McMath Law Blog

Utah Doctors Join the Occupy Movement

McMath Law Blog — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:13:31 GMT

Interesting article from Utah discussing the intersection of job creation, public health, corporate greed, and the environment. Arkansas faces many of these same issues in the rapid expansion of natural gas drilling operations. http://www.truth-out.org/utah-doctors-join-occupy-movement/1326501550

Uni-O Industries Recalls O-Grill Portable Gas Grills Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

McMath Law Blog — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:19:35 GMT

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: O-Grill Portable Gas Grills Units: About 4,530 Manufacturer: Uni-O (Xiamen) Industries Corporation of Xiamen, China Hazard: The regulator on the grill can leak gas which can ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Uni-O has received 10 reports of grills catching fire. No injuries or property damage have been reported. Description: This recall involves Iroda O-Grill models 1000 and 3000 produced before 2010. Some were also sold under the Tailgate Gear brand. Both models are lightweight, portable, clamshell-type propane grills with steel bodies, cast iron cooking surfaces, retractable legs and a handle. They can be used with either 1-pound propane cylinders or 20-pound propane tanks. The grills come in orange, red, green, blue, silver and black and have the words "O-Grill" stamped on the metal grill cover. Recalled O-Grills do not have ventilation slots in the regulator cover where the propane bottle screws in. Grills with ventilation slots in the regulator cover are not subject to the recall. Sold by: LL Bean, Stoneman, BBQG, Walgreens, REI, Dillards and Dick's Sporting Goods nationwide from November 2008 through December 2010. The O-Grill 1000 sold for $149 and the O-Grill 3000 sold for $189. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the grills and contact Uni-O to receive a free replacement grill. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at (888) 847-8968 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.regcen.com/OGRILL http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12077.html

Florida's Rexall recalls vitamins over shellfish fears

McMath Law Blog — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:13:32 GMT

Florida drugstore chain Rexall Inc is recalling softgel vitamins because their mislabeled bottles contain tablets made from crustacean shells, a potential allergen, the company said. Rexall's Calcium 1200 mg plus 1000IU Vitamin D3, 60 softgels are actually in bottles holding Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM Tablets, the company said in a statement carried on the Food and Drug Administration website on Tuesday. Glucosamine is made from crustaceans' shells and may contain trace quantities of undeclared shellfish, said the company, of Deerfield, Florida. "People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to shellfish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product," the statement said. The Rexall Calcium 1200 mg plus 1000IU Vitamin D3 was distributed through Dollar General Corp, which has 9,800 stores across 38 states. The recall involves one lot number, 387651-04. No illnesses or deaths have been reported. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/17/us-recall-rexall-idUSTRE80G1VX20120117

IKEA Recalls to Repair High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

McMath Law Blog — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:55:31 GMT

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: ANTILOP High Chairs Units: About 169,000 (133,000 in the U.S. and 36,000 in Canada) Importer: IKEA North America Services LLC, of Conshohocken, Pa. Hazard: The high chair's restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to the child. Incidents/Injuries: IKEA has received eight reports worldwide of restraint buckles that opened unexpectedly, including three reports of children who received minor injuries after falling from the high chair. Description: This recall involves ANTILOP high chairs sold in red, blue or white. The plastic high chair has detachable silver-colored metal legs. High chairs included in the recall have a manufacture date between 0607 and 0911 (YYMM format) from supplier number 17389. The production date and supplier number are molded into the underside of the seat. "ANTILOP," "IKEA" and the model number are printed on a label affixed to the underside of the seat. Model numbers included in the recall are: ANTILOP high chair blue Model # 701.467.92 ANTILOP high chair red Model # 501.467.93 ANTILOP high chair white Model # 300.697.24 Sold exclusively at: IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through January 2010 for about $20. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the high chairs and contact IKEA to obtain a free replacement seat restraint. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (866) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.ikea-usa.com http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12079.html

Target Recalls LED Flashlight Sets Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

McMath Law Blog — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:12:12 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of about 55,000 LED flashlight sets due to an increased fire hazard. Sold exclusively at Target, the agency said the flashlights can heat up to the point of causing a fire. The sets were sold from October 2010 to December 2011. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12080.html

