Pennsylvania Product Liability Lawyer Blog

Most consumers would never suspect that heaters or thermostats would pose any fire or burn hazards because they trust that manufacturers have designed and created a safe, reliable product. Unfortunately, certain design flaws or defects can cause such products to malfunction, potentially causing unsuspecting consumers to suffer injury.

With these points in mind, consumers are being advised by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to check their homes for five cold weather-related products recalled earlier this year or last.

1. Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze & Comfort Essentials Heaters - 2.2 million units recalled on December 16, 2010 due to the possibility that the heaters will malfunction and cause overheating, smoking, burning, melting, and fire.
2. Lasko Portable Electric Heaters - 107,500 units recalled on February 8, 2011 after it was discovered that an electrical connection in the bottom of the heater may overheat. This defect could result in the unit melting and exposing the electrical connection, potentially causing a fire.
3. GE Zoneline Air Conditioners and Heaters - 90,600 recalled on June 14, 2011 for electrical component failure in the heating system, which presents a risk of fire.
4. Meijer Touch Point Oscillating Ceramic Heaters - 13,000 recalled on July 13, 2011 because of the risk of fire from the oscillating mechanism in the heaters shorting out.
5. Honeywell Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats - 77,000 devices recalled on July 28, 2011 for a burn hazard caused by the possibility that thermostats will overheat, melt, and smoke.

It is important to make sure that none of these products are in your home. Even if the product appears to be working fine and doesn't look defective, the CPSC has warned consumers to stop using these recalled products. For more information on these products and their potential hazards, visit the CPSC's website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12065.html.

As product liability attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, the legal team at the Beasley Reiff Law Group is familiar with the many ways in which consumers suffer physically, emotionally, and financially from defective and dangerous products. We work aggressively and diligently to ensure that our clients' rights are protected and that negligent manufacturers are held accountable. To learn more about how we can help you find justice, call (800) 588-0130 for a free, confidential consultation.

Potentially dangerous products come in all shapes and sizes. Two recent announcements released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlighted the recalls of approximately 31,000 Rocketfish™ Model RF-KL12 Mobile Battery Cases for iPhone 3G and 3GS in the United States and 1,000 in Canada, in addition to about 6,118 iPod Touch external battery cases. Consumers are being advised to stop using these recalled products right away.

The Rocketfish battery cases were imported by Best Buy Co. Inc., of Richfield, MN. The recall was announced after it was determined that the battery cases have the potential of overheating while charging, presenting a fire risk. There have been 14 reported incidents of the battery cases overheating in the U.S., in which three reports included minor burn injury to consumers and four reports of minor damage to property. The model number of the Rocketfish Model RF-KL12 Mobile Battery Case is "RF-KL12" and is displayed on the front of the product's packaging, on the packaging barcode, and in white print on the curved inner section of the product.

The Rechargeable External Battery Case for the iPod Touch was imported by Mophie LLC, of Paw Paw, MI. The recall was initiated after the discovery that the battery cases' integrated circuit switch may potentially overheat, causing a possible burn hazard. At the time of the recall announcement, there had been 110 reports of the product being warm when a consumer touched it, 44 reports of the product changing shape, and nine reports of minor burn injuries. The Mophie Juice Pack Air rechargeable external batteries being recalled have serial numbers with the first five alphanumeric characters of TR113 through TR120.

The PA defective product lawyers at the Beasley Reiff Law Group are highly familiar with the many ways in which major companies and manufacturers cut corners to increase profits. Committed to obtaining justice for our clients, we utilize years of extensive experience and access to effective resources to hold negligent parties liable so full compensation can be obtained. For a free, confidential consultation, please call (800) 588-0130 today.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), American Honda Motor Co. has announced the expansion of an airbag failure recall, with the total number of recalled vehicles being 1,709,477.

