248Lawyers Personal Injury & Social Security Lawyers: 2012

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

High-Powered Magnet Sets Recalled by Reiss Innovations Due to Ingestion Hazard; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com

9 hurt in DDOT bus collision with SUV in Detroit

Detroit — Nine people reportedly have been injured in a collision between a Detroit Department of Transportation bus and an SUV on the city's east side.

According to the Detroit Police Department, the incident occurred in the 11600 block of Mack Avenue, east of St. Jean Street.

WDIV is reporting the DDOT bus rear-ended a Chevrolet Tahoe shortly before noon.

Six people on the bus, as well as two adults and a child in the SUV, were taken to a local hospital where their conditions were unknown.

By Tom Greenwood
From The Detroit News:

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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Dream On Me Recalls Bath Seats Due to Drowning Hazard

Woman yanked from car in Kalamazoo Co. settling suit for $1.1M

Kalamazoo — A woman who was yanked from her car by two sheriff's deputies in Michigan who mistook her for a chase suspect has agreed to settle a lawsuit for more than $1.1 million.

MLive.com reports the settlement involving Kalamazoo County, the deputies and Michelle Selbee of Scotts was reached in November.

Details were filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. The agreement must be approved by a judge.

The sheriff's department said the deputies believed Michelle Selbee was an armed suspect who had been shooting at officers in 2010. When they realized they had the wrong person, they left. An investigation by authorities from outside Kalamazoo County cleared the deputies.

From The Detroit News:

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Monday, December 10, 2012

Select Containers of Kroger Deluxe French Vanilla Ice Cream Recalled for Undeclared Allergen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 6 , 2012 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) said today it is recalling select containers of Kroger Deluxe French Vanilla Ice Cream sold at the company’s Dillons, King Soopers/City Market, Fry’s Food and Smith’s Food & Drug operating divisions in 11 states because it may contain pecans not listed on the label.

Read the recall here By The FDA / December 1, 2012

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Is your loved one a victim of neglect or abuse?

248Lawyers PC is dedicated to the representation of elder abuse victims and nursing home negligence. Where there is one victim of neglect or abuse in a nursing home or residential facility, there are other residents that suffer from abuse or neglect. Download our quick reference guide on elder abuse to keep yourself aware of the signs and to know your rights. Visit our website or call 248Lawyers for the help you need now.

Michigan cases tied to meningitis outbreak hit 214

Lansing — A national outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to contaminated steroids has affected at least 214 people in Michigan, an increase of 17 in a week.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says there have been 67 meningitis cases as of Friday.

There also have been 131 epidural abscesses, one stroke and 14 peripheral joint infections linked to contaminated steroids produced by a Massachusetts pharmacy used in injections for neck or back pain.

The department reported 197 infections on Nov. 30.

The number of deaths in Michigan has remained unchanged in the past week at 13. That includes three state residents who contracted infections in Indiana.

From The Detroit News:

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Gas Fireplace Inserts Recalled by Jotul North America Due to Electrical Shock and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Jotul and Scan gas fireplace inserts

Units: About 1,200 in the United States and 50 in Canada

Manufacturer: Jotul North America, of Gorham, Maine

Hazard: The fireplace insert's electrical wiring can come into contact with the metal rating plate on the insert, posing electrical shock and burn hazards to consumers

CPSC and HC

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Dream On Me Recalls Children's Bed Rails Due to Suffocation and Strangulation Hazards

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Ridgid Pneumatic Nailers Recalled by One World Technologies Due to Laceration or Injury Hazard; Sold Exclusively at the Home Depot

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: RIDGID Coil Roofing Nailer and RIDGID Clipped Head Framing Nailer

Units: About 8,400 Coil Roofing Nailers and 4,400 Clipped Head Framing Nailers

Importer: One World Technologies Inc., of Anderson, S.C.

Manufacturer: De Poan Pneumatic Corporation, of Taiwan

Hazard: The trigger assembly on the nailers can malfunction and involuntarily discharge a fastener, posing a laceration or injury hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The recalled pneumatic nailers are used to secure fasteners into roofs and woodwork. The orange and gray hand held drill-shaped tools have the name "RIDGID" on the side of the nailers in white type on a black panel. The model and serial numbers are located on the side of the nail tray/magazine where the fasteners are loaded. Recalled nailers have the following serial number range:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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Five Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC to Sue Manufacturer of Nap Nanny and Chill Infant Recliners

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an effort to prevent children from suffering further harm, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff filed an administrative complaint [Complaint] [List and Summary of Documentary Evidence] today against Baby Matters, LLC, of Berwyn, Pa., the manufacturer of Nap Nanny® and Nap Nanny Chill™ infant recliners.

The complaint alleges that the Nap Nanny Generation One and Two, and Chill model infant recliners contain defects in the design, warnings and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury and death to infants. The Commission voted 3-0 to approve the filing of the complaint, which seeks an order requiring that the firm notify the public of the defect and offer consumers a full refund.

CPSC is aware of four infants who died in Nap Nanny Generation Two recliners and a fifth death involved the Chill model.

To date, CPSC has received a total of over 70 additional incident reports of children nearly falling out of the product. The staff alleges that the products create a substantial risk of injury to the public.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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1 motorist dead, 1 injured in wrong-way crash on I-96 in Detroit

Detroit — Michigan State Police believe alcohol may have been a factor in a fatal crash that closed westbound Interstate 96 early Thursday morning.

According to the MSP, a witness reported seeing a vehicle drive the wrong way on the freeway before it crashed into another vehicle and burst into flames.

According to Lt. Michael Shaw, the collision occurred at about 12:30 a.m. near the Southfield Freeway.

"Witnesses reported that a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-96 collided with a westbound vehicle," Shaw said in a release.

The driver of the EB vehicle traveling the wrong way was transported to Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit and is listed in critical condition. The driver of the WB vehicle was dead at the scene.

By Tom Greenwood
From The Detroit News:

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Police: Detroit man, 36, dies after workplace accident in Oak Park

Oak Park — Police say a 36-year-old man has died following a workplace accident.

WWJ-AM (950) reports the Detroit man was hooking together large equipment on Monday at a landscaping business in Oak Park when a piece of metal hit him in the face and neck.

No other injuries were reported. The man's name wasn't immediately released. The death is under investigation.

From The Detroit News:

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Construction Accidents and Injuries

Construction accident injury cases are complex, but you are not alone. Download our quick reference guide on construction accidents to keep yourself aware to avoid accidents and to know your rights if you do get a construction injury. Visit our website or call 248Lawyers for the help you need now.

Home Depot Recalls Homer's All-Purpose Bucket Mug Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Mug

Units: About 3,700

Manufacturer: Mr. Christmas Ltd., of Hong Kong

Hazard: The silver-colored simulated bucket handle below the rim can spark when used in a microwave oven, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled product is an orange ceramic mug about 4.5 inches tall with a large vertical cup handle on the side. The mug has the words "The Home Depot," "Homer's All-purpose Bucket" and a cartoon character with a utility bucket on the front. A silver-colored simulated bucket handle is just below the rim. The date "2012" and the words "© Mr. Christmas" and "Made in China" are on the underside of the mug.

