Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

August 5, 2011

Train Accident Shuts Down AmTrack Trips between Boston and New York

A large truck was the cause of canceled train trips after the driver ran his vehicle into an overhead power system near New Haven, Connecticut. The collision caused Amtrak to suspend all trains traveling between Boston and New York for more than three hours last week, according to The Wall Street Journal. Trains between New York and Boston were the only ones affected in the accident.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers urge all residents and visitors to take advantage of the convenient public transportation options that are offered throughout our state. We would also like to take this time to raise awareness about the importance of passenger safety on these rides. This goes out to those traveling near these modes of mass transit as well. Transportation companies are responsible for providing safe transportation for residents and visitors of our city. A number of injuries that occur within mass transit accidents can be easily prevented by taking a few precautionary steps.

As we recently reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, the MBTA witnesses nearly 2,500 accidents each year that are caused by motor-vehicle drivers. The MBTA believes that roughly 500 of these accidents could be prevented.

New Haven police are investigating the AmTrak accident from earlier this week. No train passengers were hurt in the accident, according to Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.

Amtrak crews have already made repairs to the damaged tracks and to the overhead power system. Service between New York and Boston has been restored.

There are more than 600 railroads in the United States. About 200,000 miles of track help these trains navigate throughout the country. There have been about 12,000 train accidents annually since 2002. Unfortunately, these accidents took the lives of about 1,000 people. Train accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including the negligence of the train operator, lack of safety provisions by train companies, locomotives, trolleys and even motor-vehicle operators.

These companies are required by law to effectively protect all passengers and operators of their vehicles. These accidents can occur in any number of places, including at railroad crossings where light is dim and where signals fail to notify passenger vehicle occupants that a train is approaching.

Trains are also able to derail. This can happen because of mechanical failures or improper track and equipment maintenance. Speedy or fatigued drivers also contribute to these accidents. Oftentimes cargo can become loose or unsecured in the event of an accident, resulting in spills of hazardous waste or other dangerous objects.

Determining the cause and the fault of a train accident, or any other mass transit accident, can be a complicated and lengthy process. You are urged to seek an attorney if you’ve been involved in one of these accidents as they can help you determine fault and proper compensation.
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August 3, 2011

Another City rejects the use of Red-Light Cameras to Monitor Intersection Accidents in Massachusetts

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Another Massachusetts jurisdiction shot down the idea of red-light cameras. Recently, residents gathered at the annual meeting in Raynham and voted 104 to 95 against the idea of petitioning the legislature for permission to install red-light cameras at a number of intersections. Reynham has a population of about 11,000 and all qualified inhabitants were allowed to vote on the issue. Residents want to keep enforcement efforts as they are and don’t agree that these cameras will be beneficial in preventing intersection car accidents in Massachusetts.

Currently, our state does not allow these red-light cameras. Lawmakers have been able so far to resist all attempts to pass authorizing legislation. American Traffic Solutions (ATS) has been trying to take their campaign to small town officials, according to The Truth About Cars. ATS is a privately-owned company that keeps looking at city officials as a means for building new business.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that drivers firmly stand on both sides of the issue regarding these red-light cameras. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), roughly two-thirds of drivers in 14 big cities that have the cameras support their functions. A recent study from the IIHS even concludes that these cameras have reduced the rate of deadly red light running accidents by nearly 25 percent in these same cities.

ATS is no stranger to Massachusetts lawmakers as they’ve previously hired marketing companies to try and persuade Boston officials to launch the red-light program. Previous efforts cost more than $161,000.

Although a majority of big cities support the use of these cameras, there are some opponents. A number of residents view these cameras as an invasion of privacy and tools that are being used specifically to generate revenue for the city. Either way, the IIHS reports that that the issue has gained more supporters than opponents.

“Most drivers don’t buy the argument that it’s somehow wrong to enforce the law just because you’re using a camera to do it,” says Anne McCartt, the Institute’s senior vice president for research. “They understand that this technology is preventing crashes in their cities.”

