BMW of North America has issued a recall for nearly 50,000 BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce cars and SUVs after determining a manufacturer defect could lead to vehicle fires.

Details of the BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce Recalls

According to Consumer Reports, the recall affects 47,806 vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model-years.

Recall records indicate the auxiliary water pump in the recalled vehicles can fail and cause a circuit board to overheat. This overheating could in turn lead to a fire.

The automaker is recommending that owners of the recalled vehicles park the cars and SUVs outside until proper repairs can be made.

Affected owners can expect to be notified beginning June 11, 2018. A second notification will be sent when repair parts become available. Owners can also contact BMW, Mini, or Rolls-Royce directly.

Vehicles Affected by the Recall

The following vehicle models are among those listed in the BMW recall:

• BMW 550i
• BMW 550i xDrive
• BMW 550i Gran Turismo
• BMW 550i Gran Turismo xDrive
• BMW 650i Coupe
• BMW 650i xDrive Coupe
• BMW 650i Convertible
• BMW 650i xDrive Convertible
• BMW 750i
• BMW 750Li
• BMW 750i xDrive
• BMW 750Li xDrive
• BMW 760Li
• BMW X5 xDrive50i
• BMW X5 M
• BMW X6 xDrive50i
• BMW X6 M
• BMW X6 Hybrid
• BMW ActiveHybrid7
• MINI Cooper S Convertible
• MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible
• MINI Cooper S Countryman
• MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4
• MINI Cooper S
• MINI JCW
• MINI Cooper S Clubman
• MINI JCW Clubman MINI Cooper S Roadster
• MINI JCW Roadster
• MINI Cooper S Coupe
• MINI JCW Coupe
• Rolls-Royce Ghost

Contact an Experienced Car Recall Attorney

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced a recall for roughly 4.8 million vehicles saying a defect could leave drivers unable to turn off their cruise control.

About the Fiat Chrysler Cruise Control Defect

According to Consumer Reports, the defect affects Fiat Chrysler’s most popular Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models.

The automaker notes that a software glitch can cause the recalled vehicles’ main computer to misinterpret signals from other computer modules, causing sudden, unexpected acceleration while the vehicle is in cruise control. Additionally, while drivers could normally disengage cruise control by tapping the brakes or pushing a button, the vehicles in question may continue to accelerate despite driver action.

Drivers of affected vehicles are urged to discontinue use of their vehicles’ cruise control systems until repairs have been made.

Should a driver find themselves in a situation in which their vehicle’s cruise control is failing to deactivate, Consumer Reports suggest they avoid panicking and stop their vehicle as they normally would – by applying the brakes. Once safely stopped, drivers should be able to place their vehicle in park.

In a case where the vehicle will not stop, drivers can shift their vehicle into neutral.

Vehicles Affected by the Fiat Chrysler Cruise Control Recall

The following vehicles are covered by the Fiat Chrysler recall:

• 2015-17 Chrysler 200 sedan
• 2014-18 Chrysler 300 sedan
• 2017-18 Chrysler Pacifica minivan
• 2015-18 Dodge Challenger coupe
• 2014-18 Dodge Charger sedan
• 2014-18 Dodge Journey SUV
• 2014-18 Dodge Durango SUV
• 2014-18 Jeep Cherokee SUV
• 2014-18 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV
• 2018 Jeep Wrangler (select JK and JL versions)
• 2014-19 Ram 1500 pickup
• 2014-18 Ram 2500 pickup
• 2014-18 Ram 3500 pickup
• 2014-18 Ram 3500 cab chassis
• 2014-18 Ram 4500/5500 cab chassis

Contact an Experienced Vehicle Recall Attorney

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

A woman was recently awarded $25 million in a lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson and other defendants. The woman claimed she developed cancer from using Johnson and Johnson baby powder.

Woman Developed Mesothelioma After Using J&J Baby Powder

According to NBC News, jurors recommended $4 million in punitive damage last Thursday, saying that the company acted with malice, oppression and fraud. The day before, the jury had called for $21.7 million in compensatory damages for the plaintiff who suffers from mesothelioma, a lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

Johnson and Johnson beared the brunt of the verdict and was assigned to pay 67% of the compensation. The remainder was distributed among other defendants.

