Defective Product
E-Cigarettes Linked to Severe Injuries
| May 24th, 2016
Over the past couple years, vaping stores have began popping up all over the Bay Area. Inside you can buy a wide array of e-cigarettes, accessories, and liquid, all completely legal. Whether or not they’re safe is another question entirely. A lot of folks in California took up vaping as a safe alternative to traditional smoking. In their minds, vaping delivered a similar experience to cigarettes without all the harmful side effects associated with cigarette smoke. However, some of these e-cigarette devices have been known to catch fire or even explode during charging or while in use, placing many users in immediate danger. Victims have suffered severe burns and even amputations due to these defective devices, yet many of the devices are still on the market. The ion lithium batteries in these devices can overheat during charging or while in use, leading to severe injuries or substantial property damage. Because the e-cigarette industry is mostly unregulated, devices with these defective components continue to hit the market without any government oversight. Fortunately, consumers are starting to fight back. If you’ve been injured by a defective e-cigarette device, call our product liability lawyers today for a free evaluation. We’re standing alongside victims of these defective products to hold the manufacturers liable. Call us today.VW Emissions Scandal May Soon Expand
| November 9th, 2015
German automaker, Volkswagen (VW), announced in September it had installed mechanisms in certain makes and models of diesel engine vehicles that were capable of cheating emissions tests. Now it seems as though the list of vehicles that are involved in the VW emissions scandal may soon expand. The California defective product lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers disclose that “defeat devices” had been installed in millions of VW vehicles, which led to plummeting values of the affected cars and trucks. The discovery unearthed evidence that shows the devices may result in excessive amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful chemicals being released into our environment. Some individuals who purchased an affected vehicle have filed lawsuits against VW, claiming their actions left motorists driving vehicles that did not perform as advertised and resulted in financial loss. It seems as though the number of alleged victims may soon increase. Reports from Fortune announce that some six-cylinder engines may be equipped with “defeat devices,” meaning some makes and models of Porsche and Audi vehicles may soon be involved in the VW emissions scandal. The impact of cheating emissions testing can be costly—both financially and environmentally. That’s why the California personal injury lawyers encourage anyone who owns a vehicle that has been affected by the VW emissions scandal to consider discussing your legal rights with an attorney. Doing so may be able to help protect you and your pocketbook.Settlement Reached in California Defective Product Lawsuit
| September 1st, 2015
Manufacturers of products sold in the United States are required to ensure the safety and proper function of their items; however, not all problems are discovered prior to a product’s release, which can lead to recalls and lawsuits being initiated. Our California defective product attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers point out that a settlement was recently reached in such a lawsuit, involving complaints of Fiat Chrysler Dodge Durango’s and Jeep Cherokee’s failing to start or stalling. A report from The Detroit News says it was discovered that a malfunction in the vehicle’s fuel pump module was causing the issues. The auto manufacturer agreed to pay restitution to owners who were affected by the problem and to extend warranties on the vehicles to insure any future repairs that are needed on the faulty part will be covered. Court documents show Fiat Chrysler has agreed to reimburse owners of the affected vehicles for the costs of their rental car during the duration of the time it took to repair their vehicle. The company will also cover the costs of repairs, parts, and labor. Furthermore, warranties on the vehicle will be extended four years and 34,000 miles. Our legal staff at Berg Injury Lawyers understands the dangers defective car parts can pose to all motorists on the road. That’s why our California personal injury lawyers are hopeful the settlement that has been reached brings closure to each of the vehicle owners who have been affected by the problem.Takata Airbag Recall Expanded to Include More Vehicles
| June 1st, 2015
