Product Safety & Liability Reporter: Current Reports Index-Summary

FALL HAZARDS

– Ladders

– Scaffolding

FARM EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

– Animal feed, antibiotic link to family's health ailments, expert causation testimony (N.M. Ct. App.), 1099
– Cattle dip containing arsenic not unreasonably dangerous per se, successor corporation liability (La. Ct. App.), 1149
– Corn moving system allegedly defective, settlement with equipment dealer application to manufacturer (Minn.), 532
– Pesticides

See PESTICIDES

FAT REDUCTION

– Drugs

See DIET DRUGS

FATALITY STATISTICS

See INJURY INFORMATION

FDA

See FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)

FECA

See FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ACT (FECA)

FEDERAL AGENCIES

See also specific agencies and departments
– E-Rulemaking, OIRA guidelines coming soon, 1230
– Reporting requirements increase

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2142

FEDERAL BUDGET

See BUDGET, U.S.

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ACT (FECA)

– Preemption, railroad workers, strict liability for asbestos exposure (Pa. Super. Ct.), 42

FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT (FFDCA)

– Medical Device Amendments, preemption

See PREEMPTION

– Off-label use, artificial disc, promotion as negligence per se, sale with knowledge of prescribing physician plan (9th Cir.), 159
– Preemption

See PREEMPTION

FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (FMCSA)

– Deputy administrator, Bronrott nominated, 367

FEDERAL PREEMPTION

See PREEMPTION

FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY ACT (FRSA)

– Preemption, strict liability claim for asbestos exposure (Pa. Super. Ct.), 42

FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE (FRCP)

– Rule 23, national class of consumers suffering loss from recall of heart rate regulating drug seek certification (S.D. W.Va.), 122; MDL judge declines to certify classes, 607

FEES

– Attorneys' fees

See ATTORNEYS' FEES

FEN-PHEN

– Class action settlement, lawyer disbarred for misleading clients (Ky.), 605

FENTANYL

– Breach of warranty and negligent misrepresentation/fraudulent concealment, Fla. law requires privity (M.D. Fla.), 218
– Intoxication death, Okla. Consumer Protection Act inapplicable to prescription drug makers (S.D. W.Va.), 569
– Pharmacy liability for dispensing, design flaw, fraudulent joinder to defeat diversity (S.D.N.Y.), 160
– Pleading standards satisfied, breach of warranty and negligent misrepresentation claims (N.D. Cal.), 501
– Punitive damages claim against maker of FDA-approved drug, fraud-based exception not preempted (D. Utah), 991
– Strict liability and negligence, complaint satisfies pleading standards, defective product caused lethal dosage (E.D. Mo.), 444
– Wrongful death, reliability of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry test of femoral artery blood (Tex. Ct. App.), 357

FFDCA

See FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT (FFDCA)

FINES

See PENALTIES

FIRE SAFETY AND FLAMMABILITY

– Acura TSX, Honda voluntarily recalls for power steering hose defect, fire hazard, Recall #10V-174, 478; BNA monthly recall report, 641
– Amana, Comfort-Aire, and Century air conditioners/heat pumps, burn or fire hazard, BNA monthly recall report, 84
– Butane candle lighters, Zippo Slatkin & Co., excessive flame, burn hazard, voluntary recall, 107; BNA monthly recall report, 256
– Candles, metallic taper silver and gold painted, BNA monthly recall report, 1284
– Chest freezers, fire hazard, Haier voluntary recall, 1157; BNA monthly recall report, 1284
– Dishwashers

– – Condensation in electronics system, fire hazard, recall, 1138; BNA monthly recall report, 1284
– – Heating element electrical problem, Maytag recall, 616; BNA monthly recall report, 742

– Flame-retardant chemicals

– – Bioaccumulative nature, makers asked to provide health information and data, 403
– – Brominated and chlorinated, health concerns, call for more toxicity data, 1137
– – Decabromodiphenyl ether toxic designation, Env't Canada updates screening assessment, 952
– – Hexabromocyclododecane

– – – EPA action plan, 906
– – – Toxic designation proposed, Env't Canada seeks comments, 952