Johnson and Johnson said that they will appeal the decision. In a recent statement, Johnson and Johnson stated “We will continue to defend the safety of our product because it does not contain asbestos or cause mesothelioma.”

Plaintiff’s Claims Extends Beyond Injuries

The plaintiff said that the company failed to warn her and other consumers that the product contained asbestos and could cause cancer. The plaintiff’s attorney stated that Johnson & Johnson “engaged in a multi-decade campaign wherein they hid testing data from regulators, altered reports to make them more favorable and lied to consumers.”

Similar allegations have been levied in other lawsuits against the New Jersey based company.

Last year, a judge in Los Angeles tossed out a $417 million jury award to a woman who claimed she developed ovarian cancer by using Johnson & Johnson baby powder for feminine hygiene. Still, the company denies any wrongdoing.

“Over the past 50 years, multiple independent, non-litigation driven scientific evaluations have been conducted by respected academic institutions and government bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and none have found that the talc in Johnson’s Baby Powder contains asbestos,” the company said Thursday

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

If you believe you believe exposure to talcum powder has contributed to a serious injury or illness, contact Thomas J. Henry. Defective product lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation.

Jané has issued a nationwide recall for 800 Muum strollers after determining the strollers pose an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants.

Details of the Jané Muum Stroller Recall

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a design defect can allow infants to pass through the opening between the stroller armrest and the seat bottom. Additionally, the infant’s head and neck can become entrapped by the armrest, creating a strangulation hazard.

Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled strollers and contact Jané for a free repair. In the meantime, consumers may continue using the strollers if they remove the armrest and properly harness their children.

The recalled strollers were sold at Albee Baby, Baby World, Kidsland, Toys R Us, Dainty Baby, USA Baby stores and other stores nationwide. They were also sold online at Amazon.com and other websites.

Description of the Recalled Jané Muum Strollers

The following information was provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• The recalled strollers have a black frame and a reclining seat or hammock that is reversible and a hood.
• The strollers were sold in several color combinations, including:
  • Dark gray and black
  • Light gray and black
  • Blue and black
  • Green and black
• “Muum by Jane” is printed on the front bottom of the frame, and “Muum” is printed on the side of the frame and on the handle.
• “Jané USA LLC,” “Muum US 5399US/S85” or “S47,” “S49,” “S46” are printed on a label on the leg of the stroller.

Contact an Experienced Child Injury Attorney

If your child was injured by a defective or unsafe stroller, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our child injury attorneys have represented children across the country who have been injured by toys, stroller, and products that are dangerous and unfit to be around children

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today if your child was hurt by an unsafe product — our lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim and provide you with a free case review.

An 18-year-old woman who had been working as a hostess in a rural Pennsylvania town has been admitted to the hospital last year for respiratory failure. The cause of her condition is believed to be e-cigarettes.

E-Cigarettes Blames for Teenager Suffering Wet Lung

According to Reuters, the young lady, whose name has not been mentioned for confidentiality reasons, said she had been smoking the e-cigarettes for three weeks before she began to feel sick.

After visiting the hospital, the teen was checked into the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center where doctors began to record her issues. The doctors recorded her symptoms as a cough, difficulty breathing that was gradually worsening, and sudden stabbing pains in the chest with every inhalation and exhalation.

Although she was not yet feverish, she showed no upper respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose or nasal congestion. The teen did tell the doctors that she did have mild asthma, but it rarely ever caused her problems where she would need her inhaler.

After a few days, and her coughing became more frequent, the doctors checked her into the pediatric hospital and started her on antibiotics. However, despite this her condition worsened. Soon, the young woman experienced what is commonly known as respiratory failure, said Dr. Daniel Weiner, one of the patient’s doctors, a co-author of the new report and a medical director at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at UPMC.

“She was unable to get enough oxygen into her blood from her lungs and required a mechanical ventilator (respirator) to breathe for her until her lungs recovered,” Weiner said.

Not only did the young lady require a breathing machine, she needed tubes inserted on both sides of her chest to drain fluid from her lungs. Her doctors diagnosed her with “wet lung”, an inflammation of the lungs due to an allergic reaction to chemicals or dust.

E-Cigarette Patient Becomes Subject of Case Study

Dr. Casey Sommerfeld, the patient’s pediatrician and lead author of a case study of the patient, said chemicals in the e-cigarettes led to lung damage and inflammation, which triggered the woman’s body to mount an immune response.

