Airbag recalls are on the rise. Despite being designed to save lives, faulty or failed automobile airbags can cause serious injuries or even death.

Automobile airbags are designed to save lives, placing an instantaneous, physical buffer between a motorist’s body and a vehicle’s frame. But the sheer force with which airbags are deployed and common changes that can happen over time potentially can cause more harm than help, say auto accident attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell.

In 2012, automakers hit a dubious record with 23 airbag-related recalls, according to statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In just the past six months alone, there have been 23 recalls, 15 of them happening in 2013. At this rate, 2013 could be another record-breaking year for recalls.

Among the problems that lead to recalls are airbags that fail to deploy when a collision happens, airbags that deploy prematurely, and problems that arise as vehicles age, including ruptured airbag housing units and airbags with degraded or broken-off parts that can become shrapnel when a bag deploys. Potential consequences can include skin abrasions and lacerations; hearing or eye damage; broken noses, fingers, hands or arms; and head or neck injuries. The root cause of many airbag-related injuries is the force necessary for quick deployment. And studies show that in the United States, airbags typically are more forceful than those in other countries.

Though airbags are credited with saving upwards of 3,000 lives a year, the dangers they pose are real, potentially life-altering and all too common. If you or your dependents have been injured by an airbag’s faulty deployment or its failure to deploy, get medical treatment immediately. Then, call 800-251-1111 and schedule a consultation with an auto accident lawyer with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell.

Triumph Motorcycles is recalling several 2012 and 2013 models including its popular Street Triple due to problems with the turn signal stems.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and its Office of Defects Investigation issued recalls of multiple consumer vehicles earlier this month. Each has a defect deemed potentially dangerous to drivers, passengers and others sharing the roadways.

Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. The fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank, which can cause the fuel tanks to leak or to fail in the event of an impact, potentially causing a fire.

Triumph Motorcycles is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Daytona 675, Street Triple, Speed Triple, and Tiger 800 motorcycles. Due to a manufacturing error, the turn signal stems on the front and rear of the motorcycle may crack or break. This means turn signals may not be visible to other drivers on the road, which can boost the risk of a crash.

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground, which can cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Titan trucks manufactured from January 22, 2013, through February 20, 2013; and model year 2013 NV vehicles manufactured from December 17, 2012, through February 20, 2013 and equipped with steering column-mounted transmission shift levers. Chemicals used in the manufacturing of the shift lever assembly may cause a malfunction of the brake shift interlock allowing the transmission shift lever to be shifted out of park even without the brake pedal being pressed. The vehicle then could roll away, placing drivers and passengers of other vehicles, as well as pedestrians in danger.

If you own one of these recalled vehicles and have not been injured as a result, head to your local dealer to find out what can be done to repair your vehicle and make it safe. You also can contact the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

If you or a dependent are injured by one of these recalled vehicles, seek medical attention immediately, then contact an experienced personal injury or product liability attorney with Jacksonville-based Harrell and Harrell. We have offices throughout Northeast Florida and in Orlando, and serve Brunswick and other areas of Southeast Georgia. Reach any of our offices at 800-251-1111.

Several popular LED light bulbs have been recalled after reports of damage and fire hazards.

LED light bulbs popular for their eco-friendly design have been voluntarily recalled because they can overheat and separate during use, posing a fire hazard. About 554,000 units are affected, after 68 reported incidents of product failures, eight of which were accompanied by visible smoke or fire conditions including damage to light sockets, melted fixtures, burned rugs and flooring, and damage to a lamp and a circuit.

Though none have been reported, there exists a risk of personal injury, attorneys say.

Satellite, Florida-based importer Lighting Science Group recalled the 120-volt LED bulbs, sold as 6- 8- and 9-watt bulbs marketed under the brand names Definity, EcoSmart, Sylvania and Westinghouse.  The model numbers A19, G25 and R20/PAR20 are found on the packaging and on the light-colored circular neck above the base of the bulb where the date code is also printed. The letters “CH” or “MX” may follow these affected date codes: L4010, L4110, L4210, L4310, L4410, L4510, L4610, L4710, L4810, L4910, L5010, L5110, L5210, L0111, L0211, L0311, L0411, L0511, L0611, L0711, L0811, L0911, L1011 and L1111.