– Ford Minibus, NHTSA upgraded preliminary evaluation of HVAC switch failure to engineering analysis, 451
– Halogen lamp alleged cause of fire, expert fails to address alternative causation theories (Tex.), 652
– Heated washer fluid system fire risk, GM 2006-2009 model vehicles, NHTSA Recall #10V-240, 619; BNA monthly recall report, 742
– Labs testing children's rugs and vinyl apparel, CPSC accreditation requirements, 714; final rule, 773
– Mattresses

– – Ignition source cigarettes in flammability tests, CPSC proposed rule, 1155
– – Tropical Bedding Mfg., BNA monthly recall report, 519

– Oscillating ceramic heaters, BNA monthly recall report, 1284
– Ranges

– – GE Americana, insurer and homeowner claims, circumstantial proof of manufacturing defect caused fire (M.D. La.), 446
– – Smoothtop cooktops and slide-in, liquids pool under control knobs, fire hazard, recall, 1138; BNA monthly recall report, 1284

– Robes and slumber shorts, children's sleepwear standard, BNA monthly recall report, 641
– Sleepwear for children, third-party labs testing, CPSC draft accreditation requirements, 1153; final rule, 1224
– Third-party labs testing children's mattresses and textiles, CPSC draft accreditation requirements, 825; approved, members divided on Congress's intent, 848; revision of certification terms, 1193

FIREARMS AND WEAPONS

– Mortar shell explosion, army training exercise

– – Defective product, jury verdict (D. Haw.), 1244
– – Government contractor defense, decision (9th Cir.), 1244

– Taser guns

See TASER GUNS

FIREPLACES

– Front glass panels hot temperatures, class certified (N.D. Cal), 208

FIREWORKS

– Importers, 4 companies agree to pay civil penalty, settle alleged safety violations, 1227
– Super Lightning Rockets, BNA monthly recall report, 742

FLAMMABILITY

See FIRE SAFETY AND FLAMMABILITY

FLORIDA

– Aircraft carburetor problems, prior malfunctions not similar enough, admission as evidence (Fla. Dist. Ct. App.), 972
– Airplane crash in Guatamala fatal, GARA not applicable under state rules (S.D. Fla.), 498
– Benlate, fern crops damages award overturned, separate trials ordered for Costa Rican farmers (Fla. Dist. Ct. App.), 1238
– Bilingual warnings, propane heater, duty to provide (S.D. Fla.), 1211
– Car seat allegedly broke in accident, child's head injury, statute of limitations (N.D. Fla.), 561
– Cigarettes

– – Causation proven, damages to widow of longtime smoker upheld (Fla. Dist. Ct. App.), 1268
– – Damages award to former smoker with emphysema reduced (Fla. Cir. Ct.), 183
– – Smoker started in early teens, failed to quit, lung cancer death, jury award (Fla. Cir. Ct.), 272

– Drywall from China, toxic gases damaged homes alleged, class certified (Fla. Cir. Ct.), 588
– Enfamil baby formula, nutrients content advertising claims, class certified (S.D. Fla.), 1185
– Gas tank placement in Crown Victoria, state trooper's widow sues Ford (Fla. Cir. Ct.), 842
– Hip prosthesis maker, strict liability, negligence, warranty breach, state law claims preempted (M.D. Fla.), 333
– HRT, woman's suit transferred, forum non conveniens (D. Minn.), 1152
– Immunity, U.S. and state statutes of repose, affirmative defense, litigation shield (Fla. Dist. Ct. App.), 271
– Knee implant, strict liability and negligence claims against maker, pleading standards met (M.D. Fla.), 709
– Medical monitoring, hazardous substances exposure no manifest physical injury, claims in equity, BNA Insight, 428
– Metoclopramide, prescribing practices of doctor after mandatory 2009 black box warning, failure to warn claim (M.D. Fla.), 1273
– Over-the-counter drug, Tylenol Cold heat-related illness risk, preemption of failure to warn claim (Fla. Dist. Ct.), 49; (U.S., rev sought), 1241
– Pain pumps

– – Failure to identify maker, strict liability and negligence claims (M.D. Fla.), 212
– – Naming 2 companies sufficiently identifies defendant, motion to dismiss denied (N.D. Fla.), 994