The Institute study that was released earlier this year illustrated just how effective these cameras are. The study took U.S. cities with populations over 200,000 and compared those that have cameras to those that don’t. These red-light cameras reportedly saved nearly 200 lives in cities that had cameras from 2004 to 2008. The Institute estimates that more than 800 lives have been saved if these cameras had been operating during those years in all large U.S. cities.

Of more than 3,000 people interviewed about the cameras:

-More than 9 of 10 drivers surveyed reported that running a red light is unacceptable.

-More than 8 of 10 say that it a serious threat to personal safety.

-Two-thirds of drivers support red-light cameras.

-More than 40 percent strongly favor the cameras.

-A majority of them say the cameras have made intersections safer.

-Half of surveyed drivers know someone who has gotten a ticket at an intersection with a red-light camera.

-Nearly 20 percent have gotten a ticket themselves.

-Only about half of drivers that received a ticket believe that it was deserved.

-About a fifth of drivers said that they support cameras but are opposed to right-on-red enforcement.

-More than 40 percent of drivers support using cameras for right-on-red violations.

“Right-on-red violations usually aren’t associated with T-bone crashes, but they make intersections much more dangerous for pedestrians in particular,” McCartt says. “The survey results show cities need to do a better job explaining this issue to drivers.”
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July 30, 2011

Technology could Prevent Massachusetts Traffic Crashes involving Seniors

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A number of new systems may be hitting Massachusetts roadways to help track lost or confused older drivers. OnStar and GM’s signature services have always been able to locate vehicles that were equipped with these systems, but for the first time they’re available as add-ons to non-General Motors vehicles. These systems aim to keep track of senior drivers and help prevent car accidents in Massachusetts.

The Alzheimer’s Association markets a number of devices under a program called “Comfort Zone.” These devices include CalAmp tracker and the Sendum tracker. Both of the devices can be yours for less than $300, with an activation fee of $45 and a monthly fee of $44.99. For some, these systems may be worth every penny as they’re able to locate a vehicle in less than 15 minutes.

In today’s economy, our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that this might be a bit pricey. Other devices cost less than $100 to install and only charge of a monthly fee of $14.95. With these devices you can locate either a vehicle or the person carrying the device once a day.

The OnStar system was previously offered on new GM vehicles. But this week launched availability on most all vehicles. This system has a GPS-based feature that allows the contract holder to request information regarding the vehicle’s location. This information is typically obtained through a local law enforcement agency.

Some of the OnStar systems can be housed in your vehicle’s rear-view mirror. Not only is the contract holder able to locate a vehicle if it has turned up missing, but the system can also be used to get specific turn-by-turn directions.

The Silver Alert is another system that many places are using to specifically target older drivers. The program was started in Oklahoma in 2005. The Silver Alert program is designed to quickly disseminate descriptive information about a missing person. With quick information distributions, citizens in the affected area can be on the lookout for the missing person and then can notify local law enforcement with any relevant information. Silver Alerts are typically broadcast on signs on the Interstate highways and toll roads. Currently Silver Alert requirements state that a resident must be 60-years-old or older and there must be “a clear indication:” that the elderly person is suffering from some deterioration of “intellectual facilities.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s patients will, at least at one point in their life, wander off and become lost. For this reason, it is important that we keep an eye on our older loved ones and to do your part to help them reach a decision about when it’s time to hang up the keys.
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July 29, 2011

Brookline Police Crack Down on Local Bicyclists; Fewer Cycling Accidents the Goal

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

During the summer months, bicyclists of all kind hit our roadways to enjoy the season’s warm weather and some outdoor excitement. What many bicyclists don’t take into consideration is their increased risk of being involved in a Massachusetts bicycle accident.

Brookline Police have already made nearly 450 bicycle stops and have issued more than 20 citations to bicyclists that have been ignoring bicycle laws. The increased enforcement is to help raise awareness about the importance of bicycle safety during the remaining weeks of the summer.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys understand that most of these bicycle stops have only resulted in verbal warnings, but we believe that the increased enforcement efforts can truly help to reduce the number of serious and fatal bicycle accident. Bicyclists who continue to ignore bicycle laws could soon face tickets, fines or even serious accidents. Still, enforcing the laws for motorists would be a better use of time and resources; the vast majority of serious and fatal Massachusetts cycling accidents are the fault of negligent motorists.