After all of this, she was given methylprednisolone, a drug used to treat severe allergic reactions. She began to improve swiftly and was soon weaned off of the medical support system

E-cigarettes have been the subject of controversy since gaining popularity as lawmakers and critics claim they target young consumers. The devices are made to look just like a regular cigarette that lights up on the end when inhaled. It uses e-juice, as the nicotine and has many different flavorings that can be used for example(cherry, grape, etc.).

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to a defective or dangerous product, contact Thomas J. Henry. Over two decades of experience handling a multitude of defective product cases and extensive legal and financial resources allow us to provide our clients with truly dynamic legal representation. Thomas J. Henry has a proven track record of achieving real results for clients devastated by recalled products.

Let us help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free case review.

A 38-year-old man was fatally injured when his vape pen exploded in what is believed to be one of the deaths to be attributed to an e-cigarette explosion.

Vape Pen Kills Man, Starts Small Fire

According the Washington Post, Tallmadge D’Elia was found May 5 in a burning bedroom of his family’s home in St. Petersburg, Florida. An autopsy suggests D’Elia was killed when his electronic cigarette exploded, sending projectiles into his head.

The Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner noted that at least two pieces of the exploded vape pen were sent into D’Elia’s head and that the victim had also sustained burns to about 80 percent of his body.

The e-cigarette was described as a “mod”-type pen distributed by a company called Smok-E Mountain. The vape pen was manufactured in the Philippines.

A representative for Smok-E Mountain told reporters that they believe the explosion was caused

Nearly 200 Fires and Explosions Blamed on E-Cigarettes

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that between 2009 and 2016 there were at least 195 incidents in which e-cigarettes exploded or caught fire. The incidents resulted in 133 injures, 38 of which were considered severe.

The U.S. Fire Administration found that the explosion usually occurred suddenly and without warning. The explosions were often accompanied by a loud noise, a flash of light, smoke, flames, and the ejection of the battery and other parts. 128 of the incidents involved fires.

Currently, there are no regulations that apply to the safety of the electronic mechanics or batteries of electronic cigarettes.

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to a defective or dangerous product, contact Thomas J. Henry. Over two decades of experience handling a multitude of defective product cases and extensive legal and financial resources allow us to provide our clients with truly dynamic legal representation. Thomas J. Henry has a proven track record of achieving real results for clients devastated by recalled products.

Let us help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free case review.

Munchkin Inc. has issued a nationwide recall for its Waterpede children’s bath toys after determining the products can pose a choking hazard to small children.

Details of the Munchkin Waterpede Recall

According to the CPSC, the recall affects 72,000 Munchkin Waterpede children’s bath toys that can break apart exposing small parts, posing a choking risk to young children.

Consumers should take the bath toys away from children immediately and contact Munchkin for a free replacement toy of a comparable value.

Recalled units were sold at Babies R Us, Target, and other stores nationwide and online at munchkin.com between September 2015 and January 2018. Individual units were sold for $5 to $8.

Description of the Recalled Bath Toys

The following information was provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• The recalled bath toys are one piece, multi-colored Centipedes.
• The toy allows water to be scooped from the top, and flow through the chambers at the bottom.
• The bath toy is made of plastic and is marketed for children six-months and up.

Contact an Experienced Defective Toy Injury Attorney

If your child was injured by a defective or unsafe toy, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our child injury attorneys have represented children across the country who have been injured by toys that are dangerous and unfit to be around children. Parents should not have to fear for their child’s well-being and safety when playing with a toy. Manufacturers are tasked with providing safe toys and clear instructions.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today if your child was hurt by an unsafe toy — our lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim and provide you with a free case review.

Hauck Fun For Kids has issued a recall for about 26,300 Nerf Battle Racer go-karts following reports that steering wheels can detach. Injuries have been reported in connection with the defect.

About the Hauck Fun For Kids Go-Kart Recall

According to the U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the steering wheels on the Nerf Battle Racer go-karts can detach, break, or crack while the go-karts are in use, posing laceration and collision hazards to young children.

The CPSC reports that Hauck has received 639 reports of steering wheels detaching, breaking, or cracking. One report involved lacerations to a child’s face requiring stitches, and another incident resulted in scrapes to a child’s chest.