– Recreational vehicle crash, Goodyear G159 tire allegedly defective, jury awards $5.6M (Fla. Cir. Ct.), 681
– Rollovers, substantial similarity doctrine wrongly applied, $11M verdict overturned (Fla. Ct App.), 652
– Spinal disc maker, brochure and website statements and photos, breach of warranty claim (S.D. Fla.), 993
– Tobacco industry lawsuits, Engle progeny cases

– – Damages of $80M awarded to daughter, smoker died of lung cancer (Fla. Cir. Ct.), 1183
– – Nicotine addiction from cigarettes, laryngeal cancer (Fla. Cir. Ct.), 1073
– – Plaintiffs use of jury findings from earlier state court case (11th Cir.), 785

– Toyota sudden unintended acceleration, class action stayed pending resolution for transfer to MDL (S.D. Fla.), 948
– Trasylol MDL, labeling requirements, regulatory expert testimony exclusion (S.D. Fla.), 1149

FMCSA

See FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (FMCSA)

FOOD

– Beverages

See BEVERAGES

– Blueberry farmers' crop damages claims, pesticides risk misrepresentation (3d Cir.), 838
– Canned tuna, failure to warn, mercury poisoning from eating (D.N.J.), 395
– Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries cereal, nutritional value from fruit misleading, class action denied (N.D. Cal.), 734
– Consumer fraud class actions, underlying science shaky, rigorous review required, Analysis & Perspective, 55
– Diacetyl in popcorn butter flavoring

– – At-home exposure alleged cause of lung disease (E.D. Wash.), 733
– – Labeling of Orville Redenbacher and Act II microwave popcorn, class certification denied (C.D. Cal.), 944
– – Largest verdict to date, BASF to appeal $30M award (Ill. Cir. Ct.), 943
– – Settlement, Chemtura and Chemtura Canada agreement with 347 claimants (S.D.N.Y.), 943

– E. coli infection, tainted hamburger alleged cause, dancer and meat producer settlement (D. Minn.), 496
– Grilled chicken

– – Cancer-causing chemical warning, suit reinstated (Cal. Ct. App.), 870; (Cal., rev den), 1130
– – “Kentucky Grilled Chicken” meal coupon, breach of contract and fraud claim, class action (N.D. Ill.), 765

– Imported, FDA program allows better targeted inspections, launch, 147
– Infant formula

– – Bacteria in powder caused brain damage, La. failure to warn (D. Minn.), 442
– – Beetle bits, Similac powder form, class action filed after voluntary recall

– – – Misleading product quality and safety information alleged (E.D. La.), 1050
– – – Withholding information alleged (N.D. Ill.), 1095

– – Melamine contamination, China, officials concealed, 31; forum non conveniens motion granted, China is proper forum (D. Md.), 415
– – Meningitis and brain damage alleged from Abbott product, attorneys pro hac vice status (N.C.), 728
– – Nutrients content in Enfamil brand, advertising claims, class certified (S.D. Fla.), 1185

– Larvae-containing candy, eaten in pet store, sealed packaging, removal from shipping container in store (M.D. Tenn.), 162
– Lead contamination in baby foods and drinks possible, class action filed (D. Colo.), 762
– McDonald's advertising misleading, health effects of daily dining, class certification denied (S.D.N.Y.), 1151
– Mussel shell in pasta dish, customer chokes, claims against restaurant (D. Nev.), 735
– Salmonella

– – Eggs contamination alleged, class action targets 2 Iowa farms (N.D. Ill.), 989
– – Peanut butter, causation issues (N.D. Ga.), 1049

– Vitamins and dietary supplements

See VITAMINS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

– Zero trans fat labeling, Hostess snack foods, class action dismissed (C.D. Cal.), 1164

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)

– Avandia, maker awareness of risks, diabetes drug, Senate panel report, 190
– Bisphenol A

– – Dietary exposure, agency urged to set high standard, 613
– – Web site for parents launched, outlines continuing effort to determine health risks, 74

