Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month: Keyless Ignition and Accidental Deaths

November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, which aims to help protect people from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Keyless fobs can seem like a modern convenience for car owners, but with no automatic shutoff, people can accidentally leave their cars running inside their garages, causing toxic carbon monoxide buildup. It can be especially dangerous for older drivers who have become accustomed to the idea that as long as a key or fob is with you, the car must be off —which is not always the case.

Because push-start cars have resulted in accidental death, current lawsuits are seeking justice against manufacturers who sell keyless fobs without adequate warnings or safety measures.

Additionally. The Society of Automotive Engineers has called for certain safety features to be implemented, such as beeps to alert drivers that cars are still running without the key fob in or near the car, or automatic engine shut-off.

There are other steps you can take to protect yourself in your home against carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Make sure your home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and you check the batteries every 6 months.
  • Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced every year.
  • Double check to ensure vehicles are turned off in the garage, and never leave them running in any partially enclosed space. 
  • Know the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there is no odor to carbon monoxide, you will exhibit symptoms if poisoned, including feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.

If you or a loved one has experienced an injury or tragedy relating to carbon monoxide and keyless cars, please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell today for a free consultation.

 

Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy Linked to ADHD and Autism

According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, exposure to acetaminophen in the womb may increase a child’s risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

According to the National Institutes of Health, Researchers analyzed data from a long-term study of factors influencing pregnancy and child development. They collected umbilical cord blood from 996 births and measured the amount of acetaminophen and two of its byproducts in each sample. These amounts were classified into thirds, from lowest to highest exposure. Compared to the lowest, the middle third was associated with about 2.26 times the risk for ADHD. The highest third of exposure was associated with 2.86 times the risk. Similarly, ASD risk was higher for those in the middle third and highest third of exposure.

The number of lawsuits is growing against manufacturers of acetaminophen-based drugs. Lawsuits allege that information regarding the link between autism and acetaminophen has been withheld from consumers.

If you used acetaminophen during pregnancy and your child was diagnosed with ASD or ADHD, or if you were diagnosed with either of these conditions and were exposed to acetaminophen prenatally, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell today for a free consultation.

 

Camp LeJeune Military Base Water Contamination – PACT ACT passes in Senate

Yesterday the US Senate passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the PACT Act and the bill is just awaiting President Biden’s signature before becoming law.

Once it goes into effect, those who served, worked, or lived on the base between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may be able to file claims for harm against the U.S. Government due to injuries potentially linked to exposure to drinking water contaminated with hazardous chemicals.

Warnings about potential contamination of Camp Lejeune’s water supply first surfaced in 1980. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) estimates that as many as one million military and civilian staff and their families who lived on, worked at, or were in utero at the base may have been exposed to the contaminated drinking water.

Injuries include (but are not limited to): Read more

exatech joint lawsuit knee ankle hip nebraska iowa

Exactech Hip, Knee and Ankle Implant Lawsuits

Exactech has recalled more than 148,000 Knee and Ankle Implants since February of 2022.  It was reported that the polyethylene insert components and the potential for accelerated wear may crack causing the need for corrective revision or ankle surgery.  

In addition to the recalled knee and ankle implants Exactech has recalled the Connexion GXL hip replacement liners.  

Exactech notified the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July of 2021 that the polyethylene (plastic) was wearing out faster than expected in the implants.

Standards to meet for the recall:

Hip

  • Implanted in surgery from 2008 – June of 2021, 
  • Patient had a revision surgery within 10 years of the original implanted device; or 
  • Claimant received a recall letter from Exactech; or 
  • Claimant was a patient of an Exactech doctor form the recall list or a patient of the orthopedic doctor on the recall list. 

Read more

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is now recognized by the White House! 

“My Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who rides a motorcycle and all who travel across our Nation,” President Biden wrote in a letter dated May 1. 

“All of us who travel America’s roads have an important role in securing a safe motorcycle-riding environment.”

With favorable weather conditions and summer road trips on the horizon, it’s important for all motorists to be cognizant of those on two wheels who may be in a blind spot. While motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights and consideration granted to drivers of four-wheeled vehicles, the majority of vehicles on the road are not motorcycles. 

We all bear a responsibility in maintaining the safety of motorcyclists on the road. When motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles collide, it is predominantly the driver of the non-motorcycle vehicle who violates the motorcyclists’ right of way. 

There are a variety of reasons why motorcycles are discounted. Being mindful of these routine conditions may prevent the next motorcycle fatality or serious injury from occurring:  

  • Motorcycles are smaller relative to other vehicles
  • Motorists sometimes fail to anticipate a motorcycle’s movements
  • Motorists’ view of a motorcyclist is sometimes blocked by their own vehicle’s blind spots or by the presence of other vehicles
  • Motorists are sometimes distracted while driving
oxic Baby Formula NEC Lawyers in Omaha NE

Baby Formula Lawsuits for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

Was your premature baby diagnosed with NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis)?  Cow’s milk-based baby formula has been linked to causing the life-threatening condition called Necrotizing Enterocolitis.  NEC is a gastrointestinal disorder which inflames and kills intestinal tissue.  Abbot Laboratories, the maker of Similac, and Mead Johnson Company, the maker of Enfamil, have not included any warnings on the product’s labels regarding the potential risks of using their baby formula if you have had a premature baby. These baby formula giants have allegedly known about defects in their products since 2019 and not disclosed the damaging information.