“They wanted to share the road and unfortunately they have to share the violations too,” said Officer Fred Amendola.

As biking becomes more and more popular in the Boston area, many safety advocates are calling for more road-sharing etiquette and crackdowns on bicycle-law breakers.

“Obey all traffic laws including stops signs, traffic lights, and other traffic controls. Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles,” states the The Brookline Town website.

Some important bicycle laws are as follows, according to Mass Bike:

-Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.

-Bicyclists must give pedestrians an audible signal before overtaking or passing them.

-Bicyclists must ride astride a regular, permanent seat that is attached to your bicycle.

-Your bicycle’s brakes must be good enough to bring you to a stop, from a speed of 15 mph, within 30 feet of braking. This distance assumes a dry, clean, hard, level surface.

-Bicyclists must keep one hand on the handlebars at all times.

-Bicyclists must notify the police of any accident involving personal injury or property damage over $100.

-Bicyclists that are 16 years old or younger must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements. The helmet must fit your head and the chin strap must be fastened.

-You may not modify your bike so that your hands are higher than your shoulders when gripping the handlebars.

-You are not permitted to carry a passenger anywhere on your bike except on a regular seat permanently attached to the bike, or to a trailer towed by the bike.

-You are not allowed to carry anything on your bike unless it is in a basket, rack, bag, or trailer designed for the purpose.

If you are caught violating any of these laws, you can face a fine of up to $20. Parents and guardians are responsible for cyclists that are under the age of 18. If you violate these laws, your bike can be impounded by the police or town selectmen for up to 15 days.
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July 26, 2011

Logan Incident a Reminder of Risks for Boston Airplane Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Federal investigators were recently called to the scene of a Massachusetts aviation accident when the wing of a large moving passenger jet clipped the tail of a stationary aircraft on the taxiway of Boston’s Logan International Airport. Both of the aircraft sustained damages and were taken out of service, according to The Washington Post.

One plane was Delta Flight 266 that was heading from Boston to Amsterdam. The other plane was Atlantic Southeast Airlines Flight 4904 that was heading from Boston to Raleigh-Durham.

Our Massachusetts personal injury attorneys understand that these accidents are not as uncommon as some may believe. The frequency of these accidents has landed them a spot on the National Transportation Safety Board‘s (NTSB) ‘”most wanted” list. This list is part of a program that aims to increase the public’s awareness of, and support for, action to adopt safety steps that can help to prevent these types of accidents and save lives along the way.

According to an airport spokesman, there was one passenger that was complaining of neck pain and was taken to the hospital for treatment. While these were commercial airliners, the real risk of plane accidents in New England is in the general aviation sector.

Luckily, there has not been a fatal large commercial aviation accident in the United States since 2009. That’s not the case in the world of general aviation. According to the NTSB, there were nearly 500 people killed in general aviation accidents in 2009 alone. Thousands more were injured in the accidents.

General aviation accidents are six times more likely to happen than small commuter and taxi operation accidents and more than 40 times more likely to occur than transport category operations. This means that general aviation continues to present the most risk.

The NTSB recommends the following fixes to help reduce the number of fatal general aviation accidents:

-Make sure that maintenance personnel are continuously updated with current training and pay close attention to key systems, such as electrical systems.

-Aircraft design should address icing.

-All general aviation aircraft should come equipped with the best occupant protection systems that are currently available.

-All aircraft should come with working emergency locator transmitters so that emergency responders can facilitate timely discovery and rescue in the event of an accident.

-Properly train all pilots.

-All general aviation pilots should be required to take initial and recurrent training on the various weather information sources. They should also be required to learn the appropriate steps to take when they inadvertently encounter adverse weather.

-Pilots not only need to be able to understand how general aviation technology works, but they also need to understand how it can malfunction. During an emergency isn’t time look through a plane’s manual to try to figure out how to adjust the flight display.