– Declaration of principles to govern imports safety, 10 federal agencies agreement, 1136
– Drug safety, Public Citizen wants ban on Darvocet, Meridia, and Avandia, 247; Grassley says new drug safety office independent of office that approves drugs for market needed, 472; Avandia use restrictions, announcement, 996
– Foreign inspections and mandatory drug recalls, agency authority, update to Congress, 246
– Good manufacturing practice requirements, adulterated generic metaprolol, Mo. law preemption, private right of action (E.D. Mo.), 41
– Imported food and drugs, new program allows better targeted inspections, launch, 147
– Medical devices, more comprehensive approach to post approval monitoring and analysis of safety and effectiveness urged, 357
– Nanotechnology research, FY2011 budget funding request, 199
– Pregnancy, collaboration with private researchers to study safety of prescription drugs, 28
– Premarket clearance process, medical devices, substantially equivalent and safe and effective, 248
– Prescription drug side effects, proposed rule augments existing requirements, 335
– Public disclosure draft proposals, potential impact on product liability litigation, 829
– Sentinel, post market drug safety program, priority on patient privacy, 72

FORMALDEHYDE

– Clothing, levels pose no inhalation risk, GAO report, 876
– Composite wood products emissions limits

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 4805, S 1660

– Draft toxicological review, EPA releases, 610; Waxman welcomes review, 611; meeting speakers challenge finding, 637

FORUM NON CONVENIENS

– China, melamine contamination of infant formula, Chinese courts would provide adequate forum for claims (D. Md.), 415
– Deepwater drilling rig, suit for unreasonably dangerous derrick should be tried in Houston despite injury in Singapore (Tex. Ct. App.), 394
– HRT, Fla. woman's suit transferred (D. Minn.), 1152
– Limitations period, Taiwanese plaintiffs' claims against blood product makers, blood contaminated with HIV (7th Cir.), 330
– Mexico, accident re Ford SUVs and Firestone tires, MDL court prevents Mexican citizens from pursuing claims in Tex. (U.S., rev den), 656
– Oxycontin, non-state plaintiffs disallowed (N.Y. App. Div.), 1020
– Pain pumps

– – Negligence claim, Minn. not inconvenient venue for Mich. maker (D. Minn.), 1074
– – Transfer of case to plaintiffs' home state of N.C. (D. Minn.), 759

– Plaintiff's residence, drug developed, marketed, and sold in Pa., failure to warn of risk of heart attack in taking Adderall (Pa. Super. Ct.), 329
– Tire tread separation and rollover accident in Mexico, dismissal reversed (Cal. Ct. App.), 589

FOSAMAX

– Bellwether cases

– – Graves case, verdict for Merck (S.D.N.Y.), 1212
– – Maley case, summary judgment to Merck denied (S.D.N.Y.), 116; verdict for Merck, 466

– Causation of jaw osteonecrosis not proven, Merck summary judgment affirmed (2d Cir.), 1168
– Limitations period, cross-jurisdictional class action, Va. law, diversity claim (S.D.N.Y.), 272
– Proximate cause on failure to warn, woman failed to introduce evidence to support (S.D.N.Y.), 328; retrial, Merck to challenge $8M award, 679; appeals planned, 1073

FRANCE

– Bisphenol A, bill banning use in baby bottles approved, 341

FRAUD AND MISREPRESENTATION

– Aerators made of stainless steel fail in saltwater, shrimp farm fraud claims (E.D Ark.), 626
– Canada, labels false health claims, bill proposed to strengthen consumer product safety laws, 661; Parliament final approval, 1279
– Consumers, aspirin, state class claims for marketing as if FDA approved and of health benefits (E.D.N.Y.), 361
– Coupon for “Kentucky Grilled Chicken” meal, class action (N.D. Ill.), 765
– Defective spine implant, incomplete and misleading data to FDA, amended complaint (S.D. Tex.), 217
– Fen-Phen class action settlement, lawyer disbarred for misleading clients (Ky.), 605
– Fentanyl patch negligent misrepresentation claim, pleading standards satisfied (N.D. Cal.), 501
– Food, consumer class actions, underlying science shaky, rigorous review required, Analysis & Perspective, 55
– Indirect deception, Ill. class action, concealing safety and efficacy of cholesterol reduction drug Baycol (Ill.), 5
– Inducement, parts supplier ignoring maker specifications, knowledge of recklessness in placing order (N.D. Ohio), 275
– Joinder, predecessor still able to sue and be sued in own name, complete diversity lacking, state survival laws (S.D. Ill.), 467
– Off-label promotion of 12 drugs, class action dismissed (E.D. Pa.), 795
– Pain pumps, claims dismissed without prejudice (N.D. Ind.), 1169
– Pesticides, blueberry farmers' crop damages claims, risk misrepresentation (3d Cir.), 838
– ProHeart 6, heartworm protection, consumer fraud class action dismissal affirmed (1st Cir.), 597
– Standard of proof, plausibility of determining sufficiency of claims for used truck (D. Kan.), 24
– Window design defect, Pella failure to disclose alleged, class certification (7th Cir.), 591