Symptoms of NEC may lead to serious health problems, which include:

  • Diarrhea with bloody stool
  • Green or yellow vomit
  • Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
  • Changes in body temperature and breathing
  • Refusing to eat 
  • Lack of weight gain
  • Lethargy 

Premature infants often have trouble nursing and/or need extra nutrition to survive.  Many doctors may recommend high calorie baby formula.  If your baby received bovine-based (cow’s milk) baby formula in the maternity ward or NICU of a hospital, and your baby was subsequently diagnosed with NEC you may be eligible to file a toxic baby formula lawsuit.  Please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell today to receive a free consultation.

See also: Inserra Kelley Sewell, Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawyers in Omaha, NE

Toyota Recalls 2018 and 2019 Camrys Because the Brakes May Fail

Toyota is recalling approximately 227,490 Camry sedans from the model years of 2018 and 2019 manufactured in the United States over a problem that could cause the brakes to fail.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a recall notice for over 200,000 Toyota Camry Sedans that may cause a sudden loss of braking power. The problem involves part of the braking systems vacuum pump called a vane cap that may break. Toyota stated that when the vehicle experiences “frequent braking and/or long periods of idling” may cause the cap to get stuck between vane and the pump housing and break. The brakes will still work but may suddenly require more pressure in order to stop the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

Toyota dealerships will repair or replace the vacuum pump free of charge, if necessary. Notifications will start going out to the owners of the affected Camrys in mid-December. To check to see if your vehicle has an open recall go to the NHTSA’s website and put in your car’s 17-digit VIN number and if the recall does not appear it means it does not currently have any open recalls.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from driving a 2018 or 2019 Toyota Camry with a defective braking problem please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell to see whether you might be entitled to compensation.

Walmart Recalls Aromatherapy Spray Linked to 4 Cases of Rare Bacterial Illness That Has Killed 2 People

An aromatherapy spray imported from India and sold at Walmart Stores has caused four people to contract a tropical disease even though none had traveled internationally.

The four people that contracted the tropical disease (melioidosis) were from Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota and Texas. Two of them have died, one was a child. Melioidosis is an infectious disease that is caused by bacteria and is found in contaminated water and soil in tropical climates, especially Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their investigative findings that the contaminated product is labeled “Better Homes & Garden Lavender and Chamomile Essential Oil Infused with Gemstones.” It was sold for $4.00 in 55 Walmart Stores and available online on Walmart’s website. The product was recalled from Walmart Stores on October 22, 2021.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to the aromatherapy spray manufactured by Better Homes & Gardens and sold at Walmart and have subsequently become ill, please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell to see whether you might be entitled to compensation.

Recoverable Damages After a Motorcyclist Passes Away in a Nebraska/Iowa Collision

When a motorcyclist is killed in a wrongful death collision due to another driver’s negligence, the biker’s family is left in a wake of pain, suffering and grief.  The family may begin the process of locating a will to start the process of initiating a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family.  If there is no will, a probate estate may be opened up and a Personal Representative must be appointed to act on behalf of the deceased claimant.  The Personal Representative has the legal power to probate the estate, sue, hire an attorney and settle the wrongful death case.  

What are some of the recoverable damages for the decedent’s loved ones?

  • Any unpaid hospital bills caused by the wreck
  • The loss of comfort and companionship of the beloved family member 
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Financial support from lost income

Wrongful death cases can be very complex.  If your loved one has been killed in a motorcycle wreck, please call the attorneys at Inserra Kelley Sewell to see whether you might be entitled to compensation. 

Tyson Foods Recalls 8.5 Million Pounds of Chicken Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Tyson Foods is recalling 8.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products because they may be contaminated with listeria, according to the USDA Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

On June 9, 2021, FSIS was notified that two people became ill with listeriosis that had consumed Tyson chicken products.   

Listeria symptoms can cause severe illness when the bacteria spreads to the stomach and other parts of the body.  Listeria can also cause food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhea and fever.  Symptoms of severe illness may start within 1-4 weeks after eating the contaminated food. 

The Center for Disease Control has released these details on the recalled products:

  • The products were shipped nationwide to stores and hospitals, nursing facilities, restaurants, schools and Department of Defense locations.
  • The products include frozen fully cooked chicken strips, diced chicken, chicken wing sections and fully cooked pizza with chicken.
  • Many of the products were sold under brand names including Tyson, Jet Pizza, Casey’s General Store, Marcos Pizza and Little Caesars.
  • The products subject to recall have the number EST. P-7089 on the product bag or inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Anyone that has eaten the products and are concerned about illness should contact a health care provider.

If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning or illness from Tyson chicken products, please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell to see whether you might be entitled to compensation.