Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Propane Tank Accident Lawyer
Millions of Americans rely on propane as their major source of fuel, and many more take advantage of the easy availability of propane gas cylinders to fire up their barbecues. It is estimated that nearly three quarters of the population owns a propane fuelled gas grill. You may think that such a widely available, everyday product would be safe for consumers to use; sadly, negligence on the behalf of manufacturers and installers means consumers may find themselves at risk.
The Risks of Propane Tanks
In order to prevent the propane within the tank from expanding dangerously if it becomes warm, propane tank manufacturers incorporate a pressure release valve that opens to expel a small amount of gas and restore the internal pressure to a safe level. This process, known as “venting,” should be safe, and the consumer will notice that gas is escaping due to the recognizable ‘rotten egg’ smell that comes from an additive in the gas. However, this additive may, in time, lose its distinctive smell, leaving the consumer unaware of the presence of gas. In a confined area, or near an open flame or other heat source, this can have dramatic—and deadly-- consequences.
A propane tank explosion can ravage your home within minutes, and the fierce fire may leave you permanently scarred physically and psychologically. Even qualified technicians who come to your home to install or service your propane tank may overlook vital work to be done on valves and pipes, leading to an undetected and dangerous leak that can have life changing consequences.
Counting the Cost
Propane tank explosions are a terrifying experience. Your home and its contents may be destroyed and you and your loved ones may suffer catastrophic injuries. Even worse, this type of accident may have been prevented if only the propane gas manufacturers and suppliers had taken their duty more seriously. The physical damage, psychological impact on the whole family and financial worries can turn life into a nightmare.
Fortunately, compensation can sometimes be claimed for a propane explosion that results in injury or death, and this can help you to begin rebuilding your life, easing the pressure at this difficult time.
The Risks of Propane Tanks
In order to prevent the propane within the tank from expanding dangerously if it becomes warm, propane tank manufacturers incorporate a pressure release valve that opens to expel a small amount of gas and restore the internal pressure to a safe level. This process, known as “venting,” should be safe, and the consumer will notice that gas is escaping due to the recognizable ‘rotten egg’ smell that comes from an additive in the gas. However, this additive may, in time, lose its distinctive smell, leaving the consumer unaware of the presence of gas. In a confined area, or near an open flame or other heat source, this can have dramatic—and deadly-- consequences.
A propane tank explosion can ravage your home within minutes, and the fierce fire may leave you permanently scarred physically and psychologically. Even qualified technicians who come to your home to install or service your propane tank may overlook vital work to be done on valves and pipes, leading to an undetected and dangerous leak that can have life changing consequences.
Counting the Cost
Propane tank explosions are a terrifying experience. Your home and its contents may be destroyed and you and your loved ones may suffer catastrophic injuries. Even worse, this type of accident may have been prevented if only the propane gas manufacturers and suppliers had taken their duty more seriously. The physical damage, psychological impact on the whole family and financial worries can turn life into a nightmare.
Fortunately, compensation can sometimes be claimed for a propane explosion that results in injury or death, and this can help you to begin rebuilding your life, easing the pressure at this difficult time.
Product Liability Attorney
Product liability refers to the liability a manufacturer, supplier, retailer, or other provider of a product or service may have for injuries or damage caused by such product or service. Every year, thousands of preventable deaths, injuries and instances of property damage occur due to defective products. It is estimated that there are 200-300 product recalls each year, many involving toys and children’s products.
Contact a product liability lawyer to handle your defective product claim.
There are principally two kinds of defective products, those with design flaws, and those that are improperly manufactured.
A design defect basically takes place when a manufacturer utilizes a faulty engineering process to design a product that turns out to be unnecessarily dangerous. In such case, all of the products emanating from the manufacturer’s assembly line tend to have the same defect.
A manufacturing defect takes place when the product is not made as designed. The design may be fine, but the manner in which the product was assembled is flawed. The problem may affect only some of the products that roll off the line.
A product may also be considered defective if it does not live up to its warranties or guarantees, or if it has incomplete, incorrect or unclear guidelines or instructions for use.
Please click on the appropriate link below for more information:
* Defective Automobiles
* Defective Consumer Products
* Defective Bicycles
* Defective Machinery
* Firearms Accidents
* ATV Accidents
* Defective Water Heaters
* Defective Car Seats and Seatbacks
* Defective Seatbelts
* Defective Tankless Water Heaters
* Defective Cruise Control Systems
* Chain Saw Safety
* The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Acts of 2007 (FDAAA)
Contact a product liability lawyer to handle your defective product claim.
There are principally two kinds of defective products, those with design flaws, and those that are improperly manufactured.
A design defect basically takes place when a manufacturer utilizes a faulty engineering process to design a product that turns out to be unnecessarily dangerous. In such case, all of the products emanating from the manufacturer’s assembly line tend to have the same defect.
A manufacturing defect takes place when the product is not made as designed. The design may be fine, but the manner in which the product was assembled is flawed. The problem may affect only some of the products that roll off the line.
A product may also be considered defective if it does not live up to its warranties or guarantees, or if it has incomplete, incorrect or unclear guidelines or instructions for use.
Please click on the appropriate link below for more information:
* Defective Automobiles
* Defective Consumer Products
* Defective Bicycles
* Defective Machinery
* Firearms Accidents
* ATV Accidents
* Defective Water Heaters
* Defective Car Seats and Seatbacks
* Defective Seatbelts
* Defective Tankless Water Heaters
* Defective Cruise Control Systems
* Chain Saw Safety
* The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Acts of 2007 (FDAAA)
CO2 Poisoning – Defective Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are the first innovation in water heater technology in a long time. By only heating water when it is used instead of continuously keeping water hot, they promise to make hot water always available and to provide energy savings over conventional water heaters of between 30-45%. Other advantages the technology promises include:
* Better temperature control to prevent hot water scalding
* Sealed combustion, so flue gasses do not enter the home
* Quiet and small, relegating their placement not only to garages or exteriors, although exterior models are also available
* Environment friendly – less NOx emissions and greenhouse gasses such as CO2
* Longer life and compact design resulting in less clogging of landfills
Because of the environmental advantages, the federal government has made a $300 tax credit available for homeowners who install qualifying units.