FRCP

See FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE (FRCP)

FRSA

See FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY ACT (FRSA)

FUEL EFFICIENCY

– Cars and light trucks, EPA and NHTSA release final rule, 336; notice of intent, 1054
– Replacement tires, proposed consumer information program, NHTSA public hearing, 281; draft final rule, 309; tire makers and OMB say final rule unfinished, NHTSA to strongly consider recommendations, 425; comments sought, 955

FUEL PUMPS

– Connector and harness, engine stall problem, Mazda 5 vehicles recall, 1255
– Crack possibility, Daimler Freightliner trucks, NHTSA Recall #10V-339, BNA monthly report, 886
– Flange cracks, Volvo 2001-2005 S80, 2001-2004 S60, V70, and SC70, and 2003-2005 XC90, BNA monthly recall report, 84
– High-pressure and low-pressure fuel pumps failure, BMW recalls affected vehicles, 1135; BNA monthly recall report, 1284
– Incorrect activation, Jaguar XK and XF vehicles, NHTSA Recall #10V-332, BNA monthly recall report, 886

FUEL SYSTEMS

– Defective sensors, Chevrolet Trailblazers and GMC Envoys, NHTSA petition to investigate, 54
– Diesel engines stalled, Volkswagen Jettas 2009, NHTSA preliminary evaluation PE 10-034, 928
– Faulty gauges, Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest, and Infinity QX56 minivans and trucks, Recall #10V-072, 222; Recall #10V-072, 378; remedy, 378
– Gas leads, Mitsubishi Endeavor, NHTSA defect investigation, 33; severe corrosive environments may corrode fuel filler pipe, NHTSA Recall #10V-065, 378
– Supply lines leaks and fires risk, Golf, Jetta, New Beetle, and Rabbit vehicles, Volkswagen Group recall, 1283

FUEL TANKS

– Degrade and rupture in crash, Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993-2004, preliminary evaluation PE 10-031, 909
– Dropping from frames due to corrosion, Ford F-150 and F-150 LD assemblies, NHTSA preliminary evaluation PE 10-036, 976
– Federal integrity requirements, gas tank in 2009-2010 Nissan Cube fails, NHTSA Recall #10V-330, 802; BNA monthly recall report, 978
– Front attachment bolts, BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycles, NHTSA Recall #10V-275, 665; BNA monthly recall report, 742
– Leaks

– – Chevrolet Corvette, defect investigations, NHTSA, 540
– – Rear-impact crash, Toyota recalls 2010 Lexus HS 250h, NHTSA Recall #10V-285, 689; BNA monthly recall report, 886

– Level sensor, BMW 5 series vehicles, NHTSA Recall #10V-331, BNA monthly recall report, 886
– Lincoln Town Car, jury verdict linking design flaws to fatal crash from rear-end collision (Ill. App. Ct.), 138
– Placement of gas tank in Crown Victoria, state trooper's widow sues Ford (Fla. Cir. Ct.), 842
– Spillage of fuel while refueling, Jeep Wranglers 2007-2008, preliminary evaluation PE 10-032, 909
– Spit back or difficult to fill, 2003 Kia Sorento, NHTSA preliminary investigation PE 10-023, 771

FURNITURE

– Bassinets

See BASSINETS

– Cribs

See CRIBS

– Entertainment centers shelves detachment hazard, BNA monthly recall report, 742
– High chairs protruding pegs, Fisher-Price and CPSC recall, 1028; BNA monthly recall report, 1198
– Lead paint, Hammary chests and tables, BNA monthly recall report, 519
– Outdoor folding chairs, wooden frame break and fall hazard, BNA monthly recall report, 978