California Injury Lawyer Blog

Pfizer Inc. is recalling fourteen lots of Lo/Ovral-28 tablets and 14 lots of its generic brands Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol. The recall has been issued after Pfizer discovered that some packages of birth control had too many active pills while others had to few. The packaging error is estimated to have affected one million packages of birth control packages. Patients relying on any of the affected birth control packets are encouraged to use alternative contraceptives, as this month's packet may not be effective.

Oral contraceptives work by increasing hormone levels with active pills for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo pills. A woman taking a sugar pill out of order may not have enough contraceptive in their body to prevent a pregnancy. Please take the following steps to determine whether your packet has been recalled:

• Make sure you have been prescribed Lo/Ovral or Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol birth control pills. Other brands have not been affected by this recall.
• Check the expiration dates. The recalled packets have expiration dates between July 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014.
• Double check to see the lot number of your packet matches the lot numbers of the recalled birth control pills on FDA's Pfizer recall page.

If you have been issued a recalled birth control pill, contact your healthcare provider immediately for a check up. An unintended pregnancy can incur hundreds of dollars in expenses and financial losses that you may not been prepared to face, damages Pfizer may be held liable for. When a product fails to provide the service it was designed, marketed, and sold for, manufacturing companies can be held responsible for the damages related to their defective products.

For more information regarding your rights after an unintentional pregnancy, please contact our Pfizer recall attorneys to schedule a free consultation. Our California product liability lawyers will assess your case and help you determine your eligibility to file a product liability suit.

The listeria outbreak responsible for deaths and illnesses across 26 states has now risen to 25 and 123 respectively, US News reported. According to the CDC, the states in which the effects of listeria caused the deaths of many individuals include Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming. Those who have died in this tragic incident were between the ages of 48- and 96-years-old. The number of deaths and illnesses that have grown within the past few months became the country's most deadliest outbreak in 25 years.

Cause of the Listeria Outbreak in Cantaloupes

The Rocky Ford cantaloupes that were recalled by Jensen Farms, of Granada, Colo. on September 14th still remain under investigation. However, based on updated information provided by numerous news reports, it appears the cause of the outbreak may be due the contaminated water on the floor and the condition of the equipment in a Jensen Farms facility in Colorado. According to the FDA, Jensen Farms had recently purchased used equipment that appeared to be dirty, old, corroded, and hard to clean. It was also noted, that pools of water on the floor, which may be harboring the bacteria, were formed near the packaging equipment. Although this information was gathered from a six-page assessment of the conditions of the farm, the FDA will continue to monitor the situation and determine the primary cause of the listeria outbreak.

California Foodborne Illness and Wrongful Death Liability

The elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems are highly susceptible and vulnerable to the effects of these tainted cantaloupes. Symptoms of listeria can take a couple months to appear, however, when symptoms are shown, it may consist of fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, and diarrhea. Therefore, while the serious health issues and/or deaths may continue to grow in this cantaloupes listeria outbreak incident, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a California foodborne illness attorney. Knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger, can ensure the victims legal rights are protected, and help decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, funeral/burial costs, time away from work, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Continue reading "Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak Increases its Death Toll to 25" »

According to KTVU News, the listeria outbreak involving the contaminated cantaloupes is now responsible for 21 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported new deaths in Indiana, New York, and Wyoming. The CDC also indicated that 109 people in numerous states from California to the East Coast have sustained illnesses in the outbreak.

While listeria is typically found in processed meats and unpasteurized milk, cheese, and other produce, government officials said this was the first known listeria outbreak in cantaloupes. CDC officials investigating the outbreak stated that any cantaloupes not from Jensen Farms are also not safe to eat. The recalled melons may be labeled "Colorado Grown," "Distributed by Frontera Produce," "Jensenfarms.com" or "Sweet Rocky Fords." The states that currently reported illnesses include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

California Foodborne Illness and Wrongful Death Liability

While the serious heath issues and/or deaths to individuals may continue to rise due to cantaloupe listeria outbreak, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact an skilled California foodborne illness attorney. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney at the law firm of Estey Bomberger, can advise the victims of their legal rights and determine the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In the event, where the illness results in the death of a victim, the family of that victim can pursue a wrongful death claim and may be able to receive compensation for damages that relates to funeral/burial costs, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

