Posts by Michael Phelan
CPSC Finally Bans Dangerous Infant Sleep Products
The phrase “sleep like a baby” is often used to indicate that a person enjoyed a peaceful, carefree night of rest. It is misleading saying, however, because as every parent knows, babies are not always the best sleepers. This is especially true during the first few months, when they tend to sleep for shorter spurts…
Read MoreCPSC Awards Grant to Loudoun County to Prevent Pool Drownings
A news release from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in early May announced the five recipients of a grant program from the Pool Safely Grant Program (PSGP). These states and local governments will receive over $860,000 in funds to provide education, training, and enforcement of pool safety requirements with the goal of saving lives…
Read MoreWhat You Should Know about Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots and parking garages can have hundreds of visitors a day. With so many drivers pulling in and out of spots, circling around looking for spots, and trying to enter and exit the lots, there is always a risk of a collision. According to the National Safety Council, the highest number of parking lot-related…
Read MoreIs Your Swimming Pool’s Drain Cover Safe and Effective?
Swimming pool drains pose a serious risk to swimmers of all ages, but especially to children. The suction from a pool drain can easily lead to the entrapment of hair, limbs, or accessories, like jewelry or bathing suit decorations. This is why pool owners must take care to ensure their drain covers comply with safety…
Read MoreDeWalt Cordless Kerosene Heaters Recalled Due to Fire and Carbon Monoxide Risk
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a product recall announcement for DeWalt cordless kerosene forced-air heaters. Enerco Group, who manufactures the heaters under the DeWalt name, made the recall on February 3, which involves about 4,500 units. The issue with the heaters is that they can start unexpectedly while in standby mode, posing…
Read MoreWhere Is the Oversight for Commercial Trucking Companies?
A recent exposé from the Boston Globe uncovered a startling amount of information about commercial trucking companies and government oversight – or rather, the lack of government oversight. The article follows a string of truck accidents and tragedies, all of which may have been avoided had these trucking companies been penalized or shut down by…
Read MoreCow’s Milk-Based Formulas, Including Enfamil and Similac, Linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Premature Babies
Do you have a premature baby? Was your baby fed Enfamil, Similac or other cow’s milk-based formula while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)? Did your baby develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a bowel disease? The risk of developing NEC in premature infants is substantially heightened with cow’s milk-based formulas, such as Enfamil and Similac.…
Read MoreParaquat Dichloride Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
Paraquat dichloride (“Paraquat”) is a chemical agent commonly used as an herbicide. It is used on over 100 different types of crops. Because Paraquat is so toxic, it is classified as a Restricted Use Product, meaning only licensed applicators are able to purchase and use the product. As a result of its toxicity, Paraquat has…
Read MoreWhat Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Product Liability Claim in Virginia?
When we purchase a product, we expect it to work as marketed. We don’t expect to suffer an injury with its use. However, sometimes products are designed or manufactured with flaws that lead to such injuries. When this happens, you have the right to pursue legal compensation for your injuries and other damages. Virginia, as…
Read MoreHow a Truck Driver’s Health Issues Can Lead to a Truck Accident
Truck driver negligence is a leading reason for many truck accidents. Negligence can include everything from speeding to distracted driving. Another way negligence can occur is because of health concerns that are left unaddressed. The health issues can increase the potential for a truck accident. Because truck driving is such a sedentary activity, truck drivers…
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