The recalled go-karts were sold at Orsheln Farm, Shopko, Target, Toys R Us, and Wal-Mart stroes nationwide and online at Amazon.cim and Fingerhut.com from January 2016 to march 2017. The go-karts were sold for $200 to $300.

Description of the Recalled Nerf Go-Karts

The following information was provided by the CPSC:

• The recalled Nerf Battle racers are four-wheel pedal powered go-karts designed for children between the ages 4 and 10.
• The “Nerf” logo is printed on each side of the go-kart and is etched into the black seat.
• The number T91869 and the date of manufacture is printed on a white sticker placed on the underside of the seat.
• The recall only affects go-karts manufactured between January 2016 and March 207.

Contact an Experienced Defective Toy Injury Lawyer

If your child was injured by a defective or unsafe toy, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our child injury attorneys have represented children across the country who have been injured by toys that are dangerous and unfit to be around children. Parents should not have to fear for their child’s well-being and safety when playing with a toy. Manufacturers are tasked with providing safe toys and clear instructions.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today if your child was hurt by an unsafe toy — our lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim and provide you with a free case review.

Mercedes-Benz USA recalls thousands of Smart cars for potential fire risk in the vehicles’ engine compartment.

Description of Smart Car Recall

According to Consumer Reports, Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling thousands of 2008 and 2009 Smart ForTwo vehicles after determining the vehicles are prone to engine compartment fires.

Recall documents show that the problem involves the rear insulation mat in the vehicles’ engine compartment. Reports suggest the mats can deform, deteriorate, and come loose. The mat can then come in contact with the hot exhaust system components, resulting in a fire starting in the engine compartment.

Mercedes-Benz USA will begin notifying owners of the recall soon, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge.

There have been no deaths or injuries reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What Are the Most Common Vehicle Defects?

While the General Motors and Takata recalls have garnished the most attention, it is important to remember that safety defects can occur in any vehicle. Among those most commonly cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and automakers are:

• Defective steering components
• Door latch failures
• Defective gas tanks and fuel lines
• Seat belt failures
• Defective child seat anchors (LATCH System anchors)
• Defective airbags
• Tire defects
• Weak vehicle structure

Cars, trucks, and SUVs are not the only vehicles that experience recalls. Recalled motorcycles and ATVs have caused many severe injuries and deaths due to manufacturer defects as well.

Contact an Experienced Vehicle Defect Lawyer

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Hyundai and Kia have issued recalls for more than 37,000 hybrids because of oil leaks that could result in fires.

Details of the Hyundai and Kia Hybrid Recall

According to Consumer Reports, the recalls affect 27,029 2017 Hyundai Niro hybrids and 10,156 2017 Ioniq hybrids.

Recall documents suggest a manufacturing defect could cause oil leaks which in turn could cause an electrical short. When the short occurs, fires may be possible.

The defect was discovered during warranty repairs. Neither Kia nor Hyundai were aware of crashes or injuries related to the defect.

The recall is expected to begin June 15, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542.

Millions of Vehicles Recalled Each Year Due to Defects

In 2016, a record high 53.2 million vehicles were recalled in the United States. More than 50 million cars have been recalled in each of the past three years, a stunning fact considering auto recalls over the previous two decades have ranged between 10.2 million and 30.8 million. Many of these recalls were associated with two prominent defects:

1. Faulty ignition switches equipped in General Motors vehicles (linked to approximately 124 deaths)
2. Faulty airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation (linked to approximately 16 deaths)

These two recalls have been linked to hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths, and both have been the subject of congressional hearings and federal investigations. The number of total recall campaigns (927) was also record-breaking in 2016. Sadly, government action came too late for those adversely affected by these defective products.

What Are the Most Common Vehicle Defects?

While the General Motors and Takata recalls have garnished the most attention, it is important to remember that safety defects can occur in any vehicle. Among those most commonly cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and automakers are:

• Defective steering components
• Door latch failures
• Defective gas tanks and fuel lines
• Seat belt failures
• Defective child seat anchors (LATCH System anchors)
• Defective airbags
• Tire defects
• Weak vehicle structure

Cars, trucks, and SUVs are not the only vehicles that experience recalls. Recalled motorcycles and ATVs have caused many severe injuries and deaths due to manufacturer defects as well.

Contact an Experienced Vehicle Defect Lawyer

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.