If you’re ever in an automobile accident, you may depend on safety devices called airbags to save your life. These devices work by inflating a fabric balloon in the event of a crash, which prevents the vehicle’s occupants from hitting the frame, dashboard, steering wheel , or other interior surfaces of the car or truck upon impact. While these devices save numerous lives each year, our California defective product attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers explain that the airbags in your vehicle may actually be putting you and your loved ones in danger. Airbags in more than 34 million vehicles have been recalled over the past several weeks due to a problem with the how the airbags inflate during an accident. Japan-based company Takata Corporation initiated the recall after evidence showed the airbags they manufacture may eject metal and plastic debris inside a vehicle during an accident, causing serious injuries to vehicle occupants. Last week, the company extended the recall to cover even more vehicles. So far, six deaths and more than 100 injuries have been linked to the problem. Since it’s estimated that 1 in 4 American vehicles are now part of the Takata airbag recall, it’s crucial that you check your VIN at safercar.gov to find out if your vehicle’s airbags or other parts may be listed as defective. If your airbags have been recalled, contact the manufacturer of your vehicle to schedule a replacement of the defective parts. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen the devastating injuries faulty safety products can cause, and our team of California personal injury attorneys are hopeful this information helps keep you and your loved ones safe from harm.California Defective Product Attorneys Discuss Lawsuit Filed in Connection to High Levels of Arsenic in Wine
| March 23rd, 2015
California is known as one of the top wine-producing states in our nation. So, it came as a shock to the California defective product attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers that around two dozen of the state’s wineries were named in a recent lawsuit claiming their wines contained unsafe levels of arsenic. Arsenic is a known carcinogen. In other words, consumption of arsenic can result in a person developing any of a number of serious health conditions, including cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency places a limit of 10 parts per billion (PPB) on the amount of arsenic drinking water can contain. While this limit doesn’t apply to wine, researchers and experts used it as a safety guideline when considering the amount of arsenic in wines. They found some bottles contained up to 50 PPB of arsenic, or more than 500 percent more than is allowed in drinking water. According to CBS News, these findings prompted a lawsuit to be filed against Trader Joe’s (a grocery chain that carries many of the tainted wines) and roughly two-dozen California wineries that bottled the affected products. The suit claims the defendants failed to properly warn consumers of the dangers the wines potentially pose. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the harm that consuming a tainted product can pose to consumers. That’s why our San Francisco personal injury attorneys are hopeful a decision in this particular case will bring a sense of closure to anyone who was affected by high levels of arsenic in wine they consumed.Trust Established to Cover Costs Associated with Defective Product Injuries
| June 16th, 2014
The manufacturers of the products that are on the market in the United States today have a responsibility to test these items prior to their release to ensure safety. Any issues or problems that are discovered must then either be corrected or the product must carry a warning label describing the potential dangers to consumers. Unfortunately, these warnings are not always enough to prevent a defective product from harming someone. Take the case that is being brought against the owner of the company that makes BuckyBalls and BuckyCubes. These small, magnetic balls were marketed beginning in 2009 as an adult toy. Warning labels stated the product may present health risks to small children because of the risk of ingestion or choking. Despite these warning labels being placed on the product, numerous reports surfaced of small children ingesting the balls that then reconnected inside the digestive system, which caused damage to internal organs and systems. In response, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has asked the manufacturers of the product to cease distribution and marketing of the product. The company has also established a trust to cover the costs associated with injuries the product may have caused to consumers. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our team of California personal injury attorneys is aware of the serious harm that can result from using a defective product such as BuckyBalls and encourage anyone who has been injured by this type of product to discuss your legal options with a legal representative.CPSC Considering Rule Changes to Voluntary Recall Process
| February 17th, 2014
When a product does not meet the standards of safety and health established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the product may be subject to certain voluntary recalls and corrective action plans. The California Defective Product Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers explain the CPSC may be considering changes to its rules though, which could stiffen the requirements of a recall if one is initiated against a product. Under current law, companies conduct corrections to defective products under good faith the issue will be resolved. This allows companies to correct problems while avoiding penalties. A CPSC Press Release says this could soon change under proposed rule changes that advocate corrective action plans should become a legally binding agreement in the event a recall is launched. The ramifications of such a move could be huge, considering the rule change would set the stage for lawsuits to be filed against companies if every stipulation of a corrective action plan is not followed. The move would standardize the recall process as well by eliminating some of the control companies have over the process currently—such as the wording of recall notices. The Alameda Personal Injury Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers understand how confusing the rules overseeing faulty products can be. That’s why the firm’s team of attorneys are here to help anyone who has been harmed by a defective product.Expert Testimony At The Center of Toyota Defective Accelerator Controversy
