The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an auto defect recall for 2011 and 2012 model year Ford F-Series pickup trucks, which apparently have defective automatic transmission interlocks. NHTSA officials say the faulty transmission interlocks can be found in about 16,091 pickup trucks. Drivers can shift the trucks from "park" into rear without stepping on the brakes increasing the risk of car accidents or even injury to nearby pedestrians.

These auto defects are also in violation of federal safety standards. The recall affects the 2011 model year Ford F-150 pickup trucks and 2012 model year Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and heavy duty F-550 trucks, all manufactured last September. Ford will start notifying owners to bring their recalled trucks to dealerships. The affected brake shift interlock switches will be inspected and replaced at no cost to consumers.

Responsibility of Auto Makers

Based on this news report, it is not clear if there were any car accidents, injuries or fatalities reported as a result of these serious safety issues. When the transmission, shift lever, or braking proves defective in a vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. As the report points out, these defects can cause not only car accidents, but also pedestrian accidents and injuries.

Auto defects can occur during the design process, the manufacturing of the vehicle, or during assembly. Regardless of when or how the defect occurs, it is the automaker's responsibility to issue a prompt recall and ensure consumer safety. Automakers can be held liable for the injuries and damages their defective vehicles cause to drivers, passengers and others.

Contacting an Auto Defect Lawyer

After a car accident, it would be in the victims' best interests to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined for defects, malfunctions, and other evidence. Those injured as a result of a defective auto would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large automakers. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Ford Recalls F-Series Pickup Trucks for Defective Transmission Locks is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an auto defect recall for certain Nissan 2010 and 2011 model year sedans because of vehicle defects that could potentially cause the vehicles to stall or crash. According to Consumer Reports, about 33,800 cars are involved in this recall. NHTSA reports state that these vehicles may have faulty battery terminals that cause an unexpected engine stall while the cars are in motion. Also, the defect may prevent an engine restart, increasing the risk of a car accident.

Engine Stalling Issues

The problem affects 2010-2011 Nissan Sentra vehicles equipped with MR20 engines manufactured in May 2010 and from July to October 2010. Officials say the defect occurred during the manufacturing process when a zinc coating was applied to the battery terminal posts too thickly. This thick coating could result in a voltage drop that may make it difficult to start the car or could even damage the vehicle's engine control module. When the recall begins in January, owners can bring in their vehicles to local dealerships where the battery terminals will be replaced at no cost to consumers.

It is not clear from this report if there were any car accidents or injuries reported as a result of this particular vehicle defect. Auto defects can occur due to errors made during the design process, manufacturing, or assembly. Vehicle stalling can definitely be a serious problem. If a car suddenly stalls on the freeway, it exposes drivers and passengers to tremendous dangers, including getting hit by other vehicles, which may not be able to slow down or stop in time to avoid the stranded auto. Such stalling can cause serious problems especially during nighttime when visibility can be limited.

Auto Products Liability Claims

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an auto engine stalling, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large automakers. In such cases involving auto defects, injured victims can seek compensation from the automaker for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. The family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for medical and funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, emotional anguish, and other damages. Victims or their families would also be well advised to preserve the vehicle intact after an accident so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for any evidence of defects, malfunctions, or design flaws.

Nissan Sentra Vehicles Recalled for Stall and Crash Risk is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A Nebraska-based meat packer is recalling more than 40,000 pounds of ground beef products that were shipped to institutions and distributors in California and other states over food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, the meat, produced by Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. was also shipped to 15 other states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted tests on samples, which detected the presence of the deadly E. coli bacteria in the ground beef products. Other states affected by this recall include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The recall includes 10-pound chubs of chuck fine ground beef 80/20, packed in cases containing eight chubs. USDA officials said that they discovered the problem through "routine monitoring." So far, no illnesses have been reported linked to these defective products. Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact Tyson at 866-328-3156.

E. coli Symptoms

In California, during 2008, 242 cases of E. coli were reported, according to the California Department of Health's web site. E. coli infections typically cause abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea with bloody stools. Young children and the elderly are at the highest risk for becoming infected with E. coli and developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which can lead to serious kidney damage or even death.