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Triple Eight Distribution Due to Risk of Head Injury

McMath Law Blog — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:08:43 GMT

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: Bicycle helmets for children and youth Units: About 30,400 Importer: Triple Eight Distribution, Inc., of Port Washington, N.Y. Hazard: Product testing demonstrated that these helmets do not comply with CPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Consumers could suffer impact head injuries in a fall. Incidents/Injuries: None reported Description: The recalled items are multi-purpose helmets also sold for use as bicycle helmets. Little Tricky helmets are marketed for children and youth, and feature a large Little Tricky logo on both sides of the helmet. They come in one size and in black, white, pink and green. Triple Eight S/M EPS Liner helmets feature a hard black inner EPS foam liner and come in black, white, bone, blue and army green. Sector 9 S/M EPS Liner helmets feature the same EPS liner and come in gray, white, black, blue and green. Both the Triple Eight and Sector 9 helmets have an interior label indicating the size “S/M” for small/medium and a manufacture date indicated as month/year (ex. APR/2011). Only Triple Eight and Sector 9 size “S/M” EPS Liner helmets are affected. Sold at: Bicycle and sports stores and other retailers nationwide and online from August 2006 through November 2011 for about $40. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Triple Eight for a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Triple Eight toll free at (888) 548-8518 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.triple8.com http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12082.html

Proactive at the Ports: CPSC Stops Unsafe Products Before They Reach Consumers

McMath Law Blog — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:04:29 GMT

Stepped up efforts by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to be more proactive have resulted in hundreds of millions of violative or dangerous units of products being stopped at U.S. ports and prevented from ever reaching the hands of consumers. Working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), CPSC staff screened thousands of consumer products that were either in violation of U.S. standards or otherwise unsafe and stopped them from ever reaching store shelves. The hard work of CPSC and CBP staff in 2010 and 2011 resulted in more than 6.5 million units of about 1,700 different children's products being stopped at our nation's ports, due to safety concerns or the failure to meet federal safety standards. "Intercepting dangerous products as quickly and as early as possible, well before they make their way into the hands of children and other consumers, is consistent with our vision for CPSC to continue enhancing its protection of America's families," said Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. The products stopped are wide-ranging. In addition to toys and other children's products, items targeted at import include mattresses, art materials, household chemicals, lighters, fireworks, bike helmets and all-terrain vehicles. Some of the reasons they were stopped include violations of the standards for flammability, lead paint and lead content, phthalates and small parts. Port surveillance is not new. Imported products have long been screened at the port by CPSC and CBP. However, since its creation in 2008, CPSC's import surveillance and inspection team, has steadily increased the size of its staff at some of the largest U.S. ports of entry, at CPSC's headquarters and at a CBP operations center. "The marketplace of imported consumer goods has expanded rapidly in recent years requiring CPSC to take an increasingly global view of consumer product safety," said Carol Cave, Director of the Office of Import Surveillance and Inspection. "In response to the lead in paint recalls in 2007, CPSC started to place investigators at key ports of entry full time," Cave added. "Having CPSC staff who have the training and equipment necessary to identify non-complying products under CPSC jurisdiction at the ports has improved coordination and cooperation with CBP and industry." According to Cave, working side by side at the ports has lead to more effective import enforcement by reducing exam times and increasing interagency communication. "We are working smarter," adds Cave, "but, because of the large volume of products being imported that are under CPSC's jurisdiction, it is critical that, as the agency moves forward, we systematically evaluate the risk of incoming shipments and expand the number of staff inspecting merchandise." Chairman Tenenbaum is announcing that the results of efforts at the ports will be published regularly in 2012 to inform and reassure consumers that CPSC is on the job working to keep consumers safe by detecting and detaining dangerous or violative imports before they reach store shelves. "We want the American public to know that CPSC stands for safety and we are doing all we can to identify and stop unsafe products from being introduced to our marketplace, so that consumers will have fewer things to worry about," Tenenbaum said. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12083.html

Big Lots Recalls Approximately 43,700 Floor Lamps Due to Shock Hazard

McMath Law Blog — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:51:32 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of about 43,000 five-light floor lamps due to the risk of electric shock. Imported by Big Lots, the agency said the wiring on the light sockets can become exposed, increasing the risk of shock and injury to users. The light bulbs in the lamps can also overheat, causing the shades to melt. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12086.html

Arkansas Times Blog Addresses Comments by Gilbert Baker

McMath Law Blog — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:30:57 GMT

Max Brantley also took issue with the comments of State Senator Gilbert Baker. http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2012/01/02/corporations-eye-court-takeover

What's Eating Gilbert Baker?

