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: Husqvarna Riding Lawn Tractors

Units: About 1,700

Manufacturer: Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: The fuel line on the rear-mounted fuel tank is too long and can come in contact with moving parts while the tractor is in use, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 53 reports of fuel line damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves gas-powered Husqvarna riding lawn tractors designed for residential use. The lawn tractor’s model and serial numbers are printed on an identification plate located underneath the tractor seat.

Models and serials numbers included in the recall are: GTH27V52LS lawn tractors with model numbers 96043009100 and 96043009900, with serial numbers 010810A00XXXX through 05061000XXXX.

Sold by: Husqvarna authorized dealers nationwide from January 2010 to May 2010 for about $3,000.

Manufactured in: U.S.A.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled riding tractors and contact Husqvarna to arrange a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information or to schedule a free repair, contact Husqvarna toll-free at 877 257-6921 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET Saturday. Consumers can also visit the firm’s website at www.husqvarna.us/july2010Alert

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: Baja Motorsports Mini Bikes and Go-Carts

Units: About 308,000

Importer: Baja Inc., d/b/a Baja Motorsports, of Phoenix, Ariz.

Hazard: The gas cap can leak or detach from the fuel tank on the recalled mini bikes and go-carts, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. In addition, the throttle can stick due to an improperly positioned fuel line and throttle cable, posing a sudden acceleration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received at least 9 reports of the gas caps leaking and detaching, including one report of a serious burn injury to a child. The firm has also received 25 reports of stuck throttles possibly due to the fuel line and throttle cable being improperly attached with injuries to the face and other parts of the body reported.

Description: This recall involved Baja Motorsports mini bikes with model numbers beginning with HT65, MB165, WR65, MB196, DB30, WR90 and DR90 and go-carts with model numbers BB65, SD65, DN65 and TR65. The model number is located on the mini bikes’ fenders and/or decorative fuel tank and on the go-carts’ roll cage. They both have black plastic gas caps.

Sold at: Various mini bike and go-cart retailers nationwide from November 2004 through June, 2010 for between $200 and $2000. They were also available from the following web sites: Costco.com; Amazon.com; toysrus.com; northerntool.com; sears.com; and kmart.com.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mini bikes and go-carts and contact Baja Motorsports for a free replacement gas cap and to schedule a free repair of the fuel line and throttle cable.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Baja Motorsports toll-free at (888) 863-2252 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.bajamotorsports.net

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: Suzuki QuadSport ATVs

Units: About 1,355

Distributors: American Suzuki Motor Corp., of Brea, California; Montgomery Motors, Ltd., of Honolulu, Hawaii; Suzuki del Caribe Inc., of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

Hazard: The flame arrester screen can become detached from its mounting ring, preventing the throttle valve from returning to the idle position when the throttle lever is released and causing the rider to lose control of the ATV. This poses a serious hazard of injury or death.

Incidents/Injuries: American Suzuki has received two reports of flame arrester screens detaching from the mounting ring. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves all Suzuki 2009 model year LT-Z400K9 (QuadSport Z400) and LT-Z400ZK9 (QuadSport Z400 Special Edition) ATVs. “QuadSport Z400″ or “QuadSport Z400Z” is written on the sides and left front fender of the ATV. “Suzuki” is written on the sides of the ATV.

Sold at: Suzuki ATV dealers nationwide from September 2008 through June 2010 for between $6,500 and $6,700.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact a local Suzuki ATV dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. Consumers with recalled ATVs are being sent a notice directly from Suzuki.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Suzuki at (800) 444-5077 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.suzukicycles.com

On Friday, January 30, 2009, at 4:06 p.m. MST, a 2007 Chevrolet/Starcraft 29-passenger bus, operated by DW Tour and Charter and carrying 16 passengers and the driver, crashed on U.S. Highway 93 on a return trip from Grand Canyon West to Las Vegas. The bus came to rest on the southbound side of the four-lane divided highway after veering out of its northbound lane, crossing the median and rolling over. Seven passengers were killed, and nine passengers and the driver sustained minor to serious injuries.

In its investigation the NTSB found that other factors, in addition to the driver’s failure to maintain control of his vehicle, contributed to the accident and its severity.

Had the vehicle been equipped with a lane departure warning system, the driver would have been alerted upon the initial drift from the driving lane. A stability control system, already widely used in automobiles, could have reduced the likelihood of the driver losing control of the bus and rolling over.

“Along with the efforts being made to address the issue of distracted driving, lane departure warning technology and stability control systems can help prevent accidents like the one in Dolan Springs from ever occurring,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.

The Safety Board determined that because the U.S. Department of Transportation has yet to establish consistent classifications for each bus body type in operation, it is unclear whether current bus safety initiatives affect medium-sized buses. The Board also found that if there were Federal standards addressing occupant protection, roof strength and window-glazing, the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes in medium-sized bus and motorcoach rollovers would be reduced.