Sold exclusively at: Home Depot stores during October 2012 for about $5.

NEWS from CPSC

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

FDA Investigates Bed Rails to Stop the Sleep of Death

Bed rails are supposed to protect elderly and frail patients from the risk of serious injury or even death from falling out of bed. However, bed rails actually cause injury and death. Regulators know it. Bed rail manufacturers know it. And health care providers know it, but until now little has been done.

With regulators and others slow to act, product liability lawyers have taken action. According to the New York Times, the FDA is starting an investigation into the dangers of bed rails, but only after 550 deaths since the agency’s first warning about the issue in 1995. Despite voluntary guidelines, injuries and deaths seem to be increasing. Since 2003, more than 36,000 patients have been treated in the emergency room for bed rail-related injuries, and last year alone, 27 people were killed by bed rail incidents.

By Candelaria / December 1, 2012 US RecallNews

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Detroit library official sues, claiming she lost top job because of her accent

Detroit — The scandal-plagued Detroit Public Library took another hit Monday when its deputy director sued on allegations she lost out on her bid for the top job because she is from Nigeria.

Juliet Machie sued the library commission in federal court for at least $75,000. She claims former Commissioner Georgia Hill and current Vice President Russ Bellant "engaged in the most vicious and damaging campaigns" to stop her promotion in 2009. Hill singled out Machie's accent in a text message to another staffer, the lawsuit claims.

By Christine MacDonald
From The Detroit News:

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Monday, December 3, 2012

Meningitis infections hit 197 in Mich.

Constantine, Mich. — Michigan health officials said the number of residents infected during a national outbreak of fungal meningitis has risen by nine to 197, with 13 deaths.

The Michigan Department of Community Health said that as of Friday, there were 68 meningitis cases, 116 epidural abscesses, one stroke and 13 joint infections.

The total of 197 infections is up from 188 in Wednesday's count.

The totals include three Michigan residents who died after contracting meningitis infections in Indiana.

The outbreak is linked to contaminated steroids produced by a Massachusetts pharmacy used in injections for neck or back pain.

From The Detroit News:

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Nestlé USA Announces Voluntary Recall of NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder

Nestle USA announced the voluntary recall of limited quantities of Nestle NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder in the 10.9, 21.8 and 40.7 ounce canisters. The voluntary recall is limited to only NESQUIK Chocolate Powder, which was distributed nationally. No other varieties of NESQUIK powder or any sizes or flavors of NESQUIK ready-to-drink are affected by this recall.

Nestle is removing the canisters from distribution because the company was notified by an ingredient supplier, Omya Inc. that it has issued a recall of certain lots of its ingredient, calcium carbonate due to possible presence of Salmonella. Calcium carbonate is used in NESQUIK as an ingredient. There have been no reports of any illnesses or adverse health effects associated with the affected product.

By The FDA / December 1, 2012

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Birth Injuries Quick Reference Guide

Birth injury is damage sustained during the birthing process, usually occurring during transit through the birth canal. It is essential to have a commendable lawyer to prove your child's injury was due to neglect Download our quick reference guide on birth injuries. Visit our website or call 248Lawyers for the help you need now.

South Lyon teacher's pay restored after suspension over gay-themed song

South Lyon — The South Lyon Community Schools teacher who was suspended without pay for playing a gay-themed song, "Same Love," is back at work.

"Her pay will be restored," district spokeswoman Melissa Baker said Friday.

Susan Johnson played the popular hip-hop song, billed as an anthem for gay marriage, during her eighth-grade performing arts class at Centennial Middle School at the request of a student.

Another student complained to administrators, who told Johnson she should have asked permission before playing the song.

Ellen DeGeneres praised the song's artists, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, as her new hip-hop heroes when they recently performed it on her show.

By Shawn D. Lewis
From The Detroit News:

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Flight attendant files $29 million sex harassment suit against Taubman

Detroit — A 38-year-old flight attendant is suing prominent billionaire real estate developer A. Alfred Taubman, claiming he fondled her, tried to rip off her clothing during flights and told her she ruined her life when she got pregnant and should have had an abortion.

Oakland County resident Nicole D. Rock in a lawsuit filed Thursday in Detroit's federal court is seeking $29 million in damages on claims Taubman, 88, sexually discriminated, harassed and wrongfully terminated her after six years of employment with the Bloomfield Hills resident's airline company.

Rock, who began working for Taubman's company as a flight attendant in March 2005, alleges her civil rights were violated by the Taubman Air Terminals, Inc., CEO and president during the course of her employment because she was "forced to endure horrific illegal acts by defendants of a graphic and sexually harassing nature."

By Christine Ferretti and George Hunter
From The Detroit News:

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A teen, a cellphone, a tragic accident

Kelsey Raffaele holds a “Senior” sign at a pep assembly shortly before she was killed two years ago. (Raffaele family photos)

Because she's the mother of three teenagers, Kelly Rossman, the Lansing public relations strategist, is twisting arms in the Legislature - on behalf of Bonnie Raffaele and "Kelsey's Law."

Because she lost her 17-year-old daughter Kelsey two years ago, Bonnie Raffaele is a mom on a mission. That tragedy has upended her life and will take her from Sault Ste. Marie to Lansing next week, where she will testify in support of a proposed ban on cellphone use for novice drivers.

Her daughter Kelsey, then a senior in high school — vivacious, pretty, big-hearted — misjudged the distance that winter day between her compact car and an oncoming Dodge Durango. Kelsey's last words, to a friend on the other end, were "Oh, sh—t, I'm going to crash." She said that twice, before the line went dead. Her cellphone was later found in the backseat.

A college instructor and full-time schools technology expert, Raffaele has crisscrossed the state speaking to high school students about the dangers of cellphone use while driving. Even her voice mail says; "I'm driving now." The statistics are compelling: nationally, 1.6 million accidents a year involve using cellphones and texting.

Laura Berman
From The Detroit News:

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Reason Discovered for the Toxicity of Indoor Mould

ScienceDaily (Oct. 12, 2012) — A team of researchers at the University of Helsinki has discovered how indoor mould makes people sick.The only remedy is to heal the living environment.

For more than a decade, it has been known that the fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum is the most common finding wherever people are suffering from health hazards related to damp building damage. However, it has not been known how this mould -- which is typical of most buildings with indoor air problems -- harms people's health. Published in September, a study by a team of researchers at the Department of Food and Environmental Sciences of the University of Helsinki explains how microbial metabolites in the living environment cause health problems

Read the story here ScienceDaily (Oct. 12, 2012)

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Infant origins of childhood asthma associated with specific molds

Background
The specific cause or causes of asthma development must be identified to prevent this disease.

Objective
Our hypothesis was that specific mold exposures are associated with childhood asthma development.

Methods
Infants were identified from birth certificates. Dust samples were collected from 289 homes when the infants were 8 months of age. Samples were analyzed for concentrations of 36 molds that comprise the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) and endotoxin, house dust mite, cat, dog, and cockroach allergens. Children were evaluated at age 7 years for asthma based on reported symptoms and objective measures of lung function. Host, environmental exposure, and home characteristics evaluated included a history of parental asthma, race, sex, upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms, season of birth, family income, cigarette smoke exposure, air conditioning, use of a dehumidifier, presence of carpeting, age of home, and visible mold at age 1 year and child's positive skin prick test response to aeroallergens and molds at age 7 years.