-Every passenger should have a seat and a restraint system. This includes children under the age of 2.
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July 26, 2011

16-Year-Old Escapes Death in Massachusetts Bicycling Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A minivan clipped a 16-year-old bicyclist on Boston Street, sending him under an oncoming dump truck. The young cyclist was conscious and alert when emergency responders arrived at the Massachusetts bicycle accident scene. He was treated at the scene and then transported to North Shore Children’s Hospital in Salem “for precautionary reasons,” according to The Salem News.

“He was laying against the rear tires of the truck,” and would’ve been hit if the vehicle had come to a stop any slower, said Deputy Fire Chief Glen Beaudet.

Our Boston bike accident attorneys understand that this accident could have gone much differently, and we are thankful that it didn’t. Motorists and cyclists need to be aware and considerate of one another on our Massachusetts roads to help avoid future accidents.

The teen was lucky because instead of being run over by the 14-wheel dump truck, the two front tires of the truck passed over each side of him. The driver of the minivan who reportedly caused the accident was arrested and charged for operating a motor vehicle without having a valid driver’s license. The driver of the dump truck was not charged.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 600 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2009. Another 51,000 bicyclists suffered injuries from these incidents. These types of accidents account for 2 percent of all motor-vehicle traffic deaths each year.

Most of the bicycling accidents that happened in 2009 happened in urban areas at non-intersections. These incidents have increased nearly 10 percent since 2008. Roughly 75 percent of these fatal accidents occurred between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This is also a near 10 percent increase from the previous year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are at an increased risk for these types of accidents. Children 15-years-old and younger accounted for nearly 60 percent of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments in 2001.

Kid friendly bicycling tips, provided by the NHTSA:

-Make sure your bicycle fits to you. There should only be between 1 and 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) on a road bike and 3 to 4 inches on a mountain bicycle. Your bicycle seat height should be adjusted to a height that allows a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebars should be at the same height as the seat.

-Wear bright colored clothing and have reflectors on your bicycle. Your best bet is to wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors instead of white.

-Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.

-Be on the lookout for road hazards. This includes potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves and animals.

-Ride with the flow of traffic. Never ride against the flow of traffic.

-Always obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

-Yield to traffic.

-Ride predictably. Always ride in a straight line and signal your moves to others.

-Be on the lookout for parked cars. Make sure that you ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars, including doors opening, or cars pulling out.
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July 23, 2011

Reported Somerville Bicycle Accidents Expected to Exceed Previous Years

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

There have been roughly 20 bicyclist deaths because of accidents this year alone, according to the Somerville Police Department. All of these bicyclist deaths involved a collision with a motor vehicle. The department received nearly 90 reports of bicycle accidents in Somerville in 2009 and only 66 in 2009, according to the Somerville Patch.

The Patch’s website offers residents with a map that shows exactly where each of these 2011 fatal bicycling accidents occurred. A number of these accident reports identify the road, but not the cross street of specific address where the collision happened.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys understand that this summer weather provides the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to hit the sidewalks and the roadways on their bicycles to enjoy the beautiful weather and to get some open-air exercise.

Unfortunately, this is also a time where we see an increase number of bicycling accidents in the state. It is important to remember that these are not the complete statistics for bicycling accidents because a number of cyclists that are involved in collisions with motor vehicles fail to report the incidents because they weren’t seriously hurt.

“A lot of the times,” said Sgt. David Monte, “No one wants to get involved because nobody wants to be found at fault.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released new data regarding bicycle accidents. The most recent data, figures from 2009, were recently released on their website. According to the NHTSA, there were nearly 650 bicyclists killed on our roadways during that year alone. More than 51,000 injuries were sustained because of bicycling accidents. These deaths accounted for 2 percent of all motor-vehicle traffic fatalities for the year, as did the injuries.

Nearly 75 percent of these bicycling accidents occur during the daytime hours, between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. They’re also most likely to happen at non-intersection areas.

The average age of those who were killed while riding a bicycle was 41-years-old. During the last decade, this number has experienced a steady increase in both the age of the victim and the number of victims. Nearly 90 percent of bicyclists that were killed in 2009 were males. Massachusetts saw nearly 10 bicyclist fatalities in 2009 alone. This year is expected to be much, much higher with the preliminary data.