From this investigation the NTSB made the following recommendations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): require new commercial vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds to be outfitted with lane departure warning systems, stability control systems, and safer overhead luggage racks; develop standard regulatory classifications and definitions for all bus body types; include all buses above 10,000 pounds, other than school buses, in rulemaking on occupant protection, roof strength and window glazing; and require all buses above 10,000 pounds to be equipped with data recording systems.

A synopsis of the Board’s report, including the probable cause, conclusions, and recommendations, is available on the NTSB’s website, at http://www.ntsb.gov/Publictn/2010/HAR1001.htm

The Board’s full report will be available on the website in several weeks.

The purpose of the meeting will be to determine probable cause of the accident and to consider proposed safety recommendations to reduce the likelihood of future such mishaps.

On Friday, January 30, 2009, at 4:06 p.m. MST, a 2007 Chevrolet/Starcraft 29-passenger bus, operated by DW Tour and Charter and carrying 16 passengers and the driver, crashed on U.S. Highway 93 on a return trip from Grand Canyon West to Las Vegas. The bus came to rest on the southbound side of the four-lane divided highway after veering out its northbound lane, crossing the median and rolling over. Seven passengers were killed, and nine passengers and the driver sustained minor to serious injuries.

The Board meeting will be held in Washington on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. EDT, in the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center at 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.

A live and archived webcast of the proceedings will be available on the Board’s website at http://www.ntsb.gov/Events/Boardmeeting.htm. Technical support details are available under “Board Meetings.” To report any problems, please call 703-993-3100 and ask for Webcast Technical Support.

A summary of the Board’s final report, which will include its findings, probable cause and safety recommendations, will appear on the website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting. The entire report will appear on the website several weeks later.

Directions to the NTSB Board Room: Front door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L’Enfant Plaza. From the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station, exit via the 9th and D Street escalator, walk through corridor and shopping mall, and take the escalator (adjacent to the CVS store) down one level. The Board Room is on the left.

• Physical—This occurs when an elder is injured as a result of hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, burning, or other show of force.
• Sexual—This involves forcing an elder to take part in a sexual act when the elder does not or cannot consent.
• Emotional—This refers to behaviors that harm an elder’s self-worth or emotional well being. Examples include name calling, scaring, embarrassing, destroying property, or not letting the elder see friends and family.
• Neglect—This is the failure to meet an elder’s basic needs. These needs include food, housing, clothing, and medical care.
• Abandonment—This happens when a caregiver leaves an elder alone and no longer provides care for him or her.
• Financial—This is illegally misusing an elder’s money, property, or assets.

Why is elder maltreatment a public health problem?
Elder maltreatment is a serious problem in the United States. There is a lack of data but what we do know is that:

• In 1996, 551,000 persons ages 60 and older were the victim of elder abuse, neglect, and/or self-neglect in domestic settings.

Many cases are not reported because elders are afraid to tell police, friends, or family about the violence. Victims have to decide: tell someone they are being hurt or continue being abused by someone they depend upon or care for deeply

How does elder maltreatment affect health?
Elder maltreatment can have several physical and emotional effects on an elder.
Many victims suffer physical injuries. Some are minor like cuts, scratches, bruises, and welts. Others are more serious and can cause lasting disabilities. These include head injuries, broken bones, constant physical pain, and soreness. Physical injuries can also lead to premature death and make existing health problems worse.
Elder maltreatment can have emotional effects as well. Victims are often fearful and anxious. They may have problems with trust and be wary around others.

Who is at risk for elder maltreatment?
Several factors can increase the risk that someone will hurt an elder. However, having these risk factors does not always mean violence will occur.
Some of the risk factors for hurting an elder include:

• Using drugs or alcohol, especially drinking heavily
• High levels of stress
• Lack of social support
• High emotional or financial dependence on the elder
• Lack of training in taking care of elders
• Depression

Elder maltreatment is a significant public health problem. Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. In the United States alone, over 500,000 older adults are believed to be abused or neglected each year. These statistics are likely an underestimate because many victims are unable or afraid to tell the police, family, or friends about the violence.

There are six types of maltreatment that occur in people over the age of 60. These include:

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Neglect
• Abandonment
• Financial Abuse

Working to prevent elder maltreatment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to prevent violence before it occurs. Our activities include:

• Documenting the extent of the problem;
• Conducting research on the factors that put people at risk or protect them from violence;
• Creating and evaluating the effectiveness of prevention programs;
• Helping state and local partners plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programs; and
• Conducting research on the effective adoption and dissemination of prevention strategies.