Results
Asthma was diagnosed in 24% of the children at age 7 years. A statistically significant increase in asthma risk at age 7 years was associated with high ERMI values in the child's home in infancy (adjusted relative risk for a 10-unit increase in ERMI value, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.2). The summation of levels of 3 mold species, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus unguis, and Penicillium variabile, was significantly associated with asthma (adjusted relative risk, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.8-2.7).

Conclusion
In this birth cohort study exposure during infancy to 3 mold species common to water-damaged buildings was associated with childhood asthma at age 7 years.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

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Trampolines Recalled by Sportspower Due to Injury Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Sports Authority

Study: Teen drivers mimic their distracted parents

Washington — The bad news is teenagers text while driving even more than parents think they do.

But the good news is parents have a lot of influence on how teens drive, according to preliminary findings of a study by Toyota Motor Corp. and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

The survey of more than 5,500 teens, ages 16-18, and parents, the largest study of its kind, found that teens who think their parents are distracted drivers — eating while driving, looking for things, or focusing on passengers and passenger behavior — are much more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors themselves.

By Christine Tierney
From The Detroit News:

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Children's Riding Toy Recalled by Step2 Due to Fall Hazard

Saginaw orders testing on stun guns used on man who died in April

Saginaw — Saginaw is getting testing for four stun guns used during a confrontation involving police that ended with the death of a 38-year-old man in April.

Bobby Louis Merrill Jr. died after police tried to subdue him. The Saginaw News reports City Council on Monday approved a more than $6,500 bill to pay for testing.

Police have said officers found Merrill after a report of a man acting strangely, walking in the street and jumping onto cars. Authorities say he went into cardiac arrest and died, and prosecutors have said that Merrill's death was caused by alcohol and high levels of cocaine in his system at the time.

Following the finding from prosecutors, the city wanted an additional evaluation of the stun guns.

From The Detroit News:

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Two injured after car crashes into Pontiac building

Pontiac — Alcohol may be a factor in a crash that seriously injured two Oakland County men when their car crashed into a commercial building in Pontiac.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on Monday, the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday when a 1993 Ford Mustang smashed into a building at Inland Plywood, 375 N. Cass Ave.

The driver, from Pontiac, and his passenger, 22 and from Orion Township, were heading south on Cass Road when they ran off the road.

By Tom Greenwood
From The Detroit News:

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Briefs: Woman dies as shopper's car runs over her

Troy — A woman leaving a Troy grocery store Sunday afternoon died when a car ran her over in the parking lot.

The 52-year-old woman was run over outside Atlas Market and Bakery at Big Beaver and Dequindre. The driver of a car backed over the woman around 3:30 p.m., according to the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.

An autopsy is scheduled for this morning, according to the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.

From The Detroit News:

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Hunter Douglas Recalls to Repair Custom Cellular and Pleated Window Coverings Due to Strangulation Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Standard cordlock top-down/bottom-up Duette and Applause honeycomb shades; standard cordlock top-down/bottom-up Hunter Douglas pleated shades; Hunter Douglas Brilliance Privacy View pleated shades and standard cordlock Duette and Applause Duolite shades

Units: About 4,400 shades

Manufacturer: Hunter Douglas Fabrication Co., of West Sacramento, Calif.

Hazard: Some of the cords inside the breakaway cord stop were tied in a single knot which can prevent the cord stop from functioning as designed to break away. A child can become entangled in a cord loop and strangle.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Drug case is stalled by conflict

A potential plea offer has put a monkey wrench in the preliminary exam for two women accused of selling synthetic marijuana containing a banned chemical.

Defense attorney Timothy Corr represents the women — Ronda Lee Roszak, 41, whom authorities said owns Smokers Depot on Lawson Drive in Genoa Township, and her manager, Melissa Ann Dzierwa, 27, of Fowlerville. Corr says there is no conflict of interest, but the judge and assistant prosecutor both say the potential plea offer means Corr cannot represent both defendants.

"They don't want a plea; there is no conflict," Corr told Livingston County District Judge L. Suzanne Geddis, who countered: "It becomes an ethical quagmire. You have confidential information from each and consulted with each."

Written by
Lisa Roose-Church
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Michigan toxic mold lawyers

Toxic mold is far more debilitating than what is commonly understood. It is essential to have a commendable lawyer to prove your illness was caused by mold. Download our quick reference guide on mold issues. Visit our website or call 248Lawyers for the help you need now.

Kawasaki Motors Recalls Fuel Filters for Lawn Mower and Utility Vehicle Engines Due to Fire Hazard

Report: Plane's engine in fatal Ray Twp. crash showed signs of malfunction

New details have been released in a February crash involving an experimental aircraft that killed a Washington Township man.

A preliminary investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board into a Feb. 5 plane crash in Ray Township found the plane's engine showed signs of malfunctioning during takeoff.

Charles Zichichi, 78, was killed after he sustained injuries in the crash following takeoff from Ray Community Airport. He owned the plane, a Pipistrel Virus 912 motorglider. The aircraft functions as a single-engine place and as a glider.

By Lauren Abdel-Razzaq
From The Detroit News:

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Friday, November 16, 2012

Suffocation, Entrapment Risks Prompt Recall of PeaPod Travel Tents by KidCo

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with KidCo Inc., of Libertyville, IL, is announcing the voluntary recall today of about 220,000 PeaPod and PeaPod Plus Travel Beds.

Infants and young children can roll off the edge of the inflatable air mattress, become entrapped between the mattress and the fabric sides of the tent, and suffocate.

CPSC is aware of a death of a 5-month-old boy in December 2011 in New York, New York, who was found with his face pressed against the side wall of the tent. The cause of death was not determined.

Read the whole report from the CPSC

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Southfield youth football team bus crashes with tanker on I-75

A semi truck and a bus carrying a youth football team crashed Friday morning on southbound Interstate 75 near South Huron River Drive.

According to the Monroe Evening News, children were on board the bus when the incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. near Newport in Monroe County.

A number of youngsters were injured but most were believed to be scrapes, bruises and abrasions. The driver of the truck was pinned inside the cab and was later transported to a local hospital.

By Tom Greenwood
From The Detroit News:

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Owner of meningitis-linked pharmacy takes Fifth

WASHINGTON (AP) -
The owner and director of the specialty pharmacy tied to a deadly meningitis outbreak has declined to testify before a congressional committee investigating the matter.

Barry Cadden, co-founder of the New England Compound Center, told lawmakers he would use his Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions in order to avoid self-incrimination.

After repeated questions by House lawmakers, Cadden told the House Energy and Commerce Committee: "Under advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer under basis of my constitutional rights and privileges, including the Fifth Amendment."

Lawmakers continued to ask Cadden questions about the contamination that has sickened nearly 440 people and caused 32 deaths.

Officials in Michigan say there have been at least 129 infections and nine deaths in Michigan linked to a national meningitis outbreak.