Continue reading "Death Toll Rises to 21 in Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak" »

DENVER, COLORADO -- According to USA Today, the cantaloupe listeria outbreak that resulted in deaths and serious illnesses to individuals throughout the United States was traced to Jensen Farms in Holly, Colorado. The company recalled the "Rocky Ford" brand cantaloupes earlier this month, however, the Food and Drug Administration found listeria in cantaloupes from grocery stores in the state of Colorado and from a victim's home that were grown at Jensen Farms. Investigators also found matching listeria strains, which were located on the equipment and cantaloupes at Jensen Farms' packing facility.

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday that 72 illnesses, including 13 deaths, are linked to the tainted cantaloupes. In addition, three deaths are still being investigated to determine if there is a connection to this contaminated fruit. So far, a total of 18 states have been affected, which includes California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The FDA, which investigates the cause of foodborne outbreaks, has not released any additional information regarding how the contamination may have occurred, but will continue to monitor the situation.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is a pathogen known to be found in contaminated food products, which can cause serious infections or death. People who are infected can have few or no symptoms present. However, when individuals are symptomatic, they usually consist and are not limited to fever, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle aches. According to the Centers Disease Control and Prevention, 1,600 people become seriously ill with listeriosis each year in the United States. And out of these people, 260 die from contracting listeria.

California Foodborne Illness and Wrongful Death Liability

Foodborne illnesses can cause serious health issues or death to individuals who has consumed any contaminated food products that was not properly grown or prepared. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable and susceptible to complications that arise from tainted food products. In situations such as this one, where the investigation is ongoing, family members of the victims or the victims themselves who have been seriously ill due these "Rocky Ford" brand cantaloupes, would be well-advised to contact a California foodborne illness lawyer. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. In the event, where the illness resulted in the death of the victim, family members of the victim, can take action in a wrongful death claim and may be eligible to receive the maximum damages pertaining to medical care expenses, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages relating to this devastating incident.

Continue reading "Several Killed, Many Suffer Illnesses in Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak" »

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, which is an entity of Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc., has recalled more than a million packages of defectively packaged birth control pills. The voluntary recall, which takes effect immediately, was issued because of a packaging error that may inadvertently cause women to take the incorrect dose of birth control and consequently, put women at risk for an unplanned pregnancy. In a statement released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), multiple lots of birth control pill blister packs were rotated 180 degrees, which resulted in the reversal of the daily regimen. The rotation also hid the lot number and expiration date. According to the FDA, there are no immediate health risks associated with the error, but women taking the affected pills are being told to use a non-hormonal form of birth control immediately and consult a health care provider.

Qaulitest Pharmaceuticals spokesperson, Kevin Wiggins, told CNN the recall affects 1.4 million packages of oral contraceptives, including Cyclafem 7/7/7, Cyclafem 1/35, Emoquette, Orysthia, Gildess FE 1.5/30, Gildess FE 1/20, Previfem and Tri-Previfem. A detailed list of the affected pills can be found here. For additional information on the recall, contact Qualitest toll-free at (877) 300-6153.

Product Liability Lawyers

If you or someone you know suffered an unplanned pregnancy as a result of taking one of the affected Qualitest birth control pills, contact a California product liability lawyer at Estey Bomberger. We have more than 70 years collective experience helping victims obtain compensation for damages associated with the use of a dangerous or defective product. Victims may be able to collect financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages due to time away from work and other various types of damages.

Continue reading "Birth Control Pill Packaging Error May Cause Unplanned Pregnancy" »

Toyota announced a recall of 80,000 Hybrid sport utility vehicles Wednesday, June 29th. According to a 10 News report, the recall includes 2006 and 2007 models of the Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h sold in the U.S. According to the automaker, some models contain faulty electronics systems that may cause the vehicle's hybrid drive system to fail. Toyota is working on obtaining the necessary replacement parts and once the parts are available, owners will be notified of the recall by first class mail in mid-July 2011. Detailed information on the recall can be found on the Toyota and Lexus websites. Customers can also contact Toyota directly by calling either the Toyota Customer Experience Center at (800) 331-4331 or the Lexus Customer Satisfaction number at (800) 255-3987.

