Why Do Vehicle Recalls Take So Long?

Why Do Vehicle Recalls Take So Long?

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car-truck-accidentThe Lengthy Process behind Vehicle Recalls

When there are defects in the manufacturing process, automobiles may be recalled. Determining the need for a recall is a lengthy process, which is why many recalls take months or even years to begin.

When motorists believe there is a safety issue with the a vehicle, they often report their concerns to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission. After a certain number of complaints have been filed, the agency may alert automakers there is a possibility a vehicle has a defect. From there, an investigation takes place to determine whether further action needs to be taken.

Many times, car manufacturers initiate a recall on their own; however, the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission may also force automakers to recall vehicles if they pose a serious safety risk. Consumers may also petition this agency to conduct their own investigation into defective vehicle components if they believe a manufacturer isn’t responding appropriately.

If an investigation shows that a potential problem exists, an engineering analysis is then performed to confirm this fact. During this stage of the process, a potential solution to the problem may also be sought. Once automakers are confident they understand the problem and have an appropriate remedy for it, a recall is then initiated.

Consumers can find out about recent recalls by visiting the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission,http://www.nhtsa.gov/. Those who have suffered an injury due to a defective vehicle may have a remedy available to them under the law and should immediately contact a lawyer.

Up to 200 People Possibly Exposed to Salmonella by Eating at the Firefly

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FireflyAs residents in the Las Vegas area, it is often a nice break from their routine to go out to dinner with friends and family.  What happens when the restaurant does not take the proper steps to ensure the health and well-being of their patrons?  This unfortunate event transpired at the popular Firefly Restaurant on Paradise Road between April 21-26, 2013.  The peak dates when the most people were affected by salmonella poisoning seems to be April 22-23, 2013.  The inspection by Nevada Health officials revealed this outbreak very likely could have been the result of food being stored at improper temperatures and employees handling food without gloves.  The report for the outbreak can be found here:  SNHD May 10 Report (B0175457)

Many victims have gone to the hospital and sought treatment for salmonella bacteria infection they contracted as a result of eating at Firefly Restaurant.  These individuals may not even realize they contracted the bacteria from eating at Firefly.

Our consultation is free, Edward M. Bernstein and Associates have experience representing the victims of outbreaks of tainted food. We will help you fight to get the compensation you deserve. Serious illness demands serious action.

If you recently have been dealing with salmonella and visited Firefly Restaurant on Paradise Road, call the offices of Edward M Bernstein and Associates to see if you have a case.  It is even more critical to call if your sickness started between April 21-26, 2013.

Common Signs you may have had exposure to salmonella:

  • Diarrhea / Loose Stools
  • Vomiting
  • Confirmed Case from Lab Stool Test

Please call Edward M. Bernstein and Associates if you or someone you care about, are the victim of food poisoning after eating at Firefly Restaurant . You want Edward M Bernstein and Associates on your side.  Give us a call today!

Tanning Equipment Leads to Injuries

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Tanning-BedEquipment Malfunctions Blamed for many Tanning Injuries
When it’s not possible to tan naturally, a tanning booth can be an excellent alternative. While consumers expect to be exposed to radiation, they nonetheless expect doing so to be safe. That may not be the case whenever equipment is defective or improperly maintained.

Tanning beds are intended to put out a certain amount of heat; however, when they are not calibrated properly, they could reach extreme temperatures. This could cause burns to the skin, even when they are only used for a short period of time. A customer’s eyes could also sustain burns or retina damage if the protective goggles worn during a tanning session are defective.

Stand-up booths are sometimes equipped with an exhaust fan which can also malfunction and cause injury. Individuals could get their fingers or hair caught in the exhaust fan if it is not properly located or maintained. When exhaust fans do not cycle on and off properly, this could also result in users suffering from a heat stroke.

Tanning beds should be cleaned thoroughly after each use, as they can harbor bacteria from sweat. When they’re not cleaned properly, guests can become ill or may develop disease as a result of unsanitary practices.

The first step to take after a tanning bed injury is to seek medical attention. After doing so, it could become necessary to talk with a personal injury lawyer about the possibility of recovering for your injuries.