Posted By Tom Plahutnik, WNEM.com

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Seat belt use rises to all-time high in United States

Washington — Seat belt use climbed to an all-time high this year, as use jumped dramatically in the South.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said new government research shows that nationwide seat belt use reached 86 percent in 2012, up from 84 percent in 2011, when it dipped from 85 percent in 2010.

"When it comes to driving safely, one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family is to use a seat belt," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Seat belt use has steadily increased since 1994, when just 58 percent wore seat belts, according to the government survey.

By David Shepardson
From The Detroit News:

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Toyota to recall 2.8 million vehicles for steering glitch

(Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) said it will recall 2.77 million vehicles worldwide, including some of its popular Prius hybrid cars, for steering and water pump problems in the carmaker's second multimillion-vehicle recall in a little over a month.

The defects, which Toyota said had caused no accidents and could each be fixed in an hour or so, could cost hundreds of millions of dollars to repair, according Deutsche Securities autos analyst Kurt Sanger.

While the recall is widespread, the flaws are less serious and any damage to Toyota's reputation would likely be limited compared with massive recalls in 2009 to 2011 when unintended acceleration problems in Toyota vehicles were the suspected cause of fatal crashes in the United States.

Read the whole story on Reuters

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Nestle USA Announces Voluntary Recall of NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder

GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Nestle USA announced the voluntary recall of limited quantities of Nestle NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder in the 10.9, 21.8 and 40.7 ounce canisters. The voluntary recall is limited to only NESQUIK Chocolate Powder, which was distributed nationally. No other varieties of NESQUIK powder or any sizes or flavors of NESQUIK ready-to-drink are affected by this recall.

From MarketWatch

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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

I got into an auto accident, NOW WHAT?

The clock starts ticking the moment you sustain injuries in a car accident in Michigan. Therefore, you need to take prompt action and immediately call us to secure compensation for your injuries. The car accident lawyers at 248Lawyers have a quick reference guide on our website you should never be without. Print your copy today and keep it handy in your glove box.

Lions staffer: Firing based on age, gender

Detroit — A former community affairs staffer for the Detroit Lions is suing the company on claims she was passed up for a promotion and later terminated based on her age and gender.

Kimberly Doverspike, 49, of Dearborn, filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Lions Inc., alleging her civil rights were violated when she was denied a director's position before the company let her go in July. She'd been employed by the Lions for two decades. The complaint, filed Oct. 31 in Wayne Circuit Court, is seeking a trial and damages exceeding $25,000 on claims of age and gender discrimination under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights act, which bars employers from discriminating based on factors such as religion, color and age, as well as height and weight.

From The Detroit News:

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Monday, November 12, 2012

Driver critical after rolling, hitting pole in Waterford

A 35-year-old Waterford woman is in critical condition today after her car went off the road, rolled and crashed into a utility pole in Waterford on Sunday, according to police.

A report issued today by the Waterford Township Police Department says alcohol may be a factor in the 9:15 a.m. single-vehicle crash on Airport Road near Highland Road.

The woman was driving a 2007 Ford Focus north on Airport when it crossed the center line and crashed. Airbags did not deploy, but the driver was wearing a seatbelt. She was taken to a local hospital by medical helicopter and remains in critical condition today, according to police.

By Tammy Stables Battaglia

Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

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Pontiac man arrested after pitbull attacks neighbor's dog

Pontiac — A man was arrested Saturday after his pit bull attacked a neighbor's dog and the neighbor stabbed the man's dog, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies were dispatched to a home in the 50 block of Adelaide and found a pit bull had escaped from its yard and attacked the other dog, the sheriff's office said.

The owner of the second dog came to its aid and stabbed the pit bull, deputies said.

Deputies tried to intervene but were met by owner of the pit bull, who refused to comply with commands.

The 53-year-old man was taken into custody and, after complaining of trouble breathing, transported to St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital.

He later was released and issued citations, including having a dog at large.

Deputies did not release other details about the owner or the conditions of the dogs.

From The Detroit News:

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Friday, November 9, 2012

Portable Generators Recalled by Champion Power Equipment Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Costco

Ex-MDOC official says he was wrongfully fired over information leaks

As the number of parolees suspected in high-profile murders drew news media attention in late 2011 and early 2012, Michigan Department of Corrections officials came up with a plan:

Find out who inside the 14,500-employee agency was leaking information to the Free Press, which published a number of stories calling into question the supervision of parolees and probationers.

The MDOC’s head of internal affairs, Stephen Marschke, said he was tasked with finding out who provided the information.

By L.L. Brasier
Free Press Staff Writer

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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Lawmakers issue subpoena for pharmacy director

WASHINGTON — House lawmakers have issued a subpoena for the director of the Massachusetts pharmacy linked to the deadly meningitis outbreak.

The subpoena comes after Barry Cadden, co-founder of New England Compounding Center, indicated through his lawyer that he would not voluntarily attend a congressional hearing scheduled for Nov. 14, the Energy and Commerce Committee said Tuesday.

A message sent to Cadden's lawyer seeking comment was not immediately returned.

More than 400 people have been sickened by contaminated steroid shots distributed by the compounding pharmacy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thirty deaths have been reported.

The WSJ

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Elderly woman is Michigan's 9th meningitis death

LANSING — Officials said an 88-year-old Ingham County woman is the ninth Michigan resident to die in a national meningitis outbreak.

The state Department of Community Health added her to the meningitis update Wednesday. No other details about her were released.

There have been 64 Michigan cases of meningitis, including the nine deaths. In addition, there have been 54 epidural abscesses, one stroke and six joint infections.

Fungal meningitis has been linked to contaminated steroids produced by a Massachusetts pharmacy and shipped to four Michigan clinics. Patients who became ill had received injections for neck or back pain.

Read the article from the Detroit Free Press

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Motorcyclist escapes injury after chase, crash in Livingston County

Dexter — Police say a 21-year-old man escaped serious injury after crashing a motorcycle head-on into a police car in Michigan following a chase that reached speeds of 115 mph.

The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus of Howell reports the chase began Wednesday afternoon when police tried to stop the 21-year-old motorcyclist for speeding in Livingston County's Hamburg Township. The chase went into the Washtenaw County community of Dexter before the crash.

The officer had what were described as minor injuries from the crash. Police say the motorcyclist refused treatment and was arrested pending charges.

Both the motorcycle and the police car had extensive damage. The motorcyclist was held at the Livingston County Jail. The crash was under investigation.

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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Michigan fungal meningitis cases reach 120, including 8 deaths

Lansing — Authorities are reporting 120 infections and eight deaths in Michigan in a national outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to contaminated steroids from a Massachusetts pharmacy.

The Michigan Department of Community Health reported the new figures Monday.

Michigan's eight deaths include a Cass County woman whose meningitis was linked to treatments for back pain across the border at an Indiana clinic. Two deaths were from Washtenaw County and one each from Charlevoix, Genesee, Livingston, Oakland and Wayne counties.

From The Detroit News:

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Elderly man struck by car while riding a bicycle in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — An elderly man was rushed to the hospital Sunday after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Grand Rapids’ West Side.

The 87-year-old man was admitted to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital shortly after noon on Sunday, Nov. 4, after being struck at Lake Michigan Drive and Collindale Avenue NW about 11:50 a.m.

