Access To Justice

News developments that we’ll be watching at Sokolove Law:

Not-so-lucky charms: Accessory chain-store  Claire’s and retail giant Wal-Mart will stop selling Chinese-made  kids jewelry after an Associated Press investigation found that the charms and bracelets contained high levels of cadmium. Cadmium is a heavy metal that “can hinder brain development in young children, according to recent research, and is known to cause cancer,” according to the story. The AP also reported that Chinese regulators are investigating the findings and that a U.S. senator has called for hearings into the matter.

A New Orleans courtroom is the setting  for a civil lawsuit that could have a major impact on how hospitals react to disasters and civil emergencies. The suit, filed against Methodist Hospital, alleges negligence of a hospital staff in the days following Hurricane Katrina after the building’s generators failed and a patient died, according to a USAToday  report. Tulane University law professor Edward Sherman told the newspaper the lawsuit could potentially leave hospitals across the country liable if their power gets knocked out by a natural disaster or other calamity.

Recent Recalls

About 2,200 LED light kits imported from China have been recalled because they present a burn or fire hazard, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Commission (CPSC). The watchdog agency says the kits are being voluntarily recalled by Rockler Companies Inc. of Medina, Minn., which sold them at its Rockler Woodworking and Hardware and specialty shops. Defective wiring in the light kits can cause the battery pack to overheat and explode.

Peanut butter, cheese, salsa, and other foods were recalled by Parkers Farm, according to the Federal Food &  Drug Administration (FDA), because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria, a bacteria which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recalled products were distributed nationwide at a number of stores including Target, Whole Foods, Jewel, Price Chopper, Shop rite, Sam’s Club, Costco, and Safeway.

At Sokolove Law we’re here to protect your rights.