McMath Law Blog — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:59:12 GMT

In this morning's frontpage Arkansas Deomcrat Gazette article entitled "Justice: Keep Drama out of Judicial Races", State Senator Gilbert Baker took exception with the efforts of the Arkansas Bar Association's Task Force on Judicial Election Reform. With regard to the task force's efforts to form a rapid response team to quickly rebut misleading advertisements about judicial candidates, Baker was quoted as saying, "[the task force] will try to eliminate the people's involement and eliminate free speech." So what is eating Gilbert Baker? It appears clear the aim of the task force is to clean up Arkansas judicial elections in order to prevent the million dollar judicial races filled with mudslinging and misleading advertising that have become so common place in states bordering ours. What is wrong with cleaning up judicial elections? The task force isn't trying to prevent Arkansans from voting in judicial elections. If anything the task force is searching for ways to provide the electorate with more and factually accurate information about judicial candidates. What's wrong with more information? I find it hard to imagine that the "people" Gilbert Baker references are the fine citizens of his district in Faulkner County. I think the more likely truth is that the "people" Baker references are the same "people" in the Citizens United opinion that says corporations have the same free speech rights as private individuals. If Baker has his way, these corporate "people", many of them out of state and some of them out of the country, will be able to flood the media markets of Arkansas with issue ads against judicial candidates and there will not be a rapid response team of Arkansas judges and Arkansas lawyers in place to combat the misinformation.

New Year; New Commitment to End Distracted Driving

McMath Law Blog — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:24:45 GMT

According to the Department of Transportation's National Highway Safety Administration, more than 3,000 peopled died in crashes related to distracted driving in 2010. Everyone should make a 2012 New Year's Resolution to put away their cell phones while driving.

Madeline Bed Canopy Recalled by Pottery Barn Kids Due to Impact Hazard

McMath Law Blog — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:20:26 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada have announced a recall of about 7,900 bed canopies due to increased risk of parts falling onto consumers. Imported by Pottery Barn Kids, the agencies found that "connections of the posts to the top rails of the canopy can come apart, allowing components of the canopy to fall." The company has received 33 reports of canopies falling, including one cut that required stitches. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12075.html

Navien Recalls Tankless Water Heaters Due to Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

McMath Law Blog — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:07:59 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of about 13,000 water heaters due to an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Imported by Navien America Inc., the agency said the heaters' "vent collar may separate or detach if pressure is applied," which could result in the release of carbon monoxide. There have been no injuries reported. Regardless of the type of water heater that is used, every home should have a CO alarm outside all sleeping areas and consumers should ensure that their CO alarms have working batteries. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12074.html

Children’s Robes Recalled by Hanna Andersson Due to Violation of the Federal Flammability Standard

McMath Law Blog — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:40:47 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of about 1,000 children's fleece robes due to the failure to comply with flammability requirements. Imported by Hanna Andersson, the agency reported the robes do not meet Federal Flammability Standards, and can therefor pose an increased risk of burn injuries. There have been no injuries reported. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12070.html

NFL Sued by Retired Players for Brain-Injury Monitoring

McMath Law Blog — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:29:31 GMT

It is going to be very interesting to see what becomes of these brain injury lawsits against the NFL. At the very least, hopefully additional awareness of brain injuries and the causes of brain injuries will be brought to the forefront. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-20/ex-nfl-players-sue-league-seeking-medical-monitoring-of-brain-injuries.html

Really Good Article on Elder Abuse with Input from Former Pulaski County Coroner Mark Malcolm

McMath Law Blog — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:26:51 GMT

Here is the link: http://www.propublica.org/article/gone-without-a-case-suspicious-elder-deaths-rarely-investigated