By Garret Ellison
MLive

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Fatal accident came during sign repair

One man died and two people were injured in a Saturday crash on I-94. (Daniel Brenner / AnnArbor.com)

Ann Arbor — A state official said a fatal crash in Ann Arbor came during an expressway backup caused by a highway sign repair.

The crash Saturday morning on eastbound Interstate 94 killed Sean Desmarais, 43, of Ann Arbor and injured two 18-year-olds from Minnesota.

Michigan Department of Transportation manager Mark Sweeney said traffic on the expressway stopped while work crews replaced a sign near U.S. 23.

From The Detroit News:

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Friday, November 2, 2012

FDA Inspection of Plant in Meningitis Outbreak Reveals NECC May Have Known of Contamination

By Guest Author / November 2, 2012

An FDA inspection of the New England Compounding Center (NECC) linked to the meningitis outbreak revealed the company may have known about contamination for months before the outbreak but did not take action. The inspection’s results revealed numerous conditions that justify the recall of all NECC products issued earlier this month. Inspectors found visible growth of microorganism films (also called “sheets”) in supposedly clean rooms, water pooling around a leaky boiler, and discoloration of equipment used to sterilize compounds. They also found that the company knew about contamination for months but failed to act.

Read the article here

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Imagine Nation Books Recalls Double Dazzler Light Show Toys Due to Burn Hazard

By The CPSC / November 2, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Read report here

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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Eddie Bauer Rocking Wood Bassinets Recalled: Suffocation Hazard

By The CPSC / October 26, 2012

About 97,000 Eddie Bauer Rocking Wood Bassinets are being recalled by Dorel Juvenile Group, of Columbus, IN because the bottom locking mechanism can fail to lock properly if a spring is not installed, allowing the bassinet to tip to one side and cause infants to roll to the side of the bassinet. This poses a suffocation hazard to infants.

Read the rest here

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Summit Treestands Recalls Hunters’ Tree Stands Due to Fall Hazard

By The CPSC / October 26, 2012

Name of Product: Crush Series: Perch, Stoop and Ledge Treestands for hunters

Units: About 2,900

Manufacturer: Summit Treestands, LLC, of Decatur, Ala.

Hazard: The tree stand’s hanging strap assembly could dislodge from the tree stand or fail to restrain or hold properly on the tree, posing a fall hazard.

Read the rest here

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Construction worker clipped by SMART bus, thrown into crane

A 41-year-old man was seriously injured this morning in Warren when he was catapulted into a crane by a SMART bus.

Jason Carey, of Marysville, suffered brain injuries as a result of the accident, which happened on a road construction site on Ryan Road, just north of Chicago Road, said Warren Police Deputy Commissioner Louis Galasso.

“It’s a very bizarre and tragic accident,” said Galasso.

Carey was carrying a 36-foot pole between his arm and torso and walking parallel to Ryan Road, but about 15 feet away from traffic, said Galasso. Something caused him to turn, putting part of the pole into oncoming traffic. The bus, carrying four passengers who were not harmed, clipped the pole, throwing Carey in the air. Because of traffic, it does not appear the bus was traveling very fast.

He crashed into a crane about 10 feet away, said Galasso. Emergency crews took him to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak where he is in critical condition. He was wearing a helmet, said Galasso, but it wasn’t enough to shield him from injuries sustained in this way.

“Those helmets are really not designed to protect anyone from that sort of impact,” he said.

Carey was an employee of Diponio Contracting of Shelby Township. A request for comment has been made.

By Megha Satyanarayana
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

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Women's deaths linked to meningitis outbreak

A 64-year-old Wayne County woman is one of two of the latest confirmed meningitis deaths in Michigan, health officials said Tuesday.

The woman, a resident of an extended-care facility in Wayne County, died Oct. 26, said Mary Mazur, a spokeswoman for Wayne County Health Department. The woman was being treated in a local hospital at the time of her death.

It is the first Wayne County fatality in the national meningitis outbreak, which has been linked to contaminated steroids made by a Massachusetts pharmacy and shipped to at least four Michigan clinics. The woman had received an injection, Mazur said.

"Information right now between our offices and the state is still forthcoming," she said.

The other victim is an 81-year-old woman from Charlevoix County. The state Department of Community Health said Tuesday there have been 62 Michigan meningitis cases, including eight deaths.

Besides the confirmed cases of meningitis, Michigan officials also reported one stroke, four joint infections and 27 abscesses. The tainted steroids were injected to relieve pain.

Nationally, there have been 363 illnesses, including seven joint infections, and 28 deaths.

By Candice Williams
From The Detroit News:

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Metro health departments awaiting clearer recommendations about flu shots

Seniors once again have two choices of flu shots this year, with one tailored for aging immune systems.

The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine for seniors contains four times the antigen than the standard vaccine -- triggering the body to produce more antibodies, said Donna Cary, a spokeswoman for France-based Sanofi-Pasteur, the vaccine manufacturer. It was first available in 2010.

Still, some metro Detroit public health officials are waiting for more information before investing in the higher-priced, specialized vaccine.

"We might see a slightly higher immunity response immediately, but does that mean long-term protection?" asked Dr. Talat Danish, medical director at the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Protection.

By Robin Erb
Detroit Free Press Medica

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Franklin mom who lost child to whooping cough has this advice: Get vaccinated

Veronica McNally said she was naïve: The Oakland County woman didn't know how vulnerable her family was to the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases until one took her daughter's life.

On May 17, McNally's 3-month-old daughter Francesca McNally died of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, a disease that could have been prevented if McNally and her family had been vaccinated. McNally, who also has a 3-year-old son, lives in Franklin.

By Eric D. Lawrence
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

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Friday, October 26, 2012

Tropical Valley Foods: Undeclared Allergens In Chocolate and Trail Mix Products Sold In Bulk

By The FDA / October 26, 2012
Tropical Valley Foods is alerting customers that because of a label error, Dark Chocolate, Organic Dark Chocolate and Trail Mix items which were sold in bulk quantities contain undeclared allergens. Consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat, soy or tree nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The following products are included in the recall: Click here

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Easy Reach Step Stools Sold at The Home Depot Recalled

By The CPSC / October 26, 2012

Tricam Industries Inc., of Eden Prairie, MN has recalled about 84,000 Step Stool products sold exclusively at The Home Depot because the top step/standing platform can break, posing a fall hazard to users.

Incidents/Injuries: Tricam has received five reports of the standing platform breaking, one of which included a report of scrapes and abrasions to a consumer.

Description: The recalled products are Easy Reach by Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro Series step stools, model number HB3-PRO. The step stools have three plastic steps, a steel tubular frame and a plastic-molded tool holder. The model number is located on the underside of the middle step on a blue label. The label also states that the step stools are rated to support 225 lbs. Recalled step stools have a “J” stamped into the underside of the top step and/or the underside of the tool holder.

Sold Exclusively at: The Home Depot from April 2012 through August 2012 for about $27.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Customers should immediately stop using the recalled step stools and contact Tricam Industries for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Tricam Industries; toll-free (855) 336-0360, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or www.gorillaladders.net, then click on Recall for more information.