Motorists are urged to follow these safety tips to help keep our Massachusetts bicyclists safe, provided by The Department of Cambridge Community Development:

-Always look for bicyclists, especially when making a turn or parking your car.

-When you pass a bicyclist, make sure you’ve completely cleared the bike before moving back into your lane.

-Remember that cyclists who are not on the extreme right-hand side of their lane are not being careless, but are in fact trying to avoid hazards that could cause a crash.

-Always check for bicyclists before opening your car door.

-Never double park or park your car in a bike lane. It is not only unsafe, but illegal.

-Make sure you yield to bicyclists when turning.

-Bicyclists the right of way through intersections.

-Make sure you NEVER turn right after passing a cyclist. You should wait until they have merged behind you or completed their trip through the intersection.
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July 20, 2011

68-Year-Old Hit by Two Cars and Killed in Framingham Pedestrian Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A 68-year-old man was walking at the corner of Water and Edgell last Saturday night when he was hit by two motor vehicles, according to the Framingham Patch. The vehicle that hit the pedestrian pulled over to the side of the road after the collision. As the vehicle pulled over, a second vehicle struck the pedestrian that was lying in the road. The Massachusetts pedestrian accident happened at about 9:00 p.m.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Framingham Police Lt. Ron Brandolini. The accident is currently being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction unit.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand the dangers pedestrians face, especially when walking near busy roadways. These dangers only increase as the sun falls and visibility is reduced. Motorists are asked to keep an eye out for pedestrians on our roadways, regardless of what time of day it may be.

Framingham Police do not know if they’ll cite either driver.

According to the Federal Analysis Reporting System (FARS), more than 4,000 pedestrians were killed in the United States in 2009 alone. Pedestrian accidents accounted for more than 10 percent of all traffic fatalities for the entire year. Pedestrian accidents accounted for nearly 5 percent of all traffic-accident related injuries in 2009. More than 90 percent of all pedestrian deaths happened in single-vehicle accidents.

More than 75 percent of pedestrian deaths occurred at non-intersection areas in 2009. Pedestrians are most likely to be hit by a motor vehicle during normal weather conditions in comparison to snowy, rainy or foggy weather conditions. Nearly 40 percent of these fatal accidents occurred between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the evening. Half of them happened on either a Friday, Saturday or a Sunday.

Nearly 20 percent of these pedestrians who were killed on our roadways were 65 and older. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 also made up nearly 20 percent of these fatality rates. In 2009, nearly 70 percent of pedestrians that were killed on our roadways were males.

In 2009, Massachusetts witnessed nearly 50 pedestrian fatalities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to pedestrians to stay safe near our busy roadways:

Be sure to always cross the street at a designated cross walk.
Be careful at intersections. While drivers are supposed to give pedestrians the right-of-way, they may not always so do. Be on the lookout for oncoming cars.
Make sure you wear light colored, reflective clothing or carry a flashlight to increase your visibility.
Try to stay on a sidewalk. If you must walk on the street, make sure you walk facing traffic.

July 18, 2011

Seven Passengers in Hospital after Massachusetts Bus Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A Massachusetts bus accident sent seven Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus passengers to area hospitals recently. The bus accident happened on Route 28 when a motorist reportedly made a sharp left turn in front of the MBTA bus and forced the bus driver to slam on the brakes to avoid a major collision, according to The Milford Daily News.

The driver of the SUV that cut off the bus, a 72-year-old Milton resident, was taken to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and reportedly suffered a neck injury. The elderly driver will be cited for failing to yield when turning, says T spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

We know that Massachusetts residents and visitors rely on this form of public transportation on a daily basis. We expect these buses to get us to and from our destinations safely.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that these travelers also trust that the operator of these buses, trains and subways have completed proper training and possess safe, alert and cautious driving habits. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. According to the MBTA website, its drivers are typically involved in nearly 2,500 accidents every year. About 500 of these accidents are considered to be preventable. The MBTA buses take about 4.5 million bus trips every year. MBTA buses have been involved in 11 fatalities since 2000.