Tips to Avoid Infections

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers several tips to guard against E. coli contamination. First, cook all ground beef products thoroughly. Test the meat by putting a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. It should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not eat ground beef that is still pink in the middle. If a restaurant serves you an undercooked hamburger, send it back for more cooking. Also, ask for a new bun and a clean plate. While cooking in your own kitchen, keep raw meat away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Protecting Your Rights

If you have been sickened by contaminated meat, isolate the food and preserve it so it can be tested in a lab to determine what the contaminants are. Seek immediate medical attention and contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will help protect your legal rights and best interests. Negligent food producers can be held liable for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Ground Beef Recalled for Possible E. coli Contamination is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The manufacturer of a defective child seat, which caused several skull fractures and head injuries among young children, has made no effort to improve their products or make them safer, according to consumer safety advocates. A Reuters report states that despite facing several lawsuits from parents of injured children, South Africa-based Bumbo has done little to reconfigure these seats or make them safer.

Bumbo issued a defective product recall for the seats after 28 injuries were reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2007. Many of these injuries involved skull fractures. After the recall, the company place warning labels on the seats saying that they should not be used on elevated surfaces. Kevin and Lucy Ferrell filed a lawsuit on behalf of their son Colby. The 9-month-old suffered a skull fracture after he fell out of the seat. The couple had purchased the seat from Toys R Us.

Companies Knew about Defective Products

As part of the lawsuit, records were obtained from Bumbo that showed the company knew about the injuries and the potential for serious injury. There were about 300 reported incidents including many in other countries such as Great Britain. Bumbo maintains that its seats are safe when used as intended. Company representatives say that the seats should always be used on the floor and never at an elevation.

In addition to Bumbo, Toys R Us has also been named in lawsuits relating to these defective products, of knowingly selling a baby product that has caused injuries. In fact, one of the company's buyers is quoted saying under oath in the litigation that she had never seen an infant product like the Bumbo seats that came without a safety restraint. She testified as she did not think it was safe. The lawsuit filed by the Ferrells alleges that Toys R Us has a significant profit margin on the seats and has stocked these items and sold them, even disregarding concerns raised by those within the company about their safety.

Holding Corporations Accountable

As a California personal injury lawyer who represents victims injured by defective products, it is encouraging to see parents like the Ferrells not giving up. Although their son was seriously injured, they are now "evangelists for seatbelts" because they do not want to see it happen to other children. This is yet another outcome of of civil litigation. It is not always about the money. In fact, more often, it is about making sure that the victims are heard. It is about making sure that negligent corporations are questioned, challenged, and forced to change their unscrupulous ways. In this particular case, it seems to me that both Bumbo and Toys R Us put profits over the welfare of these young children – babies. I would be very interested to see if federal officials impose a fine on these corporations. My heart goes out to all the families that have been affected by these dangerous and defective products.

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Ford Motor Company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have issued an auto defect recall for 2010-2011 model year Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans because of defective wheel studs. According to Consumer Reports, the vehicles involved in this recall may have defective wheel studs that can break and cause the wheels to separate from the cars, increasing the likelihood of a car crash. This problem could involve as many as 128,615 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan cars that are equipped with 17-inch steel wheels.

The affected vehicles were manufactured in April 2009 and from December 2009 to November 2010. Ford will start notifying owners this month. Owners are asked to bring in their vehicles to local dealers who will replace all of the cars' lug nuts, inspect and if necessary, replace the rear disc brakes, also at no charge to consumers.

Vehicle Recall Statistics

According to the New York Times, the auto industry recalled about 20.3 million vehicles in 2010. It was the fourth-largest number of vehicles recalled since NHTSA began keeping track in 1966. The highest point was in 2004 when 30.8 million vehicles were recalled. In contrast, about 16.6 million vehicles were recalled 2009. The 2010 numbers were significantly affected by Toyota recalls involving sudden or unintended acceleration issues.

Auto Product Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear how these wheel stud defects occurred. We do not know if it happened during the manufacturing or assembly process. Regardless of how it happened, these are dangerous defects that could result in serious injury or even fatal car accidents.

Victims of car accidents caused by defective autos would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases against large automakers. In such cases, the vehicles are the most important pieces of evidence. It is crucial that the victims or their families preserve the vehicles intact, so they can be thoroughly examined for product defects, malfunctions and other evidence.