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

FDA Shuts Down Thousands Of Illegal Internet Pharmacies

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken charge of a dangerous upturn in illegal online pharmacies that sell dangerous, unapproved medications to consumers.

In collaboration with international regulatory and law enforcement agencies, the FDA took legal action against more than 4,100 internet pharmacies via criminal charges, seizure of illegal products, and removal of websites.

Medical News Today

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Spouse of meningitis victim has same illness

A Livingston County man whose wife died last month in a meningitis outbreak is in a hospital with the same illness.

George Cary, 65, of Howell began having severe headaches Friday, just days after being told that initial tests in early October showed no evidence of meningitis, he told the Associated Press in a statement Wednesday.

Cary didn't disclose the name of the hospital.

He and his wife, Lilian, were treated for back and neck pain at a Brighton-area clinic that used contaminated steroids made by a Massachusetts pharmacy. Lilian Cary died Sept. 30.

The tainted drugs have been linked to an outbreak of fungal meningitis that has sickened 317 people nationwide, including five joint infections, and has killed 24.

Cary's news comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a 24th person had died of a fungal infection after receiving steroid injections for back pain in Indiana.

By Charles E. Ramirez
From The Detroit News:

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Howell man whose wife died in outbreak has meningitis

A Livingston County man whose wife died in a national outbreak of meningitis says he's in a hospital being treated for the same illness.

George Cary, 65, of Howell says he began having severe headaches Friday, just days after being told that initial tests in early October showed no evidence of meningitis.

Cary didn't disclose the name of the hospital in his Wednesday statement provided to the Associated Press.

He and his wife, Lilian, were treated for back and neck pain at a Brighton-area clinic that used contaminated steroids made by a Massachusetts pharmacy. The tainted drugs have been linked to an outbreak of fungal meningitis that has sickened more than 300 people nationwide and has killed 23.

Lilian Cary died on Sept. 30.

From The Detroit News:

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BEF Foods Recalls 1,768,600 lbs. of Bob Evans Sausages – Misbranded

By The USDA / October 23, 2012
BEF Foods Inc. of Columbus, OH has recalled about 1,768,600 pounds of Bob Evans Maple Links and Maple Patties because they are misbranded in that they contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is not declared on the label. The products were produced at establishments in Hillsdale, MI and Xenia, OH.

The products subject to recall include:

12-oz. packages of “Bob Evans Maple Links” with UPC numbers of “075900002300″, “075900000085″ and “075900002324.”
12-oz. packages of “Bob Evans Maple Patties” with UPC numbers of “0759000025028″ and “075900000795″ and “075900002522.”
The products were produced between April 4, and Oct. 19, 2012, and will have the establishment number “M-952″ or “M-6785″ inkjetted on the side of the package. Product purchased fresh will have a use-by date between Oct. 14, 2012 and Dec. 4, 2012 listed. Instead of a use-by date, frozen products may be identified by any of the following Julian codes: 0264 through 0365, 1001 through 1365, and 2001 through 2293.

The problem was discovered by the company during a label audit. When the company reformulated their products, they discontinued the use of a spice blend containing MSG and removed MSG from the ingredient list on the label. During the label audit, the company discovered that the individual establishments were still using a spice blend containing MSG. MSG is not classified as an allergen, but can cause a reaction in people with a sensitivity to MSG.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks (including at restaurants) to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and to ensure that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Media with questions about the recall should contact the company’s Director of Corporate Communications, Margaret Standing, at (614) 492-4921. Consumers should call the company’s guest relations line at 1-800-939-2338.

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NTSB: Reversed switch derailed Niles train

A reversed switch caused the Amtrak train to derail near Niles on Sunday, injuring seven passengers and disrupting service on the state's west side, transportation officials said Tuesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which launched an investigation, released more information about Amtrak train 350 that was headed from Chicago to Pontiac.

The NTSB found the train had a green signal, allowing it to proceed at maximum speed as it traveled about two miles east of Niles, near the Indiana border, around 10:10 a.m. Sunday. But a switch leading off the main track just beyond the signal was reversed, moving the train into a rail yard instead of the main track it was on.

A derailing device was installed between the yard track and the main track. The passenger train dislodged the device, the report said, but derailed about 290 feet beyond the switch, continued on the yard track and stopped with all cars upright.

Amtrak said some 174 passengers and four crew members were on board at the time. Seven passengers and two crewmembers were taken to area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries and released Sunday.

By Mark Hicks
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

FDA lists more data on meningitis outbreak

The deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis took more turns Monday when three Michigan residents sued the company identified as the alleged source, lawmakers said concerns about the drug date back a decade and federal officials released more information about facilities and products that might have been affected.

But shortly after the Food and Drug Administration posted online a more detailed list of locations that in recent months received products shipped from the New England Compounding Center, the documents were taken down from its website.

"FDA has found some technical problems with the list and some of the data are incorrect," press officer Erica Jefferson said late Monday. "FDA is working to correct the list and will re-post when we are sure it is accurate."

By Christine Tierney and Mark Hicks
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Saline boy, 13, injured in fall from school balcony

Saline — Authorities say a 13-year-old boy has been taken to a hospital after falling about 30 feet from a balcony at a high school gym in Michigan.

Huron Valley Ambulance spokeswoman Karen Gabrys tells AnnArbor.com the boy was in stable condition following the Monday morning fall at Saline High School, about 35 miles west of Detroit.

Saline Area Schools spokesman Steve Laatsch says the student fell over the balcony in the gym, but it wasn't immediately known how he fell.

Laatsch says the boy was on a running track of the balcony during a fitness class that is offered to middle school students. He says the boy was responsive and conscious after the fall.

The district is investigating.

From The Detroit News:

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Monday, October 22, 2012

Nissan Altima, 2012-2013 Suspension Recall

By The NHTSA / October 21, 2012
Vehicle Make / Model:
NISSAN / ALTIMA Model Year(s):
2012-2013
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

Report Receipt Date: OCT 10, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V494000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected: 13,919

Summary:
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification.

Consequence:
The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy:
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about October 29, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.

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Nine injured in Amtrak derailment in near Niles

Investigators search for cause of accident for train to Pontiac

Niles — Seven passengers and two crewmembers on an Amtrak train from Chicago to Pontiac were injured Sunday when two of its locomotives and one or more coaches derailed.

None of the injuries from the incident near Niles were considered serious or life-threatening, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said late Sunday. One passenger remained hospitalized.

From The Detroit News:

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Friday, October 19, 2012

Feds probe complaints about Graco car seat buckles

Nation/World Business
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating complaints that children have been trapped in Graco car seats because the buckles won't unlatch.

The probe covers My Ride and Nautilus car seats from 2009 through 2011 made by Graco Children's Products Inc. of Atlanta, the safety agency said in documents posted on its website today.

NHTSA has received 25 reports of problems from consumers, with some complaining that they had to use excessive force to unlatch the buckle. Three told the agency they had to cut the seat's harness to free their child, while six more said they had to pull the child through the harness. No injuries have been reported.