Reports of car accidents caused by defective or dangerous auto parts are steadily increasing every year in the U.S. Because of cutbacks, poor management or profits, many auto manufacturers are producing inferior products. Sadly, many recalls are issued only after numerous consumer deaths or injuries have occurred.

If you have questions regarding an accident you believe was caused by a defective auto part, speak to a California product liability lawyer as soon as possible at (800) 810-6113. Cases involving product liability (the area of law defective auto parts fall under) can be difficult to litigate and require the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Continue reading "Toyota Announces Recall of 80,000 Hybrid SUVs " »

According to the Orange County Register, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, issued a recall for more than 60,000 bottles of Tylenol Extra Strength Tablets. The product is being pulled from store shelves because of a musty odor caused by a chemical called TBA, which is a byproduct of a preservative in shipping palettes. The odor has caused minor cases of nausea and anyone who has bought the product should stop using it immediately. The product was manufactured in February 2009 and has a lot number of ABA619 and a UPC number of 300450444271. Anyone who has had an adverse reaction to the medicine should contact the Food and Drug Administration.

Due to the passing of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act in 1992, which allows the FDA to accept fees from pharmaceutical manufacturers to speed up the approval process, many pharmaceuticals are placed on the market before adequate testing can be done. Many people have also been injured or killed because of inadequate medicine labeling or packaging. In this case, the makers of Tylenol may have insufficiently packaged the medicine for shipping.

Defective or Dangerous Medicine Liability

If consuming the defective product has injured an individual, the individual would be well advised to speak to a California defective product lawyer. A highly skilled personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to properly preserve evidence. Properly preserved evidence may be critical to the successful outcome of a future personal injury claim. In a personal injury claim, the victim may collect financial damages from the party or entity responsible for the injury, such as a drug manufacturer. The different types of damages a victim may receive compensation for include medical bills, lost wages due to missed time at work, and pain and suffering.

Continue reading "Makers of Tylenol Recall 60,000 bottles Because of Musty Odor " »

Unilever United States, the manufacturer of Skippy Peanut Butter, has recalled two of its products sold in 16 different states after a routine testing indicated salmonella may be present. According to a press release from the FDA, the recall is limited to Skippy® Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy® Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread.

The recalled peanut butter was distributed to retail outlets in 16 states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The jars of contaminated peanut butter can be identified by the UPC code and the 'best if used by date.' The UPC codes under recall are 048001006812 and 048001006782. Best if used by dates to avoid are MAY1612LR1, MAY1712LR1, MAY1812LR1, MAY1912LR1, MAY2012LR1 and MAY2112LR1. Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to discontinue use and call the company for a replacement coupon.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause infections in humans. Although there are more than 2,300 serotypes (different antigenic strains) in the salmonella family, two types of salmonella - Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium - account for half of all human infections. When present in food, salmonella does not usually affect the taste, appearance or smell. According to the Centers for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonellosis, the infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella, is responsible for 1.4 million cases of foodborne illnesses and more than 500 deaths every year in the United States.

Do you have a foodborne illness case?

If you have suffered a foodborne illness from salmonella contamination, you may be entitled to substantial compensation from the manufacturer of the peanut butter for medical care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Peanut butter salmonella illness attorneys at Estey Bomberger are screening potential cases from this outbreak at 1-800-724-3817 or via our contact form. The lawyers at Estey Bomberger have represented and recovered millions of dollars in settlements numerous victims of foodborne illnesses, including salmonella and e. coli. From our offices in California, our attorneys represent foodborne illness victims around the country.

Continue reading "Skippy Peanut Butter Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination " »

PISMO BEACH - A 37-year-old Visalia man was killed Saturday when he was thrown from a Yamaha Rhino UTV at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The March 5th accident happened just before 1:30 p.m. at the Sand Highway Marker 13 area. The victim, Jose Lopez, Jr., was riding a Yamaha Rhino that overturned. Lopez died of his injuries at the scene. Another passenger was unharmed. According to the Fresno Bee, the state Department of Parks and Recreation is the primary agency investigating the accident.