Personal injury lawsuits often involve a number of emotional and psychological disorders in addition to medical and financial issues. One psychological disorder commonly found in conjunction with serious accidents is post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD is a psychosocial disorder that develops after an instance or period of severe trauma or stress. PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder and, depending on the degree of severity, can be crippling for sufferers. PTSD can interfere with work & personal relationships and severely hinder one’s quality of life.

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

It is important that loved ones look for symptoms of PTSD in victims of serious accidents in the months following the incident. There may be a significant lag time before PTSD symptoms become noticeable, so symptoms could still develop later even if they aren’t immediately visible.

Potential warning signs to look out for include the following:

• • If the accident victim complains of frequent flashbacks to the time of the event. These flashbacks are often very vivid and can cause serious anxiety and upset when they occur.
• Recurring and upsetting memories of the accident that interfere with normal thought processes throughout the day
• Amnesia in regards to certain aspects of the event
• Upsetting dreams and nightmares
• Agoraphobia, or fear of social interaction
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or anger outbursts that cannot be controlled and interfere with relationships
• Difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep throughout the night

If left untreated, PTSD can continue to worsen until the accident victim is no longer able to function. As soon as symptoms of PTSD are observed in an accident victim, treatment should be sought with an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.

To find out more about PTSD and personal injury cases, visit the website of the Iowa personal injury lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C.

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating accidents out there, and the reason are fairly obvious. Trucks, and when I say trucks I’m referring to semi-trucks or tractor trailer trucks, are the largest vehicle on the road, outweighing most other vehicles by thousands of pounds. And when one of those trucks hits another vehicle, which most of the time is not another semi-truck, the results are disastrous.

But these kinds of accidents don’t have to happen. We can prevent them by simply preventing one of the most common causes of truck accidents – driver fatigue.

As any truck accident attorney will attest, driver fatigue accounts for an extremely large majority of the causes of truck accidents out there. And, though it will lighten their pockets considerably, any truthful truck accident lawyer will tell you these accidents are completely preventable. Here are a couple of ideas to reduce this tragedy.

First, truck drivers need to be made aware that they may be suffering from sleep disorders and be provided the tools to diagnose and treat any sleeping disorders that may exist. There is nothing worse than an accident that could be prevented by awareness and perhaps medication.

Second, making it okay for truck drivers to stop and rest when they are tired. As I stated in the abstract, truck drivers are pushed to the limits of their abilities when it comes to hours driven. And though there are standards out there, many times drivers will push through to make it to a destination despite their lack of sleep. A cultural shift needs to occur that makes it okay to stop and rest.

Third, the government needs to help out with number two by providing adequate places for trucks to pull off the road to rest. Many truckers have their beds in the cab of their truck so they can sleep anywhere anytime. But if there is no place for them to safely park their vehicle, it is going to be impossible for them to stop and rest.

By adopting these simple solutions we should be able to greatly reduce the number of semi-truck accidents out there. Let’s get to work on this!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Small

Stinnette Law Website

Stinnette Law, a Clearwater personal injury law firm serving Pinellas county, has launched a new marketing campaign reflecting their longtime commitment to customer service. The campaign, which includes a new logo, website, and robust outdoor marketing strategy, highlights the firm’s commitment to providing quality customer service.

Walk into Stinnette Personal Injury Law offices, and you will notice that there is something different about this law firm. The marble columns and ornate architecture standard among legal firms have instead been replaced by an open, well-lit studio space furnished with a contemporary but professional flair. “It’s an office that I felt immediately comfortable in,” says Jarrod Wright, the artist and owner of Subtle Network Design, the Clearwater marketing firm working to develop the new image for Stinnette Law. “It’s a nice place to conduct business.”

From the comfortable, approachable design of the studio to the warm handshake you receive upon entering, Stinnette Personal Injury Law feels less like visiting a law firm and more like visiting with friends. “I think we just appreciate the difficulty of what a lot of our clients are going through and we firmly believe it’s part of our responsibility not to add to that stress in any way. We’re here to help, and we always want our clients to understand that,” says Andrew Stinnette, the owner and founding attorney at Stinnette Personal Injury Law.

Despite the warm and comfortable office atmosphere, the firm is serious about its clients. “We’re as about business as anybody,” says Stinnette, “the next part of our job is to get results for our clients. We know it’s a privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility and we take that very seriously.”

Stinnette Law offers legal services in the area of personal injury law, including Clearwater car accident lawyer, slip and fall, wrongful death and serious work injuries. Located in downtown Dunedin, Florida, Stinnette Law serves all of Pinellas County, including Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

The new website: http://www.pinellaspersonalinjurylaw.com is currently live, and the outdoor campaigns will be visible around Clearwater and Dunedin in the coming months. The firm’s new tagline, “a personal approach to personal injury law” characterizes their approach to injury and auto accident law and reaffirms their commitment to clients.