In one complaint from October of 2011, a parent wrote that they tried to get a 20-month-old boy out of a My Ride seat, but the center release button on the buckle couldn't be depressed. The parent was able to loosen the straps from the rear of the seat enough to free the child. "My biggest concern is that if this happens during an emergency, where we need to get him out quickly, we won't be able to without cutting the belt material," the parent wrote.

Read the FreePress article here

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Trend Lab Recalls Children’s Upholstered Chairs Due to Laceration and Choking Hazards

Trend Lab LLC has recalled about 16,850 Children’s upholstered toddler chairs because the staples in the binding on the back of the chair may come loose, posing a laceration or choking hazard if swallowed.

Units: About 16,850 units

Importer: Trend Lab LLC, of Burnsville, Minn.

Read the complete story by The CPSC here

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Women Arraigned on Selling K2 Charges

Two women were arraigned Wednesday on charges of selling K2 at a Livingston County smoke shop.

Court documents state Ronda Rosak of Howell and Melissa Dzierwa of Fowlerville are charged with selling K2 at Smoke Depot in Howell back in April. Their attorney, Timothy Corr, says Michigan State Police took several products from their store including "Gods of Aroma." When police sent the it to the lab, they learned it contained an ingredient consistent with K2 and inconsistant with state law.

"They're very upset of course, because they had no idea that the chemical was in that product," said Corr. "The store was under the impression that chemical wasn't present and they had a lab report from the place they bought it from to prove it."

Both are out on a $5,000 personal bond. If convicted, Corr says the maximum penalty for selling a non-narcotic is seven years in prison.

6 News reached out to Livingston Prosecuting Attorney David Morse several times for comment, but our calls were not returned.

By Maria Hechanova WLNS

Corrections Dept. sued in senior's death

Suspects in slaying of Royal Oak senior were paroled in 2010

Pontiac — A lawsuit accuses the Michigan Department of Corrections and 10 unnamed employees of failing to properly supervise two parolees accused in the Nov. 20 death of an 80-year-old Royal Oak woman.

Attorney James Rasor, who filed the lawsuit in Oakland Circuit Court, alleges the MDOC and employees — through negligence and "reckless" actions — failed to supervise parolees Alan Craig Wood and Tonia Watson, who are jailed and awaiting trial for the murder of Nancy Dailey, who was found bound, beaten and strangled with her throat slit in her Royal Oak home.

By Mike Martindale
From The Detroit News:

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Couple avoid paying damages in gun training accident

Pontiac — An Oakland Circuit Court jury determined Tuesday no damages should be assessed against a Macomb County couple who allowed a May 2009 handgun safety class on their property in which the instructor accidentally shot a student in the face.

The injured man, Terry Gonser, 65, of Oakland Township sued Mitchell and Deborah Washer of Addison Township; the National Rifle Association; the instructor, Thomas Simpson; and Simpson's assistant, Gary Chapman.

By Mike Martindale
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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Mondelez Global LLC Recalls Green & Black Organic Peanut and Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Bars

Mondelez Global, LLC is recalling their Green & Black’s Organic Peanut & Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Bars because they contain peanuts supplied by Sunland, Inc., which have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

This recall is limited exclusively to the Green & Black’s Organic Peanut and Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Bar (UPC 708656100562, 3.5 oz. bar, all “best by” dates) manufactured and sold only in the United States, available at retail and specialty stores nationwide. No other Green & Black’s product is included in this recall.

Consumers who have this product should not eat it, and should discard any products they may have. Consumers can contact the company at 1-855-268-7808 24 hours a day to get more information about the recall, and Consumer Relations specialists are available Monday-Friday, 9am to 6pm EST.

By The FDA / October 16, 2012

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Lawsuit: Corrections workers 'reckless' in light of Royal Oak woman's death

Pontiac — An Oakland Circuit Court lawsuit has been filed against the Michigan Department of Corrections and 10 unnamed employees for failing to properly supervise two parolees now charged in the Nov. 20 death of an 80-year-old Royal Oak woman.

Attorney James Rasor alleges the MDOC and employees — through negligence and "reckless" actions — failed to supervise parolees Alan Craig Wood and Tonia Watson, now jailed and awaiting a trial for the murder of Nancy Dailey, who was found bound, beaten and strangled with her throat slit in her Royal Oak home. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of Dailey's niece, Nan Drinkard, and Dailey's estate.

By Mike Martindale
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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Peanut Butter Recall of 2012: Products Affected by Recalled Sunland Peanut Butter

The list of products affected by the Sunland peanut butter recall continues to grow each day.

The FDA list
By E. Sizemore / October 16, 2012

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Fungal Meningitis Recall Expanded to Other Drugs

The FDA is advising doctors to stop using ALL NECC products after at least one patient tested positive for fungal meningitis following a transplant surgery in which the patient received a cardioplegic solution made by the New England Compounding Center (NECC).

Cardioplegic solution is not a steroid injection. It is used to induce cardiac muscle paralysis during open heart surgery to prevent injury to the heart.

Also at least one patient with possible meningitis potentially associated with epidural injection of an additional NECC product, triamcinolone acetonide, has been identified. Triamcinolone acetonide is a type of injectable steroid made by NECC. The previous cases of meningitis have been associated with methylprednisolone acetate, a similar injectable steroid product.

By E. Sizemore / October 16, 2012

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Congress Takes on 'Killer Mold'

Pam Walker and her family lived in their Southfield, Mich., home for only 24 days before the mold drove them out.

Walker's then-7-year-old daughter Melina, who Walker calls her "human radar detector," started suffering multiple, uncontrollable attacks that Walker says eventually led the girl to lose 70 percent of her lung capacity. The entire family itched with hives and their noses bled.

The newly bought three-bedroom house, which Walker said reeked unforgettably like dirt and sulphur, soon became suspect. Searching for what made the family sick, teams of investigators, sewer and gas workers and cleaners marched through the property.

By Geraldine Sealey ABCnews.com

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Steroid Injection Meningitis Outbreak Update

By E. Sizemore / October 12, 2012

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended the complete recall of all drugs produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) at 697 Waverly St. in Framingham, Massachusetts after (as of the recall on Oct. 4th, 2012) 35 cases of Aspergillus meningitis were reported by patients who had received an epidural steroid injection produced by this compounding pharmacy.

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Paramedic blanket story covers Web

Blankets donated to Detroit EMS after posting goes viral

Outrage over a Detroit EMS paramedic Jeff Gaglio being charged by his department after providing a fire victim with a blanket has gone viral.

"We are getting sent blankets from all over the country, even from overseas," said Detroit EMS medic Robert Shelton. "It is amazing what is going on here."

Three weeks ago Gaglio provided a senior citizen, who was forced out of his home by a fire with few clothes on, a blanket to warm him.

Two weeks later, Gaglio was officially informed that he would be brought up on departmental charges for giving away city-owned property.

By Sebastian Hofer
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Friday, October 12, 2012

4th Michigan meningitis death cited

Family suspects senior had disease; state cases at 39

The family of a southern Michigan woman said it believes she died of fungal meningitis after receiving two injections of a tainted back pain medication at a northern Indiana clinic, the fourth Michigan resident to die in the outbreak.