If you or your dependents have been injured by one of these light bulbs, seek medical treatment immediately. Remove all bulbs from their sockets and keep the damaged parts and packaging intact, as they may be used as evidence should you file a personal injury or product liability claim. Expert personal injury attorneys Harrell and Harrell, with offices throughout Northeast Florida and Orlando, have successfully handled many such cases. Contact us at 800-251-1111 or via our online form.

Recalled Monassen Hearth Systems Vermont Castings Aura Direct Vent Fireplace

Winter holidays are all about home and hearth and hearty meals. But three products you may plan to use over the coming months have proven unsafe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and three companies have

Honda and GM this week announced several major recalls, citing defects that potentially can cause fires, Jacksonville product liability attorneys say.

If you drive a Honda Accord sedan or one of several General Motors models, take note. Honda announced the recall of 573,000 Accord sedans, citing a power steering fluid leak, and GM is recalling 41,000 crossovers and coupes for fuel leaks. All of these cars pose a potential fire risk, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Effected units include 573,147 Honda Accord Sedans from the 2003 to 2007 model years. Company officials say high temperatures under the hood can cause the steering fluid hose to crack. This could cause fluid to leak into a hot catalytic converter and potentially catch fire. This same defect is part of the May recall of 2007 and 2008 Honda Acura TL models that affected 52,615 cars.

Unfortunately, Honda currently lacks enough replacement parts to cover all affected Accords. The company is ramping up production of heat-resistant steering fluid hoses and expects to have plenty ready in early 2013. If you purchased one of these models, look for notification in your mailbox. Meanwhile, though Honda has not recommended that you stop driving the cars, be aware of the fire risk. If you suspect a steering fluid hose crack, immediately park, turn off and move a safe distance from your car.

GM models affected include 2007-2009 Chevrolet Cobalts, 2007-2009 Pontiac G5s, 2007 Chevrolet Equinoxes, 2007 Pontiac Torrents and 2007 Saturn Ions sold in Florida, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas.

“Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak,” NHTSA officials said in a statement posted on the agency’s website. “Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.”

GM has reported no related fires or injuries, but says that the defect has higher danger potential in warm-weather states. The will replace the fuel module free of charge, including for those who live outside the states affected by the recall, 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date the vehicle was sold.

If you own or have driven or ridden in one of the vehicles affected in either of these product recalls and have suffered an injury caused by the stated defects, contact a personal injury or product liability attorney with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell. Other locations include Orlando, Palatka, Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine and Lake City in Florida, plus Brunswick, Georgia.

Fitness Anywhere's early model Professional and Tactical Suspension Trainer Devices lack safety features and have caused users to fall, suffering face, head, shoulder and hip injuries, say Jacksonville product liability attorneys.

Working hard to get fit so you can look great at your upcoming holiday season parties? If you’re using Fitness Anywhere’s early model suspension trainer devices, take note. San Francisco-based Fitness Anywhere, LLC has recalled about 40,000 of these devices after receiving 570 reports of potentially dangerous breaks.

The affected Professional (P1) and Tactical (T1) TRX suspension straps have length-adjustment buckles that can break, causing the user to fall. Thus far, 82 users have reported falls and 13 of them reported suffering face, head, shoulder and hip injuries. Fitness Anywhere and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urge consumers to stop using the recalled products immediately.

Recalled units were made in China between January 2006 and July 2007, and sold at health and fitness stores and studios nationwide, plus Fitness Anywhere’s ecommerce website, between January 2006 and December 2009 for about $150-$200. They have yellow or khaki nylon straps with a carabiner (ring-shaped attachment) at the top end and a black nylon loop on the bottom end; second black and yellow or black and khaki nylon strap threaded through the loop; and adjustable cam buckle, foam covered hand grips and a foot cradle. Hand grips on the recalled devices lack end bumpers and an extra nylon “locking” loop designed to limit slippage of the straps. Also look for the TRX logo and the word “professional” or “tactical” surrounded by raised dots, or with double lines through them on strap badges.

If you purchased or used one of these items and have not been injured, contact Fitness Anywhere toll-free at (888)-221-7417 or via email at customercare@trxtraining.com for instructions on returning it for a replacement. If you have been injured while using a recalled unit, stop using it, place it in a bag or box exactly as it is (do not destroy it or attempt to repair it) and contact an experienced personal injury or product liability attorney. Jacksonville-based Harrell and Harrell, with offices throughout Northeast Florida and in Orlando and Brunswick, Georgia, have successfully worked thousands of cases, helping victims of defective products win fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Call 800-251-1111 or complete our online form for a free case evaluation.

Recalled log-style swing sold exclusively at Big Lots stores poses a fall hazard to users.

Big Lots stores and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission this week announced a voluntary recall of Wilson & Fisher Garden Swings. The wooden swing’s seat can break while in use, posing a fall hazard, say personal injury attorneys with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell.

Made by Anji Jiayi Garden Supplies Co. based in Xiaofeng Town, China, the log-style swing set comes in a natural wood finish and features a two-person bench seat suspended between two wooden A-frame supports. Columbus, Ohio-based Big Lots has received 14 reports of the swing seats breaking. Victims reported suffering back pain, scratches and scrapes.

Upwards of 6,900 of the swing sets were sold exclusively at Big Lots stores nationwide from March 2012 through June 2012 for about $130. If you think you may have purchased the recalled set, check for item number JY1107 and SKU number 210020400 printed on the assembly instructions sheet. If you did purchase a set and have not been injured, you can detach the bench seat and return it to any Big Lots store for a full refund. Big Lots and CPSC officials recommend destroying all remaining components.

If you have been injured, do not return anything. Keep all parts as they are and contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell specialize in helping injured victims secure fair compensation for losses caused by faulty or defective products. Call 904-251-1111 to schedule a consultation today.

Mr. Coffee has recalled over a half million of its single cup brewing systems as they pose a serious burn hazard. This recall is made in conjunction with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada. The recalled coffeemaker comes in black with silver, red or white trim. It stands about 11 inches tall and has a Brew Now /Off button and a removable drip tray. The water tank is located on top of the unit towards the back. The model number is printed on the bottom of the brewer. Recalled model numbers are:

Dole has recalled more than 1000 bags of romaine lettuce in more than 6 states from stores in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. A sample of lettuce tested positive for listeria.

More than 30 people died in 2011 from listeria contaminated cantaloupes that were linked to Jensen Farms in Colorado.

I did not find any news on Dole’s website concerning this recall.

www.harrellandharrell.com

About 35,000 convertible high chairs have been voluntarily recalled by the US CPSC in cooperation with Evenflo, Inc of Miamisburg, Ohio. The recall is made based on the fact that the activity tray on the high chair can unexpectedly detach from the chair allowing an unrestrained infant to fall possibly leading to serious injuries. The company has been made known of 18 reports of the activity tray detaching, of which there were 8 reports of children who fell and injured themselves.

This recall involves Evenflo high chairs that convert from a high chair to toddler-size table and chair. The convertible high chair can be identified by the model names and numbers listed below. Model numbers are located on a label on the lower portion of one of the high chair’s legs.

Model Name | Model Number

Dottie Lime | 29111259

Dottie Rose | 29111271

Marianna | 29111234

These dangerous defective products were sold nationwide at Walmart and  Toys “R” Us. They were also available at several online retailers.

If you own one of these chairs, you should contact Evenflo immediately to obtain a replacement tray and instructions. If your child was injured by this chair, you should contact us for your free consultation.

www.harrellandharrell.com