Las Vegas Sinkhole Accidents

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Sinkhole
Sinkholes are becoming more common throughout the country including here in Nevada. They occur whenever there is a breakdown of limestone or other rock beneath the earth’s surface. When this happens, the ground may cave or buckle due to a lack of structural support, thereby resulting in sinkholes.

A common sinkhole here in the Las Vegas area is Devil’s Throat. Thought to have formed in the last 10 to 25 years, this sinkhole is found on an otherwise flat basin and is approximately 100 feet deep and around 75 feet wide. It is said to have formed because circulating ground water from Lake Mead has caused erosion underneath the earth’s surface.

In 2010, a woman was injured when her vehicle became stuck in a sinkhole in a Las Vegas street. As she waited, the sinkhole opened up even further, doubling in size by the time rescue workers were able to free her. Fortunately, the woman sustained only minor injuries.

Property owners have a duty to warn others about potential safety hazards including sinkholes. One of the first signs that a sinkhole is forming is doors and windows that do not open or close properly due to “settling” of a building. Trees, light poles and fences might also lean to one side or another.

If sinkholes are suspected, the area should be evacuated until it can be inspected by geological experts. Those who have been injured after falling into a sinkhole may have a cause of action available in a court of law.

Is the Mirena IUD Safe?

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Mirena IUD issues

The Dangers of Mirena IUDs – Could you be at Risk?

The Mirena IUD is a device that has been implanted in thousands of women as a form of birth control. This device is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, and works by emitting a hormone that helps prevent pregnancy. The IUD was designed to last for up to five years without needing to be replaced. It has recently come under attack for causing a number of complications that could sometimes result in permanent injuries.

The problem with the Mirena IUD is that it sometimes migrates through the uterine wall and then enters other parts of a woman’s body. When this occurs, there could be severe complications that may include:

  • Perforation of the Uterus or Cervix
  • Device migration resulting in Laparoscopic surgery
  • Ectopic or intrauterine pregnancies
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

In addition to these complications, IUD devices that migrate could cause the perforation of other organs such as the spleen, liver or pancreas. Surgery is required to remove this device if it becomes dislodged. In some cases, the device could cause serious trauma to the uterus, thereby making it difficult for a woman to conceive even after it is removed.

FDA Warnings

There is some evidence that shows Bayer received warnings from the FDA about the possible complications involved with Mirena IUDs. This agency claimed that Bayer misstated the product’s effectiveness and failed to provide patients with information about the possible risks. Although there have been more than 45,000 reports of complications from users and numerous lawsuits have been filed, Bayer has yet to formally recall this birth control device.

Increased Risk

There is an increased risk of Mirena injuries among women who have an unusual-shaped anatomy or previous trauma to the uterus. When the device is placed shortly after childbirth, the odds are also greater than it will migrate or tear the uterus.

Women who have been implanted with the Mirena IUD may want to speak to their doctor about having it removed. Those who have suffered an injury after the insertion of this device may want to contact us to protect their rights.

Injured by a Forklift… Now What?

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Forklift Accidents-More Common than you Think

Thousands of people are injured in forklift accidents each year. Although forklift accidents are typically occur in warehouses, they can also happen at home improvement centers, nurseries or wholesale grocery distribution centers that are open to the public. This means that workers who move and handle these goods and members of the general public can be injured in forklift accidents.

A number of environmental factors can contribute to forklift accidents. An area that is too dark or noisy, may be distracting for operators. Whenever possible, aisles should be blocked off to pedestrian traffic with the use of safety cones or warning tape. It can also be helpful if the forklift is equipped with flashing lights to alert shoppers to its presence, as well as a backup alarm that warns people that the truck is moving backwards.

In some cases, drivers are simply operating their equipment too fast for conditions. This is often because employees face pressure from management to unload trucks quickly or deliver goods from one area to another within a certain timeframe. Working under such rigid time constraints is stressful, and can cause forklift drivers to lose their focus, thereby resulting in an accident.