Lisa Ann Durbin said her grandmother, Pauline Burema, 89, of Cassopolis, Mich., died Wednesday at a daughter's home in Bristol, Ind.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed an Indiana fungal meningitis death Thursday, and Angela Minicuci, a spokeswoman at the Michigan Department of Community Health, said a Cass County, Mich., resident died of fungal meningitis after being treated for back pain in Indiana. Michigan health officials reported 39 cases in the state Thursday, up from 25 a day earlier. Nationwide, cases of the noncontagious fungal meningitis rose to 170 in 11 states as of Thursday. Fourteen people have died.

By Ken Kusmer
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Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc, Recalls Limited Quantity of Fresh-Cut Mango Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc, Recalls Limited Quantity of Fresh-Cut Mango Products Due to Possible Health Risk – This Recall is Associated with FoodSource’s recall of Mangoes Sourced from Agricola Daniella In Mexico

By FDA / October 11, 2012

In cooperation with the FDA’s warning to not consume mangoes from Agricola Daniella in Mexico, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc, is initiating a voluntary recall of 1,600 bowls of fresh-cut mangoes distributed to retail outlets due to the potential risk that the mangoes may contain Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. This recall is associated with FoodSource’s (Edinburg, TX) recall of mangoes sourced from Agricola Daniella in Mexico.

Product was distributed between September 8-12, 2012 by retailers in the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington. Product is packaged in clear plastic 32 oz bowls with a Del Monte® label on the top. The affected product will have printed Best By date 9/18/12 and lot code 05252101 below, and Best By date 9/22/12 and lot code 03256100 below. These dates and codes are clearly printed on the top label of each individual package. The UPC is 7-62357-07532-1.

There have been no reported illnesses attributed to the items listed in this recall. Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc has notified the retailers who have received the recalled product and directed them to remove it from their store shelves. Consumers who purchased affected products with the listed Best By dates and lot codes should not consume them and should destroy or discard them. Consumers with questions may contact the company’s consumer hotline at 1-800-659-6500 or email Del Monte Fresh at Contact-US-Executive-Office@freshdelmonte.com

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Whole Foods Market Recalls Mislabeled Soup in Six States Due to Possible Undeclared Allergen

Contact
Consumers:
617-492-5500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 2, 2012 – Whole Foods Market is recalling soup sold in all stores in six states due to mislabeling. The Whole Foods Market Kitchens soup, labeled as Roasted Garlic and Eggplant Soup, was in fact Lobster Bisque, which poses the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if consumed by customers with a shellfish or milk allergy.

The soup was sold in 24oz containers from Whole Foods Market stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, between September 29 and October 2, 2012. The label includes a sell-by date of October 4, 2012.

Signage is posted in affected Whole Foods Market stores to notify customers of this recall, and all affected product has been removed from shelves.

Consumers who have purchased this product from Whole Foods Market may return it to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact their local store or call 617-492-5500 between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST.

By FDA / October 11, 2012

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Tough Michigan immunity law for drugmakers may not apply in meningitis cases, experts say

Michigan is the only state in the country where victims of faulty drugs can't sue the drugmaker, but experts say those affected by the recent outbreak of meningitis from a fungus-tainted steroid drug compound likely will have legal recourse.

The reason: the compounding companies, such as the one that produced the steroid, don't need approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The immunity law only covers drugs approved by the FDA.

The legal fallout from the illnesses isn't yet known, but the federal government has now identified 28 meningitis cases in Michigan linked to the steroid, which is used to ease back pain. A total of 119 cases and 11 deaths have been reported in 10 states.

Three deaths in Michigan have been blamed on meningitis after the person was treated with the drug. Those include Lilian Cary, a 67-year-old Livingston County woman, and two others who have not been identified -- a 56-year-old woman from Genesee County and a 78-year-old Washtenaw County woman.

By Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki
Detroit Free Press

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Suit: Firm tied to meningitis outbreak provided tainted meds in 2002, man died

Long before the current rash of fungal meningitis, the compounding pharmacy suspected in the outbreak settled a lawsuit alleging it produced a tainted shot that caused a man's death in 2004.

Earlier this summer, a separate pharmaceutical firm with common owners was accused of failing to separate sterile and non-sterile supplies. That pharmaceutical company was shut down Wednesday for inspections, the latest example of fallout from the growing outbreak.

Officials have identified Framingham, Mass., based-New England Compounding Center as the source of steroid shots suspected in the outbreak of rare fungal meningitis that has killed at least 12 people and made more than 130 others sick in 11 states.

By Holbrook Mohr
From The Detroit News:

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Four new meningitis cases reported at Ann Arbor hospital

Ann Arbor — Four new cases of fungal meningitis in Michigan have been confirmed at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, officials said Wednesday.

Lauren Smoker, a spokeswoman for the hospital, said officials have confirmed four more cases of the disease, raising the total number of cases being treated at the facility to 22.

The news comes a day after state health officials updated the number of Michiganians sickened by the outbreak tied to tainted steroids to 25, including three deaths. Nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak has now reached 119 cases, including 11 deaths.

By Charles E. Ramirez
From The Detroit News:

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Meningitis victim's husband says outbreak a 'wake-up call'

Widower questions inspections at Mass. steroid supplier

Howell — A Metro Detroit congressman and a Livingston County man whose wife died of fungal meningitis questioned Tuesday whether adequate inspections were done at a Massachusetts steroid supplier linked to an outbreak in 10 states.

Their concerns come as state health officials report a third death in Michigan — a 78-year-old woman from Washtenaw County.

Meanwhile, George Cary told reporters outside his Howell home, discussing the Sept. 30 death of his wife, Lilian: "Our loss and that of others should be a wake-up call to our country."

He added later: "The apparent lack of suitable inspections should not have happened."

Batches of a steroid used to treat chronic back pain were reportedly shipped from the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass., to 76 facilities in 23 states, including four locations in Michigan.

By Jim Lynch
From The Detroit News:

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Mich. man at risk for meningitis after losing wife

DETROIT — Days after taking his wife off life support, George Cary got a phone call that confirmed his suspicions: Her meningitis-related death was linked to tainted steroid injections at a Michigan clinic that had regularly treated her back pain.

The doctor on the call had more tough news. Cary's own back injections in September may have come from a contaminated batch too.

Cary went to an emergency room last weekend for a spinal tap. The test results aren't in yet, so he is left to wait and say goodbye to his wife, 67-year-old Lilian Cary, at a memorial service Tuesday.

By ED WHITE, AP

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Monday, October 8, 2012

Michigan hit by 20 fungal meningitis cases, 2 deaths

Lansing — State health officials on Sunday reported a total of 20 cases of rare fungal meningitis in the state, including two deaths. That's up from the eight cases announced just 24 hours earlier.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord. It is not contagious, but it can be fatal

Nine states are currently reporting a total of 64 fungal cases, according the Centers for Disease Control. Seven total deaths have occurred.

By Jim Lynch
From The Detroit News:

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Surviving Mold Newsletter- Ped's Mold Chronic Fatigue

"To date, over 95% of pediatric age patients with confirmed inflammatory illness caused by exposure to the interior environment of water damaged buildings meet the published case definition for CFS. Be sure to challenge the diagnosis of CFS made in children if mold exposure has not been considered carefully."

-Ritchie Shoemaker, MD

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