The injured bus passengers were from Randolph:

-Marie Dory, 60
-Felicia Florence, 45
-Connie Harding, 55
-Linda Whittaker, 48
-Evelyn Morales, 37
-Kennie Boulin, 21
-Jean Nelson, 39
The bus driver reports that the bus was heading north on Randolph Avenue when the SUV tried to turn left onto Chickatawbut Road in front of the bus. The driver says that the bus and the SUV still made some contact after she braked.

Luckily, about 350 buses of the MBTA fleet of more than 1,000 come equipped with eight cameras a piece. These bus cameras provide views of inside the bus, in front of the bus and on either side of the bus. Some MBTA subway cars and stations also have video cameras. These cameras can help implicate some people and vindicate others in the event of an accident.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, nearly 40 MBTA accidents have been reported to have occurred from January to March of this year. During the first three months of 2011, there were 2 reported fatalities involving an MBTA accident or incident. In 2009, there were 221 fatal bus crashes reported across the United States. The same year in Massachusetts, there was one single bus accident that resulted in a fatality.

We rely on the operators of these buses every day to travel our roadways safely. With the proper training, cautious driving techniques and safe driving habits, we can all hope to enjoy public transportation without injury.
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July 15, 2011

Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney’s Update on Recalled Household Products

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Ever year, consumers are exposed to a number of household items that, because of manufacturing defects, can cause serious injury. To help keep residents safe, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been working to ensure the safety of consumer products to reduce the risk of death and personal injury in Massachusetts and elsewhere throughout the United States for more than 30 years now.

The CPSC helps to protect consumers against possible fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazards or can injure children. Our Boston personal injury attorneys realize that many consumers in Massachusetts may have some of these products in their homes. We would like to give you an update on which products have been recalled by the CPSC to help ensure your safety.

–Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters: More than 300,000 Hamilton Beach classic chrome 2-slice toasters have been recalled because of a fire hazard if the toaster is placed near flammable items. The company has already received nearly 20 reports of toasters that did not pop-up as intended. A number of these incidents reported minor damage to kitchen cabinets. These toasters were sold at mass merchandisers and department, grocery and home center stores nationwide and various online retailers from February 2008 through June 2011.

–Adventure Playsets Swing Sets: The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets of these playsets can weaken caused by weathering and rotting. The rotted posts create a potential fall hazard. The company has received more than 500 consumer complaints that reported concern over the weakened wood. The playsets were sold at Academy Sports, Toys-R-Us, Walmart, Mills and Menards from 2005 to 2007.

–Mizuno USA Inc. Baseball and Softball Gloves: An estimated 131,000 gloves have been recalled after molds were discovered that could cause respiratory or other infections in individuals with chronic health problems. These gloves were sold at Walmart and Target stores nationwide from April 2010 through May 2011.

–Dollar Tree Glass Votive Candle Holders: Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va. is recalling roughly 117,000 glass votive candle holders because of possible fire and laceration hazards. The glass votive candle holders can shatter while in use. This danger poses a fire and laceration hazard to consumers. The candle holders were sold at Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Deal$ and Dollar Tree Deal$ stores nationwide from December 2010 through April 2011.

–Mini Stars Building Sets Recalled: The company has received roughly 18,000 of these building sets because the plastic knobs can break from the center of the stars and can posing a choking hazard to children. These sets were sold at small retail stores nationwide, online at Toys R Us.com, Amazon.com and CSN on walmart.com from January 2007 through December 2009.

–Chanel Recalls Silk Scarves and Garments: Chanel is recalling about 120 scarves and 34 garments, including dresses, skirts and blouses. These garments do not meet the federal flammability standard for wearing apparel and they pose a fire hazard to consumers. The items were sold at Chanel Boutiques, Neiman Marcus and Maxfield stores in March and April 2010.

In addition to visiting to CPSC website, you can all call the agency’s toll-free hotline, 1-800-638-2772, for more recall information. To report product complaints or injuries, you can call their toll-free number between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Please check this information periodically to make sure that none on your household items are presenting any dangers to you or your family. You’re also urged to report any products that have presented any dangers of defects in your household.
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