Bugaboo Bee Strollers Recalled by Bugaboo Americas Due to Fall Hazard

McMath Law Blog — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:24:24 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 64,000 car seat adapters due to a fall hazard. Imported by Bugaboo Americas, the agency said when the seat is used on a stroller and positioned so the child is facing forward, the seat can disconnect and fall. There has been one report of the seat disconnecting from the frame and a minor injury occurred. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12066.html

Holiday Safety Alert: Consumer Injuries Involving Decorations and Decorating Are on the Rise

McMath Law Blog — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:54:39 GMT

Holiday decorating plans do not normally include lacerations, falls and fires. Unfortunately, these hazards make an unwelcome appearance in the homes of thousands of consumers each year. To help avoid hidden decorating dangers, CPSC and UL are providing families with tips for a safe holiday home. Reports of falls from ladders while stringing lights and hanging decorations, incidents of lacerations from broken glass ornaments and other holiday-related injuries are increasing. During November and December 2010, CPSC estimates that more than 13,000 people were treated in emergency departments nationwide due to injuries involving holiday decorations. This is an increase from 10,000 in 2007 and 12,000 in 2008 and in 2009. Although estimates of deaths and injuries related to Christmas tree and candle fires are down, there are still an alarming number of incidents. Live trees or other evergreen decorations that have dried out burn fast and hot in a matter of seconds if they come in contact with an open flame. Between 2006 and 2008, there was an annual average of four deaths and $18 million in property damage related to Christmas tree fires. During this same time period, CPSC received reports of about 130 deaths and $360 million in property losses related to candle fires. "A well-watered tree, carefully placed candles, and carefully checked holiday light sets will help prevent the joy of the holidays from turning into a trip to the emergency room or the loss of your home," said Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Follow CPSC's safety tips and give your family the gift of a safe holiday home." "This is easily the busiest time of year, but it's important to make time for safety while celebrating the holidays," said John Drengenberg, director of consumer safety at UL. "By committing a few minutes each day to safety, many accidents can be avoided and your holidays will be memorable for all the right reasons." CPSC and UL suggest using the following 12 safety tips to help keep your holiday home safe this year: Trees and Decorations Buying live trees, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, its needles are hard to pull from branches, and its needles do not break when bent between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin and, when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles. Setting up a tree at home, place it away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents, and radiators. Because heated rooms rapidly dry out live trees, be sure to monitor water levels daily and keep the tree stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic, and do not block doorways with the tree. Buying an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean that the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate that the tree is more resistant to catching fire. Decorating a tree in homes with small children, take special care to avoid sharp, weighted, or breakable decorations. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children who could swallow or inhale small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them. Candles Keep burning candles within sight. Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room, or leave the house. Keep candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface where kids and pets cannot reach them or knock them over. Lighted candles should be placed away from items that can catch fire and burn easily, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture. Lights Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Lights for both indoor and outdoor usage must meet strict requirements that testing laboratories are able to verify. On most decorative lights available in stores, UL's red holographic label signifies that the product meets safety requirements for indoor and outdoor usage. UL's holographic label, with the green UL Mark, signifies it meets requirements for only indoor usage. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets and do not use electric lights on a metallic tree. Check each extension cord to make sure it is rated for the intended use. Check outdoor lights for labels showing that the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI. Fireplaces Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if swallowed. Keep them away from children. Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely. To find more valuable safety information for keeping your home safe and bright this holiday season, please visit www.cpsc.gov or UL's www.SafetyAtHome.com

The Pampered Chef Recalls Ice Cream Dippers Due to Impact Injury Hazard

McMath Law Blog — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:51:35 GMT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 20,000 ice cream dippers, sold by The Pampered Chef, due to risk of injury. The agency reported that the cap and seal of the scoop can "fly off with substantial force" when exposed to warm water. There have been six reports of injuries from the defects, including cuts and bruises. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12062.html

Target Recalls Circo Childrens’ Travel Cases Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