Ford and Mercury Vehicles Recalled for Defective Wheel Studs is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A California food company has issued a recall for 6,141 cartons of cilantro in seven states over food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, Salinas-based Pacific Cilantro recalled the herbs in seven states after U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors found salmonella in a sampling of the products. So far, no illnesses or fatalities have been reported. The recall has been issued in seven states including California, Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Indiana, South Carolina and Missouri, as a precaution. Those who have these products in their homes are asked to return them. The herbs were grown by Salt River Farming in the Phoenix area.

Statistics Relating to Food Poisoning Cases

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are approximately1.4 million cases of salmonella food poisoning in the United States each year. Only 40,000 of those cases are actually reported. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that there are 5,000 instances of fatal food poisoning cases each year caused by a variety of defective products.

Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning

The symptoms of salmonella poisoning can be extremely painful and traumatic. The most common signs of salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal cramping or pain, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and bloody stools. In many instances, salmonella infection could lead to several days of hospitalization. Salmonella infection may also, in certain cases, result in serious injuries or death. There are certain strains of salmonella that cannot even be treated with antibiotics. These infections often affect the very young, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

Compensation for Food Poisoning Victims

If you have become ill as a result of consuming these defective products, it would be in your best interests to isolate the food item and preserve it, so it can be tested in a lab for the presence of disease-causing germs or contaminants. In such cases where a negligent food producer or retailer may be involved, victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, diagnostic tests, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims of food poisoning would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will better advise them about their legal rights and options.

Cilantro Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an auto defect recall involving approximately 7,365 Nissan Rogue vehicles due to power steering issues. According to a report in Consumer News, the vehicle recall involves Rogue crossover vehicles manufactured from August 2010 to October 2010. The report states that the electric power steering circuit board was installed improperly. This manufacturing defect puts an additional strain on the circuit board, and could result in a sudden loss of power steering, if the board breaks.

Drivers who experience a loss of power steering could lose control of their vehicle. Owners of these potentially dangerous vehicles should receive instructions about the recall this month from Nissan. Drivers are encouraged to visit their local dealerships to have a new EPS control unit installed at no charge.

Steering Defects Can Lead to Car Accidents

Steering defects in vehicles can certainly lead to car accidents that can result in life-changing injuries, disabilities, and even death. I'm glad NHTSA has stepped in and issued a recall of these defective vehicles. As drivers, we count on a working power steering feature to help us effectively handle turns and control the car. Numerous people are killed and seriously injured in California and the rest of the country because of defective auto parts such as poorly manufactured power steering, defective tires, and faulty brakes. In any of these cases, the injured victim or their family would be well advised to preserve the damaged vehicle for a thorough inspection by an expert.

Auto Products Liability Issues

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of a defectively manufactured or designed auto product, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large automakers. In cases involving defective products, the manufacturer of the defective automobile or the faulty product can be held liable.

It is important to remember that less than 1 percent of personal injury law firms have the expertise and the resources to pursue auto defect cases. Not only are auto product defect cases expensive to pursue, but also auto makers, who are represented by high-powered legal defense teams, fight with every means to protect their reputation and their profits. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Nissan Rogue Recalled for Steering Issues is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Honda Motor Company has issued an auto defect recall along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for about 126,000 Goldwing motorcycles because of possible brake defects. According to Consumer Reports, Honda has identified an issue with the motorcycles' secondary brake master cylinders that may cause the rear brakes to drag, increasing the risk of a collision. Riding a motorcycle with a rear brake that is stuck may also generate enough heat to pose a fire risk.

Honda has announced that this particular problem with the brakes affects GL1800 Goldwing motorcycles manufactured between the 2001 and 2012 model years. When the recall begins in January, Honda dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the secondary master cylinder free of charge.

Honda Recalls

This is the second recall for Honda in just one week. Recently, the Japanese auto maker issued its fifth recall of several vehicle models for defective airbags. These airbags, which explode with tremendous force and send out flying shards of metal and plastic, can seriously injure occupants. Two deaths and at least 20 car accidents had been reported as a result of these defective Honda airbags. Consumer advocates are calling for NHTSA to fine Honda for not issuing prompt recalls on these vehicles.