Yamaha Rhino Safety Issues

The causes of fatal accidents on sand dunes vary widely. Fatal accidents may be attributed to rider inexperience, riding under the influence, and defects in the vehicles themselves. Although there are inherent risks with any utility terrain vehicle, Yamaha Rhinos are widely regarded as dangerous - more than 50 deaths have been attributed to Yamaha Rhinos. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) begain investigating Yamaha Rhino safety issues in 2008, and the vehicles were recalled by Yamaha on March 31, 2009.

Yamaha Rhino Design Defect Wrongful Death Liability

After any fatal accident, family members may have many questions. Why did the accident happen? Could their loss have been prevented? Was the manufacturer of the vehicle responsible? Especially when loved ones are killed in recalled vehicles, family members would be encouraged to consult with an experienced California wrongful death attorney who has represented numerous victims of Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents. A skilled attorney can stay on top of the investigation into the cause of the accident and arrange to have the vehicle involved in the accident inspected by an expert. If the accident was likely attributed to a defect in the Yamaha Rhino, an attorney can help the family protect their rights to file a claim against Yamaha for their loss.

Continue reading "Visalia Man Killed in Yamaha Rhino Rollover at Oceano Dunes " »

Honda is recalling 2,277 vehicles to replace a wiring coupler on some models. The vehicles affected include the 2010 Honda Accord and the 2010 Honda CR-V equipped with the four-cylinder powertrain. According to USA Today, the coupler may have been damaged during assembly, which could lead to engine stalling. Owners will receive notification in February, and Honda says it will replace the wire harness coupler at no cost. So far, no injuries or accidents have been reported. For more information, Honda owners can go to recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009, and select option 4.

Auto Defects and Personal Injury Liability

Automakers have a responsibility to make safe vehicles. When manufacturing or assembly defects cause accidents that result in serious injury or death, injured drivers and passengers may be entitled to recover financial compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages from the manufacturer of the vehicle. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a recalled vehicle, contact a defective product lawyer to discuss the accident and your legal rights. Because auto defect claims are vigorously defended, it is important to choose an attorney who has the experience, skills and resources to get you the compensation you deserve.

Continue reading "Honda Issues Recall of Accord and CR-V Over Wiring Defects " »

The Associated Press reported today that Salsa Cycles, a unity of Quality Bicycle Products, has voluntarily recalled 6,500 bicycle handle stems due to a defect, which can cause the stems to crack or break, posing a fall hazard to riders.

The recall includes all CroMoto S.U.L. 25.4 and 26.0 threadless handlebar stems and all CroMoto S.U.L. 26.0 quill handlebar stems sold as individual aftermarket units after April 1, 2010. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the black stems, which were manufactured in Taiwan, have the word "Salsa" painted on the extension and include a hash mark on the inside of the stem bar clamp area.

The stems were sold at bicycle retailers and websites from April 2010 through October 2010 for about $65. Consumers are urged to stop riding the bicycles that have the stems and contact an authorized Salsa Bicycles dealer for either a handlebar stem replacement or a complete refund.

Bicycle Part Defects and Personal Injury Liability

Every year, thousands of bicycles and bicycle parts are recalled due to product defects and flaws that cause accidents and injuries. When accidents are caused by defects in the manufacturing or design of the bike or bike part, the manufacturer, distributor and other parties in the chain of distribution may be liable for your injuries. If you have been involved in an accident involving a recalled bicycle or bicycle part, you are urged to contact an experienced California bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Keep the bicycle part in its current condition; do not have any damaged parts destroyed, repaired or replaced until you have spoken to an attorney who can arrange to have the bicycle inspected.

Continue reading "Salsa Cycles Recalls 6,500 Handlebar Stems Due to Fall Hazard " »

Twenty-one children were hurt in May 2008 when the spinning Yo-Yo chair ride collapsed at the Calaveras County Fair. After a 10-month investigation, the California Department of Industrial Relations determined the ride had not been properly maintained, saying a damaged washer failed to hold a pair of nuts in place, causing the arms to crash.

This week, the AP reported that a family of five San Andreas children hurt in the ride collapse reached a settlement of nearly $3.4 million with Brass Ring Amusements, Chance Rides Manufacturing and North American Amusements. Attorneys for the family said one of the injured children suffered orthopedic injuries and permanent brain damage. The settlement was approved by a judge last Tuesday.

In October 2008, Chance Rides Manufacturing, based in Wichita, Kan., in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of about 85 Yo-Yo rides operating around the country.

Continue reading "Calaveras County Fair Ride Victims Receive $3.4 Million Settlement " »

In product recall news, the United Stated Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Easton Sports, based out of Scotts Valley, CA, has announced a recall of about 200 2010 EC90 Zero seat posts. According to the CPSC, the EC90 Zero seat posts are black with red and gray graphics. "EC90" is printed on the post. The carbon top clamp of the seat post can crack, posing a fall hazard to the rider. The bicycles were sold at Turner Suspension Bicycles, Ibis Cycles and Security Bicycle Accessories retailers nationwide from April 2010 through August 2010 for between $150 and $200. Consumers who own a bicycle with the recalled seat post are urged to contact Easton Sports toll-free at (866) 892-6059 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.eastonbike.com.

Accidents Involving Recalled Bicycles

Anyone injured in an accident involving a recalled bicycle is urged to contact an experienced and knowledgeable California bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. If the defect caused or contributed to the accident or the rider's resulting injuries in an accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their injuries from the manufacturer of the bicycle or bicycle part. It is always advisable to keep the bicycle and any damaged parts. Do not have the bicycle repaired and do not discard any broken or damaged parts until you have spoken to an attorney about your potential case, as the damaged bicycle may be important evidence in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Easton Sports Recalls Bicycles for Fall Hazard " »

On Thursday, October 7, 2010, Bravo Sports, of Santa Fe Springs, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled about 160,000 Bravo Sports Trampolines after a number of reports of top rails bending or breaking during normal use, posing a serious fall hazard. At least four injuries have been documented due to the defective trampolines. According to the CPSC, the recall involves AirZone and Variflex trampolines with model numbers 137083 (with wheels), 137536, 137683, 138088, 138467, 138472, 138489, 139275, 139283, 139284, 139300 and 139706. The model number is found on the safety label sewn to the pad cover. The units are 12', 13' and 14' and come in blue, yellow and red. The trampolines were sold at mass market retail stores and sporting good stores, as well as on the internet, from January 2007 through September 2010 for between $200 and $400.

The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled trampolines. Consumers should contact Bravo Sports for instructions on how to inspect the trampoline for top rail damage and to request revised assembly instructions. Top rails and legs damaged due to assembly errors will be replaced at no charge by Bravo Sports. For additional information, contact Bravo Sports at (877)-500-2459, or visit the firm's website at www.airzonevariflex-recall.com.

To learn more about the Bravo Trampoline Recall, see the release on the CPSC's website. The CPSC interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Injuries may be reported at https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.

Anyone injured by a defective trampoline - or any recalled product - should contact an experienced and knowledgeable product liability attorney. Because trampolines are inherently dangerous, personal injury claims resulting from defective trampolines can be complex and challenging. However, if a product is defective and causes serious injury, the manufacturer (and numerous other parties) may be held liable. If you have been injured by a defective product in California, contact the California defective product attorneys at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation of your legal rights.

Continue reading "Bravo Sports Recalls About 160,000 Trampolines Due to Fall Hazard" »

General Motors is recalling more than 20,000 model year 2009-2010 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V cars to replace glove compartment boxes. The recall was announced after the vehicle failed to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection. Government crash tests found that a front seat passenger not wearing a seat belt could strike the glove box and suffer serious leg injuries in a crash.

General Motors will begin notifying owners of the recall next month, and dealers will replace the glove part assembly at no charge. The GM recall number is N100292. Owners can call Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hot line at 1-888-327-4236, or go to safercar.gov.

Anyone injured in an accident involving a recalled automobile should contact a knowledgeable and experienced defective product lawyer. The California product liability lawyers at Estey Bomberger offer a free, no-obligation consultation to answer your questions and discuss your potential case.

Continue reading "General Motors Recalls 20K Cadillac CTS and CTS-V Model Vehicles " »