long overdue ban on lead in children's toys. Lead, most commonly found in bright-colored paints, has been shown to cause developmental delays, impaired hearing and kidney damage, particularly in children.
Last week it was revealed that Nord had accepted free trips sponsored by the fireworks industry and toy manufacturers to a wide range of holiday destinations including New Orleans, Spain and a golf resort in Hilton Head. The corporations were among those whose products are regularly reviewed by the CPSC.
“From Aqua Dots to Thomas the Tank Engines, Americans have lost all faith that Nancy Nord puts the interests of consumers ahead of the businesses that she has sworn to regulate,” said Haber. “She has taken their free trips while allowing millions of dangerous toys into our stores, and it is long past time now for true strong leadership at the CPSC that will protect our children.”
AAJ Press Room
“Can’t Protect the Safety of Children” (CPSC) Chair Nancy Nord Should Resign
Washington, DC— Failing to protect the safety and health of America’s children, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chair Nancy Nord should immediately resign, the American Association for Justice said today.
“More than 13 million recalled toys on the market should never have been there in the first place, but they were because Nancy Nord was asleep at the helm,” said Jon Haber, American Association for Justice CEO. “When not asleep, she was flying around the world on the tab of the very industries she is supposed to be regulating. She should be working on keeping unsafe toys from ever reaching the hands of our children instead of allowing corporate manufacturers to put unsafe products on America’s shelves at a record pace.”
Last month, Nord opposed the efforts of Congress to increase her agency’s budget and give it more enforcement tools to stop dangerous foreign toys and other products from flooding the American market.
Nord has even opposed a long overdue ban on lead in children's toys. Lead, most commonly found in bright-colored paints, has been shown to cause developmental delays, impaired hearing and kidney damage, particularly in children.
Last week it was revealed that Nord had accepted free trips sponsored by the fireworks industry and toy manufacturers to a wide range of holiday destinations including New Orleans, Spain and a golf resort in Hilton Head. The corporations were among those whose products are regularly reviewed by the CPSC.
“From Aqua Dots to Thomas the Tank Engines, Americans have lost all faith that Nancy Nord puts the interests of consumers ahead of the businesses that she has sworn to regulate,” said Haber. “She has taken their free trips while allowing millions of dangerous toys into our stores, and it is long past time now for true strong leadership at the CPSC that will protect our children.”
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