Tankless water heaters, however, use more air for ignition and must be properly vented. And as several tankless water units were in transit while being shipped, some of their components shifted, possibly causing an air filter door switch to stop working as intended. The failing switch may have allowed the heater to continue operating when the air filter door was not in the proper position. And as lint and dust accumulated, a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death, ensued.
In late February, 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Rheem Manufacturing Company, Paloma Industries, Inc., and CSA International, announced a recall to repair approximately 42,200 Power Vent 199,900 BTUH tankless water heaters. The heaters were sold between May, 2004, and December, 2006. They have a grey or cream jacket enclosure and piping on the top and bottom of the unit. For more information on the tankless water heater recall, please go to http://www.cpsc.gov/.../.../.../07108.html.
If you are using a recalled tankless water heater, it is recommended that you:
*
Stop using the heater immediately if the air filter door is out of place
*
Contact the manufacturer or the installer to arrange for a free on-site repair (see contact information below)
*
Install carbon monoxide alarms outside of sleeping areas and on every level in your home (a prudent step regardless of whether you operate a tankless water heater)
*
Contact an experienced product liability attorney if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning
* Better temperature control to prevent hot water scalding
* Sealed combustion, so flue gasses do not enter the home
* Quiet and small, relegating their placement not only to garages or exteriors, although exterior models are also available
* Environment friendly – less NOx emissions and greenhouse gasses such as CO2
* Longer life and compact design resulting in less clogging of landfills
Because of the environmental advantages, the federal government has made a $300 tax credit available for homeowners who install qualifying units.
Tankless water heaters, however, use more air for ignition and must be properly vented. And as several tankless water units were in transit while being shipped, some of their components shifted, possibly causing an air filter door switch to stop working as intended. The failing switch may have allowed the heater to continue operating when the air filter door was not in the proper position. And as lint and dust accumulated, a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death, ensued.
In late February, 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Rheem Manufacturing Company, Paloma Industries, Inc., and CSA International, announced a recall to repair approximately 42,200 Power Vent 199,900 BTUH tankless water heaters. The heaters were sold between May, 2004, and December, 2006. They have a grey or cream jacket enclosure and piping on the top and bottom of the unit. For more information on the tankless water heater recall, please go to http://www.cpsc.gov/.../.../.../07108.html.
If you are using a recalled tankless water heater, it is recommended that you:
*
Stop using the heater immediately if the air filter door is out of place
*
Contact the manufacturer or the installer to arrange for a free on-site repair (see contact information below)
*
Install carbon monoxide alarms outside of sleeping areas and on every level in your home (a prudent step regardless of whether you operate a tankless water heater)
*
Contact an experienced product liability attorney if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Motorcycle Defects and Recalls Lawyers
In part because of their lack of protective enclosures and the high speeds at which they can travel, motorcycles are arguably inherently dangerous. But a defective motorcycle can greatly magnify the safety risks to its riders. Such risks can result in serious injuries or death.
Motorcycle manufacturers are responsible for ensuring a certain level of safety in the vehicles they sell to the public. There are several governmental agencies that issue and enforce motor vehicle safety standards.
If a manufacturer suspects a vehicle defect, or a defect in one of the vehicle's components, it can voluntarily conduct a product safety recall. But one governmental agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), can also order a recall if it discovers a defective motorcycle or motorcycle component it deems to be hazardous to its riders or to the public.
When a recall is initiated, the manufacturer is required to file a public report that describes the defect or safety standard noncompliance, the vehicles or equipment involved, the key events that led to the recall determination, the remedy being offered, and the recall schedule. The manufacturer should also attempt to notify the owners of the vehicles being recalled and, under Federal law, the remedy offered them must be free of cost. To report a motorcycle safety defect or to obtain up-to-the-minute safety recall information, visit http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm.
But regardless of whether a motorcycle has or has not been recalled, properly maintained, or safely ridden, a defect in its design or manufacture can still cause it to crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, to succeed in a claim against the manufacturer, you will need to prove that:
* The motorcycle was defective
* The defect existed prior to its purchase
* Your damages and/or injuries are a direct result of the defect
Motorcycle manufacturers are responsible for ensuring a certain level of safety in the vehicles they sell to the public. There are several governmental agencies that issue and enforce motor vehicle safety standards.
If a manufacturer suspects a vehicle defect, or a defect in one of the vehicle's components, it can voluntarily conduct a product safety recall. But one governmental agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), can also order a recall if it discovers a defective motorcycle or motorcycle component it deems to be hazardous to its riders or to the public.
When a recall is initiated, the manufacturer is required to file a public report that describes the defect or safety standard noncompliance, the vehicles or equipment involved, the key events that led to the recall determination, the remedy being offered, and the recall schedule. The manufacturer should also attempt to notify the owners of the vehicles being recalled and, under Federal law, the remedy offered them must be free of cost. To report a motorcycle safety defect or to obtain up-to-the-minute safety recall information, visit http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm.
But regardless of whether a motorcycle has or has not been recalled, properly maintained, or safely ridden, a defect in its design or manufacture can still cause it to crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, to succeed in a claim against the manufacturer, you will need to prove that:
* The motorcycle was defective
* The defect existed prior to its purchase
* Your damages and/or injuries are a direct result of the defect
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)