Monthly: July 2012

Local news reports from the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis a pedestrian accident left a 4-year old girl injured on August 15 2012. Officials at the state fair said that Madalynn Gembala was on the west side of the fairgrounds with her parents employees of the fairgrounds midway when she was hit by a pickup truck.

Authorities said that Gembala was in an area that was used for trailer home and motor home parking. The driver of the truck was identified as 49-year old Robert Ingalls another employee. Gembala was seriously injured in the accident and was listed in serious condition at a local hospital.

Local news sources in Houston TX stated that Deputy Constable Paul Olivera was injured in an accident when his squad car was hit by a driver who was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. Police said that Olivera was conducting a traffic stop along Sam Houston Parkway at Hammerly when an SUV crashed into his patrol car.

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According to news reports 17-year old Luke Hiser was injured in a train accident that happened in Monument CO on August 11 2012. Authorities in Monument did not give specific details about the accident but said that Hiser was found near the tracks at Mitchell Avenue and Front Street. He was taken to a hospital with serious injuries reports said.

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According to officials roughly 4000000 units of the Bumbo Baby Seats were set to be recalled by Bumbo after fall hazards were cited. The seats which were designed for small children reportedly risked great injury if a child slipped out of one especially on an elevated surface.

Reports said that Bumbo recognized 34 post-recall instances of small children or infants who slipped or fell out of the seat and were injured. Of those reports two involved skull fracture reports said. Since a recall in October 2007 Bumbo has acknowledged more than 50 reports of children falling from the baby seats 19 of which included skull fractures.

A two-car accident in Mineola TX on August 9 2012 left two people injured in a two-car accident that happened at about 6:00 that evening. Mineola police said that Gina Rushing was driving a Jeep along Highway 69 when a truck failed to yield the right of way and drove into her path.

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Local news sources in Quitman TX stated that 22-year old David Noble was injured in a two-car accident that happened on August 7 2012 along Highway 37. Police in the area said that Noble was driving north on 37 when he experienced heat exhaustion and passed out behind the wheel.

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News sources in College Station TX stated that Ricky Lee Reeder 18 was injured after a hit-and-run accident on August 4 2012. Police in the area said that Reeder was taken to a local hospital after being struck along Holleman Drive South at about 11:00 p.m. His injuries were severe and he required reconstructive surgery news reports said.

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At least 36000 Impalas have been selected for the recall and only affects the 2008 to 2012 GM Impalas sold to police departments.  General Motors stated that the recall does not affect Impalas sold to the general public. 

The recall follows an investigation began by GM in February after a defect was discovered by police department employees and reported to General Motors.  The defect is apparently a problem with the front suspension of the vehicles.  There is the possibility that a driver could lose control of their vehicle because of the potential for the lower control arm located in the front suspension to break. 

– Attorney Michael Grossman

First responders have found new challenges and new dangers when trying to rescue drivers and passengers from auto accidents involving newer model cars.  Manufacturers have been focusing more on consumer convenience rather than first responder safety in designing their automobiles.  Although there naturally should be a balancing test between automotive safety and the desires of the consumer safety should still take a priority not only for the consumer but for those who it is foreseeable maybe needed to rescue the driver and his passengers from an accident involving the automobile.

Recently first responders have found that it is taking longer to remove an injured passenger from wrecked automobile because of new dangers that are present with todays high tech vehicles.  There are propellant tanks used to inflate airbags that could be punctured newly designed batteries in hybrid vehicles that need special  handling and new types of metal that are lighter for the weight of the vehicle but are harder for safety responders to cut an tear through to reach any injured persons.  Any of these elements can be a danger and cause serious injury to a first responder who is attempting a rescue.  Several groups in the industry are pushing for training first responders on newer vehicles and for stricter labeling in cars to alert first responders of potential dangers. 

– Attorney Michael Grossman

Local news reports indicate Missa Bay which is owned by Ready Pac Foods Inc. are recalling sliced apples due to possible listeria contamination. The packaged sliced apples have a use-by date of July 8 through August 20 with some packages distributed to McDonalds and Burger King. Consumers can contact Read Pac at 800-800-7822.

Commentary
Some may remember the recent listeria outbreak from cantaloupes in Colorado. Listeria comes from bacteria which causes food poisoning and is particularly dangerous to pregnant women elderly people and those already ill. While symptoms can turn fatal especially to those who are of higher risk if listeria is caught early its symptoms can be treated.

- Attorney Michael Grossman