Was the Recall Delayed?

In the case of the Goldwing motorcycle recalls, it appears that the vehicles include 2001 models. Why weren't these motorcycles recalled earlier? Did Honda not get reports about these brake defects and fire hazards over the last decade? How many motorcyclists or passengers have been injured or killed as a result of these product defects or malfunctions? How many motorcycle accidents have occurred due to these brake defects or fires? It will certainly be interesting to find out if Honda issued a timely recall on these defective motorcycles.

Protecting Victims' Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Honda Goldwing motorcycle accident, it would be in your best interests to keep the vehicle in its current state, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for evidence of product defects and malfunctions. Injured victims or their families would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled product liability cases against large automakers.

Honda Goldwing Motorcycles Recalled for Brake Defects is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A California farm is voluntarily recalling bags of chopping romaine lettuce due to food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, True Leaf Farms of Salinas is recalling 90 cartons of lettuce, which is believed to have been contaminated with listeria bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the company that a sample taken as part of a random check tested positive for listeria. The recall covers products with a "use by" date of September 29, 2011 and a bag and box code of "B256-46438-8."

This listeria recall comes at a time when the nation is witnessing one of the most deadly listeria outbreaks, which has been linked to cantaloupe from Jensen Farms in Colorado. The outbreak involving the tainted cantaloupes has so far caused 16 deaths and 72 illnesses in 18 states including California. Listeria is a type of bacterium that can survive even in room temperatures. Although we may not hear about listeria as often as we do about E. coli or salmonella, this type of infection has the potential to be deadly. In the United States the last known large listeria outbreak happened on 1998 when 21 people died as a result of eating contaminated hot dogs and deli meat.

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

The most common symptoms of a Listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, a stiff neck, and headaches. Those who are older and have compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to these infections. Pregnant women are particularly at risk because listeria can be extremely harmful to fetuses, resulting in birth defects, miscarriages or stillbirths.

Liability Issues in Food Poisoning Cases

It is unclear from these reports if anyone has been sickened or killed as a result of consuming the tainted lettuce. It is important that consumers who have these defective products at home immediately discard them if they have not been consumed or opened. If you have eaten the tainted food, isolate the remainder of the food in a separate bag or box and preserve it so it can be tested in a laboratory for evidence of contamination.

Negligent food producers or those who fail to follow federal and state safety standards can be held liable for the injuries and illnesses their food products cause. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, diagnostic tests, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will better advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

Romaine Lettuce Recalled for Listeria Contamination is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market Inc. is recalling its f&e-brand organic baby spinach over food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, this food recall was issued due to concerns that the spinach could be contaminated with listeria, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children or those with weak immune systems. The company, which is based in El Segundo, California, said the recall was issued after one bag of spinach tested positive for listeria. The products involved in this recall have an "enjoy by" date of August 1, 2011 and were sold in Fresh & Easy stores in California, Nevada and Arizona.

Food Poisoning Statistics

The Department of Health and Human Services reports that there are 5,000 instances of fatal food poisoning cases each year. It is even more disturbing to note that the number of safety inspections has fallen sharply in recent years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which monitors food producers nationwide, inspects fewer than 25 percent of food production facilities each year. Also, nearly 75 percent of all food facilities have gone five or more years without an FDA inspection.

Symptoms of Listeria Poisoning

Reports state that these defective products that were recalled have been contaminated with listeria. This type of bacterial infection, also known as Listeriosis, has the potential to cause serious injury or death. The most common symptoms of listeria poisoning include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, the victim may experience symptoms such as headache, stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeria infection can have devastating consequences for pregnant women. The baby may die unexpectedly before birth or experience a life-threatening infection within the first few days of birth.

Liability Issues

If you have been sickened as a result of consuming a certain food, it is important that you label the food, isolate it and preserve it, so it can be tested in a lab for the presence of disease-causing germs or contaminants. The food producer or even the retailer can be held liable for injuries and illnesses caused by contaminated food. Victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, diagnostic tests, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will better advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Fresh & Easy Recalls Organic Spinach for Listeria Contamination is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers