Triangle Product Liability Lawyer & Attorney : D. Hardison Wood : Child Restraint, Toy Safety : Child Safety : North Carolina Product Liability Blog

Huge Crib Recall

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

The CPSC announced today a recall of 985,000 Delta Enterprise Drop Side Cribs. Apparently there are missing safety pegs which can lead to entrapment and suffocation.

When the safety pegs in the base of each leg of the crib are missing from the lower track, the crib locks can disengage and detach if lowered below the peg hole, creating a hazardous gap. This gap can lead to the entrapment and suffocation of an infant or toddler.

CPSC staff is aware of a death of an 8-month-old child who became entrapped and suffocated when the drop side of the crib detached in a reassembled crib where the safety pegs were not installed. CPSC is also aware of two entrapments and nine disengagement incidents in cribs where the safety pegs were missing.

The recalled cribs have date codes ranging from 1995 though December 2005 and one model (4624) was made in 2007. The model numbers are located on the top of the mattress support board.

Tags: Child Safety, crib, liability, products, recall

Playkids USA recall cribs

Posted on October 17, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

An infant death has prompted the recall of approximately 2,000 convertible cribs by Playkids USA. The mesh siding expands and can cause gaps between the matress and sides. This allows room enough for an infant to fall into the space, become entrapped and possibly suffocate. A 5 month old child died in August 2008when he became entrapped and suffocated.

This recall involves the Playkids U.S.A. convertible crib/playpen/bassinet/bed with model number PLK-909. “Playkids U.S.A.” can be found on the packaging and on a label sewn into the side of the crib. The model number can be found on the packaging. The convertible cribs have a drop side rail, a stationary side rail, a canopy assembly, and a bassinet. The sides of the convertible crib, the mattress support, the bassinet, the canopy and the bedskirt are covered in fabric and mesh. The fabric and the mesh come in a variety of colors and patterns. read the notice

With the tremendous amount of recalls occurring involving children products, especially cribs, we have to wonder what's going on with testing of the products prior to their public sale.

Tags: Child Safety, crib, liability, products, recall

Booster Seat Poor Evaluations

Posted on October 2, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute have put out a new study with regard to booster seats - they found 13 booster seats do not position the belt properly on children. This study did not look at the crashworthiness of the seats but rather the belt positioning. As we know booster seats help prop children up higher, with a goal of making sure the car's seat belt is in the correct position.

The seat belt is meant to be routed across a child's lower hips and mid-shoulders instead of the abdomen because the liver and spleen are more vulnerable to injuries. Story

This of course does not mean and should not be taken to mean that parents should opt not to use a booster seat at all- it just means that parents need to ensure that the one they are using at least has the seat belt positioned in the proper location.

Tags: Booster, Child Safety, Crashworthiness, belt, car, liability, positioning, products, seat, seats

Hipmonkey.com

Posted on September 26, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

We have often discussed the need to utilize five point harnesses booster seats. Far too many children have been killed in car crashes when their child seat has failed them. The Kyle David Miller foundation, was set up in memory of such a young boy. His courageous family has gone on to start a website called www.hipmonkey. com where you can find 5 point harness car seat for your child, while supporting their foundation.

No matter where you purchase your next car seat, please do your research. And if you have a child getting ready to go into a booster, before automatically putting them in one of those booster seats that uses the car's seatbelt and no tether, please check out the five point harness boosters. We have heard over and over again, how easy it is once your child in in a booster seat that uses the car's seat belt - because then he/she has the ability to buckle and unbuckle themselves...Except there is of course the other end of the story that we hear, when after a car crash, a child who was utilizing the car's seat belt in conjuction with one of those booster seats, was ejected form the vehicle. Why? Because the car's seat belt could not restrain the child during the crash. Car seat belts are not made for small children.

Tags: Child Safety, Crashworthiness, car, david, five, foundation, harness, kyle, liability, miller, point, products, seat, seats

Drop Side Cribs recalled

Posted on September 23, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Simplicity (which as we have mentioned before on our blog - is no longer in business) has recalled about 600,000 drop side cribs. The drop side, when it comes off its tracks can pose a serious risk of injury by entrapment, suffocation, and strangulation to infants. The cribs according to the CPSC's website were sold at:

AAFES, of Dallas, Texas
Babies“R”Us, of Wayne, N.J.
Burlington Coat Factory/Baby Depot, of Burlington, N.J.
K’s Merchandise (out of business)
Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Nebraska Furniture Mart, of Omaha, Neb.
ShopKo, of Green Bay, Wis.
Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc, of Bentonville, Ark.

They were sold between January 2005 through August 2008. For additional information on this recall please visit the CPSC website.

if at anytime our child is a victim of a products defect it is important to bring it to the CPSC's attention.

Tags: Child Safety, Simplicity, crib, liability, products, recall

Soccer Goals Recalled

Posted on September 17, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

190,000 soccer goals were recalled after a child's death.

About 190,000 MacGregor and Mitre folding soccer goals were recalled Tuesday, after the death of a young child.

The CPSC said the netting had gaps that were 20 square inches apart. Ideally they should be less than 17 square inches or greater than 28 sqaure inches in order to prevent a child becoming trapped or possible strangulation.

Parents and caregivers are advised to stop using the nets, which can be returned to Regent Sports in exchange for a free, safe replacement. For more information, call 877-516-9707

This is yet another in a long line of recently recalled products whereby the safety standards for gaps and spaces may have been ignored thereby causing a serious child safety issue. If your child has been adversely affected by a product, and you feel our firm may be able to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tags: CPSC, Child Safety, goals, liability, products, recalled, soccer

Bassinet Warning

Posted on August 30, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

The US CPSC has warned parents against using the 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 bedside sleepers after two infants became caught between the metal bars and died. Apparently, the bars are wider apart than the mandated maximum of 2 3/8 inches. However, according to the report, the warning was issued rather than a recall because the company which purchased Simplicity in April has not been cooperating with a recall. The new owner maintains they are not responsible for products previously manufactured before their acquisition of the company.

The agency said in an announcement that it issued the alert because SFCA Inc., the company that purchased Simplicity in April, "has refused to cooperate with the government and recall the products. SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity," the announcement said.

We see this all the time in our product defect cases where one company has purchased another and we have a claim. The first defense they throw up is that they are not liable for anything previously manufactured. Of course, that is something they always have to prove.

In the interim, parents, if you have any questions regarding this product, please contact the CPSC hotline, 800-638-2772 or their website at cpsc.gov.

Tags: Child Safety, Simplicity, crib, liability, products, recalls

Back to School

Posted on August 24, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

For many children who are on the traditional school calendar, it's that time of the year...back to school. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has released a special notice offering back to school safety tips. In an effort to increase child safety, we are posting these tips here. The entire notice, of course, can be read on the CPSC website, found here.

Helmet Safety

Wear a bicycle helmet when biking or riding a scooter to and from school. Make sure your child’s bicycle helmet has a label stating it meets CPSC’s mandatory safety standard. Wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.

CPSC staff has reports of an annual average of 80 children under 16 years of age who died in bicycle-related incidents in recent years. About half of the 500,000 bicycle-related emergency room-treated injuries in 2007 involved children under the age of 16. When taking part in other recreational activities, wear the right helmet for that activity. Read CPSC’s “Which Helmet for Which Activity” publication, which helps parents choose the most appropriate helmet, at http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/349.pdf (pdf).

More than 80 percent of the nearly 50,000 emergency room-treated injuries involving unpowered scooters in 2007 were to children younger than 15. In addition to wearing a helmet, CPSC recommends elbow and knee pads when riding a scooter.

Tags: Child Safety, back, liability, products, school, to

Civil Penalties for Failure to Report Drawstrings

Posted on August 18, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

The CPSC announced earlier this month that nine firms had agreed to pay approximately $355,000 in civil penalties for failing to report drawstrings in children's outwear.

The penalties settle allegations that the firms knowingly failed to report to the CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that their children’s hooded sweatshirts, jackets, or sweaters were sold with drawstrings at the hood and neck.

In 1996 CPSC issued a notice advising parents to purchase clothing that uses methods other than draw strings to close the hood of a jacket and sweatshirt, such as velcro or snaps. This is due to the high likelihood that the drawstring can get caught on something leading to a potential choking hazard. Read the notice. The notice also called on manufactureres to make sure they adhered to the voluntary guidelines.

Manufacturers and retailers should also be aware of the hazards, and should be sure garments they manufacture and sell conform to the voluntary standard.

Tags: Child Safety, drawstrings, liability, products, strangulation

Crib recalls

Posted on August 6, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Yesterday, August 5, the CPSC announced two separate recalls involving cribs. Both have been recalled because they do not meet the minimum federal safety standards.
The cribs involved int he recall are 1300 units made by Mother's Hubbard's Cupboard's of Toronto, Canada, and 500 units made by Baby Appleseed of California.

Far too often products such as the cribs listed above make it into the market place while they fail to meet safety requirements. For instance child safety seats are self policed. That means the manufacturers have the "minimum" standards they are required to meet and they self test to see if their safety seat meets those requirements.

If your child has been hurt by a product such as a crib, child safety seat or other product and you feel we may be able to assist you please contact us.

Tags: Child Safety, crib, cribs, liability, products, recall

Crocs Lawsuit

Posted on July 16, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Tags: Child Safety, crocs, dangers, escalator, lawsuit, liability, products

Crib Recall

Posted on June 25, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

About 320,000 Jardine Cribs sold at Babies R Us have been recalled according to an announcement by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the press release, the cribs' slats and spindles can break causing a gap which may lead to entrapment or strangulation of babies.There are several models included. The press release can be read here.

Tags: Child Safety, crib, cribs, infant, liability, products, recall, safety

Car Seat Recall

Posted on June 15, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Chicco, USA has recalled the bases to approximately 18,000 of their infant rear-facing car seats.
Here are the details found on the Office of Defects Investigations website:

Component: CHILD SEAT:BASE (INFANT)

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 18000

Summary:
CHICCO USA, INC. IS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 18,000 BASES USED IN KEYFIT AND KEYFIT 30 REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS AND IN CORTINA TRAVEL SYSTEMS, AND STAND-ALONE BASES FOR THESE SYSTEMS PURCHASED SEPARATELY, THAT WERE MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 26 AND MARCH 17, 2008. SOME OF THESE BASES HAVE A DEFECT THAT CAN PREVENT THE BASE FROM BEING TIGHTLY SECURED TO A VEHICLE WHEN THE LOWER LATCH ATTACHMENTS ARE USED AS A METHOD OF INSTALLATION. SPECIFICALLY, WHEN A DEFECTIVE BASE IS INSTALLED WITH THE LOWER LATCH ATTACHMENT STRAPS, THE WEBBING USED TO TIGHTEN THE BASE TO THE VEHICLE SEAT CAN SLIP THROUGH THE ADJUSTMENT LOCK.

Consequence:
IF THE WEBBING WERE TO SLIP DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, THE BASE COULD MOVE, POSSIBLY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Tags: Child Safety, base, car, infant, recall, seat

Crib Mattress Recall

Posted on June 8, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

The CPSC announced June 5,2008 that Simmons Kids was recalling about 20,000 crib mattresses due to an entrapment hazard.

Description: The recalled mattresses involve open coil crib mattresses manufactured between July 1, 2006 and March 23, 2008 with a color label attached to the top or side of the mattress that has the following model names:

Pottery Barn Kids by Simmons Kids Lullaby

Simmons Kids Slumber Time Evening Star Luxury Firm

Simmons Kids Baby Mattress Series 400

Simmons Kids Baby Mattress 234 Coil Count

The crib mattresses also have a law tag that is sewn into the edge of the mattress. The law tag has the date of manufacture and in most cases will contain one of the following model numbers: H59044.15.0014, M59082.15.0002, M59027.15.0002 or M59065.15.0006. Pocketed Coils® and Simmons Kids or Simmons Juvenile Products crib mattresses manufactured before July 1, 2006 or after March 23, 2008 are not included in the recall.

Read the notice here.

Tags: Child Safety, crib, entrapment, hazard, mattress, recall

Toy Cell Phone Recalled

Posted on May 28, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

CPSC announced that Kids Station Toys has recalled about 1 million chit and chat toy cell phones. The toy can break apart causing a serious choking hazard for children. It should be noted that the phones with a visible screw on the hinge are not included. Read the notice here.

If you or your family have been negatively affected by a defective product and would like to discuss your matter please contact us at 1-877-829-7211.

Tags: Child Safety, cell, child, phones, recall, safety, toy

Toyota Highlander Recall

Posted on May 6, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Seat belts can save your life if they work. 90,000 2008 Toyota Highlanders and Toyota Highlander hybrids are being recalled due to the fact that the seat belts' locking mechanisms failing.

The locking mechanism on the seat belts apparently cannot secure properly when certain rear-facing child safety seats are used, which could cause the child seats to move, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported on Friday. Read More

If you have been affected by a seat belt failure or any other mechanism defect, please report it the NHTSA. If our law firm can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tags: Articles, Child Safety, Crashworthiness, Product Liability, belt, car, child, recall, safety, seat, toyota

Beco Baby Carrier Recalled

Posted on April 27, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Baby carriers are a wonderful thing for parents most of the time. However, Beco Baby Butterfly has recalled some oft heir baby carriers due to a failure of the buckles.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Beco Baby Butterfly Carriers

Units: About 2,000

Manufacturer: Beco Baby Carrier Inc., of Newport Beach, Calif.

Hazard: The buckles on the carrier shoulder straps can unexpectedly release tension, causing the strap to slip through, posing a fall hazard to the baby.

Incidents/Injuries: Beco has received eight reports of the carrier straps slipping through the shoulder buckles. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled infant carriers were sold under brand name “Beco Baby Carrier Butterfly.” The carriers have a black label with a green “b” logo on the left side and a butterfly on the right side. The label is sewn on the outside of the carrier. The following carrier styles are included in the recall: Mia, Pony Express, Carnival, Addison, Ethan, Sophia, Cameron, Ava and Joshua.

Sold at: Specialty retail stores nationwide and internet sites from January 2008 through February 2008 for about $140.

Manufactured in: USA and Dominican Republic

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the carriers and contact Beco Baby Carrier to receive instructions for returning the carriers for repair.

Consumer Contact: Consumers should contact Beco Baby Carrier Inc. toll-free at (888) 943-8232/9-GET-BECO between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.becobabycarrier.com

Tags: Child Safety, baby, carrier, infant

Kyle David Miller Foundation - Car Seat Safety

Posted on March 10, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Our children and their safety is something about which we care deeply. That is why our law firm involves itself in various types of litigation involving child safety. Awhile back we were touched by a video we saw on youtube about a young boy, Kyle David Miller (see here). He unfortunately was killed in a car crash. He was not in a five point harness, but rather a booster seat which utilized the car's seat belt. When we personally saw the video, our family was driven to find a booster seat for our children that had a five point harness. We realized that the booster seat we were using, which used our car's seat belt, was not securing our children the way they needed. We have since learned that there has been a foundation set up in memory of Kyle which collects money in order to buy 5 point harness seats for children up to 80 lbs. who otherwise would not have access to them. Check out the video and website to learn more about the foundation.

Tags: 5, Child Safety, car, child, david, harness, kyle, miller, point, safety, seat, seats

Evenflo Car Seat Recall

Posted on March 8, 2008 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Evenflo has announced a recall of over 1 million car seats. Please ensure your child's car seat is not affected.

Make / Models :         Model/Build Years:

     EVENFLO / 390 (DISCOVERY)     2005-2008

     EVENFLO / 391 (DISCOVERY)     2005-2008

     EVENFLO / 534 (DISCOVERY)     2005-2008

     EVENFLO / 552 (DISCOVERY)     2005-2008

Recall Number: 08C002000

Summary:

EVENFLO IS RECALLING 1,000,000 MODELS 390, 391, 534, AND 552 DISCOVERY CAR SEATS OR ASSOCIATED TRAVEL SYSTEMS MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 2008. IN RECENT LABORATORY TESTS CONDUCTED BY EVENFLO AND NHTSA TO EVALUATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE SEATS IN HIGH IMPACT SIDE COLLISIONS, IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE CAR SEAT COULD POTENTIALLY BECOME SEPARATED FROM ITS BASE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS.

Consequence:

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD RESULT IF THE CAR SEAT BECAME SEPARATED FROM ITS BASE.

Remedy:

EVENFLO WILL NOTIFY REGISTERED OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE SUPPLEMENTAL DUAL-HOOK FASTENER TO ENSURE THAT THE CAR SEAT REMAINS ATTACHED TO ITS BASE IN A HIGH IMPACT SIDE COLLISION SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE RECENT TESTS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. TO OBTAIN THE FREE FASTENER, OWNERS SHOULD CALL EVENFLO AT 1-800-356-2229 BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM EST OR ORDER ONLINE AT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.EVENFLO.COM/DISCOVERY.

Notes:

EVENFLO HAS NOT MADE A DECISION THAT THESE UNITS CONTAIN A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT, HOWEVER EVENFLO WILL PROVIDE A FREE SUPPLEMENTAL DUAL-HOOK FASTENER. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Tags: Child Safety, Crashworthiness, car, defect, liability, product, seat

Kids and Cars Safety Bill

Posted on December 6, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Read about Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2007 here.

For additional information you can also visit the kids and cars website.

Safety bills like this may start the process of saving children from becoming victims of mistaken backovers and other car related fatalities.

Tags: Child Safety, and, bill, cars, kids, safety

Storage Racks Recalled

Posted on November 17, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Where do you store all those toys? Many of families, including ours, have invested in storage bins in an on-going effort to keep the childrens' toys somewhat organized. Well it appears some of those storage racks have been recalled.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jetmax International Ltd., of Irving, Texas is voluntarily recalling about 36,000 boy’s and girl’s storage racks with canvas totes.

The storage rack can tip over, posing an entrapment and suffocation hazard to young children.

Tags: Child Safety, bins, storage, toy

Toy Recalls Continue

Posted on November 10, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

This week seemed no different from the past several weeks...many toy recalls due to lead paint. There was however, one recall that was astonishing. Aqua Dots were recalled. This recall was extremely bothersome as a parent. These beads apparently contain a substance found in a date rape drug. When swallowed by children, this chemical can and has caused children to fall into a coma.

CPSC has received two reports over the past several days of children swallowing Aqua Dots. A 20-month-old child swallowed several dozen beads. He became dizzy and vomited several times before slipping into a comatose state for a period of time, was hospitalized, and has since fully recovered. A second child also vomited and slipped into a comatose state and was hospitalized for five days.

Tags: Child Safety, toys, unsafe

Car Seat Mistakes

Posted on November 1, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

I came across a new site that discusses common mistakes made with car seats...With such an important child safety issue, we felt it important to post some of the information here.

Most parents understand the importance of putting their children in car seats, especially their younger kids, but reports still show that 80% of kids aren't secured correctly in a car seat.

Among the easiest mistakes to avoid is to just make sure that your child is in the correct car seat for his age and that he is facing the right direction.

Infants should be in a rear facing infant only seat or convertible seat until they are 1 year old AND twenty pounds. Children who reach twenty pounds before their first birthday still need to face backwards and can be moved into a rear facing convertible seat. Smaller infants who don't reach 20 pounds until after their first birthday should also continue to face backwards. This is more a minimum though. Many people advocate continuing to sit toddlers rear facing in a convertible seat until they outgrow it for added safety.

After they are twenty pounds and have passed their first birthday, toddlers can use a forward facing car seat (either a convertible, combination or forward facing seat) until they are about 40 pounds.

Children over forty pounds should be placed into a belt positioning booster seat (either a combination seat or booster seat) and they will usually stay in it until they are at least 8 years old.

You should not use your car's regular seat belts until they fit correctly when your child is about 80 pounds and is 4ft 9 inches tall. Remember that your child will not be ready to use regular seat belts until the shoulder strap fits across his shoulder and not his neck, and the lap belt fits across his hips and not his stomach.

All children under 12 years of age should be placed in the back seat of the car, especially if you have passenger side air bags.

Read the entire article here. Continue Reading...

Tags: Child Safety, car, health, kids, liability, product, seat

Car Seat vs. Booster Seat

Posted on October 28, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Recently, I overheard a conversation which reminded me about the importance of this question of car seat versus a booster seat. As I waited for my daughter during one of her after school activities I heard a group of mothers and fathers discussing the fact that they were switching their children to the booster seats that use the car's seat belt rather than a five point harness. They were discussing that this was a change they needed to make because when they pick their children up from school through the car pool lane, it is too difficult to find a place to park the car, get out and buckle their children into their five point harnessed car seats. Continue Reading...

Tags: Child Safety, car, child, restraint, safety, seat

Football and Brain Injuries

Posted on October 5, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

As we know sports injuries are all too common in high schools across the nation. The injuries are not exclusive to the sport, they happen in everything, football, soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey and more. It is a promising idea to us that there are studies such as the this one where there are monitors placed inside the helmets of football players. These monitors register to a laptop on the sidelines indicating what type of blow to the head the player just received.

The purpose of the high-tech headgear, which uses six strategically placed, spring-loaded accelerometers to wirelessly beam information to a Web-based system on a laptop computer on the sidelines, is to more effectively – and more immediately – detect when blows to players’ heads may result in concussions or more severe brain injuries.

Tags: Child Safety, Sports, concussion, helmet, high, injuries, liability, product, school, study

Inspection Stations

Posted on September 18, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Car seat installation can seem daunting. If you are unsure about the installation of your child's car seat, please have it inspected...better safe than sorry. Click here for a link to find an inspection station near you.

Tags: Child Safety, car, inspections, installation, seat

Bus Safety

Posted on September 11, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

With 70,000 students riding school buses on 2,100 routes in Wake County, there are bound to be mishaps.

But the parents of one local kindergartener said even one accident was too many when their son’s first bus ride landed him in the emergency room. Read More

First off, it is extremely unnerving that this child's stop was missed not once but twice in the same day, even after his parents brought it to the attention of the school. But moreover, it makes one wonder about the safety of the students on the bus. As we here at the firm, are constantly evaluating car seats, safety belts, crashworthiness of automobiles, and more, a story like this makes us wonder about the safety of the children on those buses. It appears this little boy stood up when he noticed the driver missing his stop, and therefore fell, causing an injury to his head. As we have learned through many cases, what may appear as a slight contusion to the head at first sometimes is just the beginning. Should there be seat belts or something on the buses to help keep children from standing and consequently falling while on the bus? Something to think about....

Tags: Child Safety, belts, bus, school, seat, stops

Britax Child Seat Recall

Posted on September 6, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Here is yet another child seat recall report. What is most disturbing is that Britax has in the past seemed to have a better reputation for their car seats.

Summary:
CERTAIN BRITAX MARATHON CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, MODELS E9L06, E9W06, AND E906, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 23 THROUGH JULY 28, 2006. DURING TESTING, THE TETHER HOOK OPENED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM INTEGRITY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 213, CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS.

Consequence:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSEQUENCE AS IT RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.

Remedy:
BRITAX HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY AND NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE.

Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Tags: Child Safety, car, marathon, recall, seats

Dorel Juvenile Group- Car Seat Recall

Posted on September 4, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

On August 30, 2007 some Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) issued a recall which may affect a potential 1,267,978 units.

Tags: Child Safety, child, harness, recall, restraint

Kids Stuck in the Blind Spot

Posted on August 29, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

I recently read an article by Mike Hendricks in The Kansas City Star. As a parent, reading this article made my stomach churn. These stories are gut wrenching to read...thinking about those poor children who are forgotten or left in cars with windows rolled up who essentially boil to death...or the stories of a parent or a grandparent who run their (grand)child over simply because they didn't see the child while backing up. Mr. Hendricks introduces Jannette Fennell, founder of Kids and Cars (www.kidsandcars.org).
Continue Reading...

Tags: Child Safety, blind, cars, spot

Mattel's Latest Toy Recall

Posted on August 15, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Mattel issued yet another round of recalls. This recall involved toys that may contain lead paint as well as toys that have magnets that cause serious digestive problems if children swallow them. The recall includes the popular "Cars" characters, Polly Pockets and more. Please view the latest recall notices for more information, and please be extremely cautious. If you think your child may have been exposed to lead paint please consult with your child's doctor. We will be one of the millions of families combing through our toys determining whether or not what we have was affected by the massive recalls.

Polly Pocket Recall

Doggie Day Care Recall

Barbie and Tanner Recall

Die Cast Toy Cars Recall

Batman Recall

For further information visit the Consumer Protection Safety Commission.

Tags: Child Safety, mattel, recalls, toys

Choking Hazard & Car Seats

Posted on August 9, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

The Office of Defects Investigation at the NHTSA opened an investigation on July 17, 2007 involving Evenflo / Triumph car seats. Apparently there have been 12 complaints since 2003 of a choking hazard involving child seats from this manufacturer. The complaint alleges children are able to gain access to the styrofoam from underneath the seat padding/ cover and break it into pieces. In 10 of the 12 cases, it was stated that the child placed these pieces into their mouths. 3 of those children were reported to choke and 1 reportedly gagged. We'll be watching to see what happens with this investigation.

Tags: Child Safety, defects, investigation, open

Fisher-Price Recalls

Posted on August 1, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

A press release from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission was just released. About 967,000 units have been recalled due to a possible lead poisoning hazard. Please read the entire release here.

Tags: Child Safety, lead, toys

Car Seat Installation

Posted on July 30, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Ever wondered if you have installed your child's car seat correctly? This site provides many details and graphics that may be useful when installing a car seat. It also has many safety tips, general usage information, and things to remember. A couple of important notes, make sure that the seat belt is securely around your child, not twisted, or loose, or too high and certainly not under his or her arm. In addition, if your car seat is involved in a car accident, you should not reuse it.

Tags: Child Safety, belts, car, installation, seat

Softball Head Injury

Posted on July 25, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

This young lady from Michigan was set to enter seventh grade this fall. Apparently she a missed a ground ball during softball practice, the ball hit her head. She never regained consciousness. The story can be found here.

Tags: Child Safety, head, injury, softball

Booster Seats

Posted on July 12, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Booster seat versus car seat...what a dilemma. I had bought a booster seat for our daughter...one of the seats that utilizes the car's seat buckle. We figured she is five years old, most of the children in her class were using booster seats, and she meets the height and weight requirements for the seat. But every time I would look in my rear view mirror, and the car was making even the slightest of turns...there she was moving around...the seat essentially not doing anything to protect her. Then I saw this video, and realized that my worries were not unfounded.

Tags: Booster, Child Safety, belts, car, lap, seats

Rear Facing Infant Seats

Posted on July 12, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

As a parent, this video makes me think twice before turning our daughter to a forward facing seat.

Tags: Child Safety, facing, forward, infant, rear, seats

Baseball & Helmets

Posted on July 10, 2007 by Law Office of D. Hardison Wood

Baseball is a great sport. My son plays baseball, and I'll admit that one of the reasons I don't worry so much about it is because at least he isn't playing football, or some other full contact sport.

Yet according to the blog Transducer Reviews, baseball is the sport with the highest fatality rate for kids from 5-14 years of age. The post is here, and I'll go into more detail about how these statistics can play out in the legal world on the flip. Continue Reading...

Tags: Child Safety, Sports, injury

Summary: CERTAIN BRITAX MARATHON CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, MODELS E9L06, E9W06, AND E906, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 23 THROUGH JULY 28, 2006. DURING TESTING, THE TETHER HOOK OPENED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE AND CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM INTEGRITY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 213, CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS.
Consequence: THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSEQUENCE AS IT RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.
Remedy: BRITAX HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY AND NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Component: CHILD SEAT:BASE (INFANT)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 18000
Summary: CHICCO USA, INC. IS RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 18,000 BASES USED IN KEYFIT AND KEYFIT 30 REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS AND IN CORTINA TRAVEL SYSTEMS, AND STAND-ALONE BASES FOR THESE SYSTEMS PURCHASED SEPARATELY, THAT WERE MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 26 AND MARCH 17, 2008. SOME OF THESE BASES HAVE A DEFECT THAT CAN PREVENT THE BASE FROM BEING TIGHTLY SECURED TO A VEHICLE WHEN THE LOWER LATCH ATTACHMENTS ARE USED AS A METHOD OF INSTALLATION. SPECIFICALLY, WHEN A DEFECTIVE BASE IS INSTALLED WITH THE LOWER LATCH ATTACHMENT STRAPS, THE WEBBING USED TO TIGHTEN THE BASE TO THE VEHICLE SEAT CAN SLIP THROUGH THE ADJUSTMENT LOCK.
Consequence: IF THE WEBBING WERE TO SLIP DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, THE BASE COULD MOVE, POSSIBLY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Make / Models :		Model/Build Years:
EVENFLO / 390 (DISCOVERY)		2005-2008
EVENFLO / 391 (DISCOVERY)		2005-2008
EVENFLO / 534 (DISCOVERY)		2005-2008
EVENFLO / 552 (DISCOVERY)		2005-2008
Recall Number:	08C002000
Summary:
EVENFLO IS RECALLING 1,000,000 MODELS 390, 391, 534, AND 552 DISCOVERY CAR SEATS OR ASSOCIATED TRAVEL SYSTEMS MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 2008. IN RECENT LABORATORY TESTS CONDUCTED BY EVENFLO AND NHTSA TO EVALUATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE SEATS IN HIGH IMPACT SIDE COLLISIONS, IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE CAR SEAT COULD POTENTIALLY BECOME SEPARATED FROM ITS BASE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS.
Consequence:
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD RESULT IF THE CAR SEAT BECAME SEPARATED FROM ITS BASE.
Remedy:
EVENFLO WILL NOTIFY REGISTERED OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE SUPPLEMENTAL DUAL-HOOK FASTENER TO ENSURE THAT THE CAR SEAT REMAINS ATTACHED TO ITS BASE IN A HIGH IMPACT SIDE COLLISION SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE RECENT TESTS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2008. TO OBTAIN THE FREE FASTENER, OWNERS SHOULD CALL EVENFLO AT 1-800-356-2229 BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM EST OR ORDER ONLINE AT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.EVENFLO.COM/DISCOVERY.
Notes:
EVENFLO HAS NOT MADE A DECISION THAT THESE UNITS CONTAIN A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT, HOWEVER EVENFLO WILL PROVIDE A FREE SUPPLEMENTAL DUAL-HOOK FASTENER. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.