| November 4th, 2013
November 4, 2013 Automotive manufacturers in the United States have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the cars and trucks they release to the market. The California Defective Product Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers point out that any failure to do so can result in costly civil litigation being filed against the responsible parties. Controversy is continuing to swirl around defective product claims being made against the Toyota Motor Corp. According to an article from Automotive News, owners are alleging the vehicles suddenly accelerate out of control and cannot be stopped. They go one to claim the malfunction has resulted in serious accidents. While a jury in southern California dismissed the claims earlier this month, a victim was awarded a settlement from Toyota in a case filed in Oklahoma. In that case, an expert witness testified there could be a problem in the computer systems installed on certain Toyota vehicles that can result in the fatal failures. More cases are scheduled to be heard in the class action cases and both sides contend the evidence from the expert’s testimony can be used in their favor; however, a judge has already placed limits on what the expert can testify about in future cases. Berg Injury Lawyers and their team of California Personal Injury Lawyers recognize how difficult reaching a decision in a faulty product case can be. That is why the firm suggests speaking with an attorney if you are considering filing such a claim.NHTSA Says 17.8 Million Vehicles Recalled Due To Defective Products
| February 25th, 2013
February 25, 2013 Despite major advancements in motor vehicle safety technology in recent years, car manufacturers are still responsible for putting millions of motorists at risk of injury each year by outfitting vehicles with Defective Products. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced 650 safety recalls were made last year by car manufacturers in the United States, which affected roughly 17.8 million vehicles. Most of the recalls are the result of efforts made by the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigations and Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. These organizations examine data from numerous sources, including early warning reporting data and technical service bulletins, in order to determine whether a vehicle or its parts should be recalled. Most recalls are initiated by consumer reports though. Take for instance the massive recall Toyota recently announced due to faulty breaking systems. A recall on the vehicles wasn’t announced until hundreds of accidents had been linked to faulty brake systems manufactured by the company. The NHTSA says the large number of recalls highlights the need for citizens to be aware of problems that may be afflicting their vehicle. That is why the NHTSA urges motorists to check their website regularly to ensure no part of their vehicle has been recalled. The California Injury Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers recognize the dangers a defective car part can be. That’s why the firm urges anyone who has been hurt in an accident caused by a product liability issue to discuss their case with an attorney.$5 Million Defective Product Lawsuit Filed Against Frozen Pizza Maker
| February 4th, 2013
February 4, 2013 Frozen pizzas are often marketed as a cost-effective alternative to take-out or delivery from a restaurant, but new evidence shows it may be unsafe to eat. An article published by the La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch explained that a lawsuit recently filed in California against food manufacturer, Nestle, Inc., alleges the company’s frozen pizzas contain ingredients that could be considered hazardous to your health. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in San Diego County and claims the pizzas, marketed under brand names like DiGiorno and California Pizza Kitchen, contain a Defective Product known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (PHVO). PHVO is known to contain carcinogenic trans fats, which have been banned from restaurants in California but not in foods sold at supermarkets. Ingesting trans fat by consuming the pizzas has also been linked to the development of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and diabetes. The lawsuit, which has not been put onto the court’s docket of cases yet, is seeking a total of $5 million in damages. The lawsuit could also potentially force food manufacturers to abide with a ban on use of the ingredient. The California Injury Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers recognize just how hazardous long-term exposure to a chemical like trans fats can be and are hopeful a decision in the case will prompt changes to food manufacturing policies that will better protect the public from the harm trans fats can pose.