McMath Law Blog — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:47:56 GMT

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: Circo 17” Children’s Travel Cases Units: About 139,000 units Importer: Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, Minn. Hazard: The surface coating on the travel cases contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Incidents/Injuries: None reported Description: The Circo brand label is found on the fabric handle attached to the top of the travel case. The girls’ version has a heart/butterfly/daisy pattern on either a pink or teal background with a plush butterfly attached to the zipper pull. The boys’ version has a pattern of three jet planes in red/blue/green on a red or blue airplane-patterned background with a blue plush jet plane attached to the zipper pull. Travel cases covered by this recall include: Style Description UPC Number Date Codes* Circo girls’ 17” travel case – pink or teal 618842135844 Beginning with 01/11 thru 08/11 Circo boys’ 17” travel case – red or blue 618842135868 Beginning with 01/11 thru 08/11 *Date codes can be found on either the round Circo hang tag underneath the UPC bar code or on the second white tag sewn inside the cover of the zippered main compartment of the travel case. Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide and Target.com from April 2011 through August 2011 for approximately $21. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to any Target store for a refund. Customer contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.target.com http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12064.html

E&B Giftware Agrees to $550,000 Civil Penalty for Failing to Report Defective Fitness Balls

McMath Law Blog — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:44:31 GMT

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that it has reached a settlement with E&B Giftware LLC (E&B), of Yonkers, N.Y., resolving CPSC staff allegations that E&B failed to report a defect with its fitness balls. In settling this matter, E&B has agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $550,000. The settlement agreement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission. CPSC staff alleged that E&B’s subsidiary, EB Brands, LLC (EB Brands), knew of 25 incidents related to the defective balls as early as 2007, but failed to immediately inform the Commission as required by federal law. Some of these incidents led to consumers being injured. By October 2008, when EB Brands reported to the Commission, EB Brands knew of at least 44 incidents involving the fitness balls. EB Brands sold three million of the fitness balls from May 2000 through February 2009. They were recalled in April 2009. At that time, there were 47 reports of the fitness balls unexpectedly bursting when overinflated by consumers, resulting in injuries, including a fracture and bruises. Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors and retailers to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or fails to comply with any consumer product safety rule or any other rule, regulation, standard or ban enforced by CPSC. In agreeing to the settlement, E&B denies CPSC staff allegations that it knowingly violated the law. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12060.html

Build-A-Bear Agrees to $600,000 Civil Penalty for Failing to Report Defective Toy Beach Chairs

McMath Law Blog — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:41:53 GMT

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (Build-A-Bear), of St. Louis, has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $600,000. The penalty settlement agreement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission. The settlement resolves CPSC staff allegations that Build-A-Bear failed to immediately report a defect involving its toy bear beach chair that resulted in incidents and injuries to consumers. The sharp edges of the chair’s folding wooden frame can pinch, lacerate or amputate a child’s fingertip if the finger is caught between the frame as the chair is folded. Build-A-Bear sold the beach chairs through its website and at Build-A-Bear stores between March 2001 and October 2008. The company became aware of 10 reports of injury between July 2007 and January 2009, yet did not report to the Commission until March 2009. Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors and retailers to report to CPSC within 24 hours after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect, which could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or fails to comply with any consumer product safety rule or any other rule, regulation, standard or ban enforced by CPSC. CPSC and Build-A-Bear announced a recall of about 260,000 beach chairs in May 2009. In agreeing to the settlement, Build-A-Bear denies CPSC staff allegations as to the existence of a defect or hazard or that it violated the law. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12058.html

Arkansas Mutual Cuts Rates by 12.5 Percent - Because of Its Selection of Doctors Not Tort Reform

McMath Law Blog — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:59:45 GMT

In an interesting read by Mark Friedman in Arkansas Business, Arkansas Mutual Insurance Company of Little Rock announced it was cutting medical liabiltiy insurance premiums by 12.5%. According to Arkansas Mutual CEO Corey Little, the premium savings are attributable to the fact that Arkansas Mutual has been "very selective" in which doctors it chooses to insure and has controlled its loses. Little said the insurance carrier rejected about 150 doctors who wanted into the plan. It currently writes insurance for about 300 doctors. Little made no statement that premiums were going down due to the 2003 tort reform measures. Those in favor of tort reform have long lobbied that passing tort reform measures would lead to premium savings for doctors. Little's comments seem to say the opposite. Here is the link to Mark Friedman's article: http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=129585.54928.141723&cID=9