Forklift accidents can result in severe injuries or even death. If you or someone you know has been injured by a forklift, a personal injury attorney can analyze the facts in order to see if there might be a remedy available under the law.

Should I Accept a Structured Settlement on My Claim?

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Structured Settlements: Worth it or Not?

Many people who are injured in an accident decide to receive their money in a structured settlement, which involves receiving payments over a period of several years.

There are several reasons why structured settlements may benefit an injured Plaintiff. First, by structuring payments over a period of time, the temptation to spend large sums of money is eliminated, thereby ensuring individuals have the necessary funds to take care of their future needs.

Second, a structured settlement may reduce the amount of taxes owed on the money that’s awarded; some settlements may also be tax free. Those who are receiving Medicaid benefits may be able to maintain their benefits since benefits are often contingent on the value of their assets.

While there may be benefits to structured settlements, it’s important for individuals to realize that the terms of an agreement are usually very rigid. This means that it is extremely difficult to modify a structured settlement once the terms have been agreed upon. A personal injury attorney can provide more information on structured settlements in order to help clients choose a plan that’s appropriate.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Attorney in Las Vegas

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Traumatic brain injuries result after an accident that involves severe trauma to the head. One of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury is automobile accidents. These injuries can also happen during a fall or being hit by falling objects. The full effects of a head injury may not be apparent for some time.

Those who suffer from traumatic brain injuries may face devastating life changes. They may find it difficult to write or speak after an accident. Some patients also have a loss of motor skills, and many people are unable to hold down a job or care for their families.

Don’t Fight These Battles Alone, Call for Professional Representation Today!

After suffering a traumatic brain injury in Las Vegas, patients may need extended hospital stays or a series of surgeries. They may also require home health care for some time afterwards. The medical expenses incurred by family members can often be overwhelming, especially if the victim is the primary breadwinner in the family and consequently unable to provide.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it’s important to seek help right away. By talking with a personal injury attorney early on, you’ll be in a better position to understand your legal rights

Calling a TBI Attorney in Las Vegas may not solve the medical issues you and your family are facing, but it can relieve the financial stress so you can focus on your loved one!

Call Ed today for a Free Initial Consultation!

Dealing With Food Poisoning Injuries

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Although the Las Vegas Health Department generally does an excellent job of ensuring food safety, unsanitary conditions nonetheless occur. These unsanitary conditions can stem from untrained restaurant workers or general uncleanliness. Improper food storage or preparation techniques can also spur the growth of bacteria, thereby leading to food poisoning.

Food poisoning may require a trip to the hospital emergency room, or if left untreated, may even result in death. Signs of food poisoning might not be apparent right away, as it sometimes takes two or three days for the effects to become noticeable. It’s not uncommon for some members of a group to be affected while others show no signs whatsoever.  Since there are so many variables involved, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of food poisoning.

If you have recently suffered food poisoning, you may not be alone, because other patrons might have sampled the same food and also become ill after doing so. A personal injury attorney may be able to connect these dots where individuals are unable to. By speaking to one of these lawyers, you can better determine whether a remedy is available to you under Nevada law.

Airport Injury Accidents in Las Vegas

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Getting help for Airport Accidents – Call Ed!

People from all over the world travel through Las Vegas International Airport each year. The majority of these passengers do so without incident; however, there are some travelers that suffer from airport accidents. Although these accidents may be unrelated to airplane crashes, they can nonetheless result in debilitating injuries.

Accidents can occur whenever equipment such as escalators, moving sidewalks, and baggage carousels are not operating properly. Travelers might slip and fall on floors that are wet or in ill repair. They might also fall whenever they are boarding or departing aircraft if the exit stairs are not put into position properly.

Being involved in an airport accident can really put a damper on one’s trip to Las Vegas. To make matters worse, the accident is often bogged down in a sea of red tape as multiple agencies are normally responsible for investigating the matter. In the process, it is easy for airline carriers and airport officials to shift the blame back and forth in an effort to keep from paying damages.

Private citizens are often put off by all the paperwork involved in settling a dispute with airport officials. That’s where a personal injury attorney can help, because legal professionals can be the liaison you need to interact airport executives.