Vehicles included in the recall are:

• Acura CL 2003


• Acura TL 2002-2003


• Honda Accord 2001-2002


• Honda Civic 2001-2003


• Honda Civic Hybrid 2003


• Honda CR-V 2002-2004


• Honda Odyssey 2001-2003


• Honda Pilot 2003

The recall is because of the potential that in the event of an accident when the driver's airbag deploys, the airbag inflator may cause excessive internal pressure that could lead to the inflator rupturing. This would cause metal fragments to become projectile objects, possibly injuring the driver or others in the vehicle.

As such, the recall is connected to a series of recalls on the above list of vehicles. Honda is working to replace the inflators within the driver's side airbag of the recalled cars to fix the defective component. The recall also includes replacement airbags that may have been installed as replacement service parts.

The NHTSA states that owners of the recalled vehicles that may have had a defective airbag installed either as an original component or as a replacement will be informed of the recall. Car dealers are expected to inspect the vehicles and replace a defective airbag inflator if one is detected.

The Philadelphia defective airbag lawyers at the Beasley Reiff Law Group have the legal resources and experience to hold negligent auto manufacturers liable for their oversight. With a successful track record of winning justice for our clients, we are committed to helping them obtain the compensation they need and deserve to cope with physical, emotional, and financial challenges after their accident. For a free and confidential consultation about your case, call (800) 588-0130 today.

With Thanksgiving already past and Christmas music taking over radio stations, many parents are already almost done buying Christmas presents for their children, but are toys safer this holiday season because of stricter safety regulations?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the answer is yes. However, even with stronger toy safety rules in place, there are still numerous potential hazards that various toys present to children of all ages. Although recalls and lead violations have decreased along with the number of children suffering injuries, in 2010, about 181,500 children under the age of 15 received treatment in U.S. hospital emergency departments because of toy-related injuries.

Some of the new toy safety rules are attributed to the following:

• The establishment of the lowest lead content and lead paint restrictions in the world.
• Strict limit on the use of specific phthalates (used as a plastic softener).
• The conversion of voluntary toy rules into mandatory rules.
• The requirement of third party testing and certification of toys manufactured and designed mainly for children 12 years of age and younger.
• New restrictions for cadmium (metallic chemical element) in toys.
• Collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to better monitor shipments from other countries so as to increase the confiscation of hazardous imported toys.

So far in 2011, there have been 34 toy recalls, which is a drop from 46 in 2010, 50 in 2009, and 172 in 2008. However, it is important for parents and others buying toys to remember that they must choose age appropriate toys and keep small balloons, balls, and parts away from young children due to choking risks and other potential hazards.

Manufacturers are responsible for designing and creating products that do not contain any defects or dangers that could cause injury, illness, or death. Unfortunately, this responsibility isn't always fulfilled and defective products often make it into the homes of consumers. At the Beasley Reiff Law Group, our product liability attorneys in Philadelphia have the legal experience and resources to hold large corporations liable for negligence and oversight. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, our lawyers can help you win the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 588-0130 today for a free and confidential consultation.

While there is no straight answer to this question, we certainly hope the answer is yes. However, Johnson & Johnson's indiscretions lately, the most recent being revealed with the removal of two harmful chemicals from Johnson's Baby Shampoo and other products, have instilled doubt in consumers as to whether the company's products are safe.

According to a Washington Post story, Johnson & Johnson has received pressure from an international coalition of consumer and environmental groups since May 2009 to get rid of toxins from all personal care products, including its baby shampoo. At the heart of the matter is the discovery by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics that Johnson & Johnson had not eliminated the potentially cancer-causing chemicals from products in the United States like it had done in many other countries. Consequently, the company anticipates removing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from baby products in the U.S. within approximately two years and is also lowering traces of the other chemical.

As the largest health care product company in the world, Johnson & Johnson has a lot of expectations to live up to. According to USA Today, over the course of the last two years, the company's profits reached $13 billion while being found liable or reached settlements amounting to $751 million in taxpayer health care fraud claims. In addition, Johnson & Johnson settled at $70 million for bribery charges and has been sued by many consumers claiming to have suffered hip replacement device failure.

If that's not enough, major Johnson & Johnson plants that produced Tylenol and other pain relievers were closed due to failing to meet federal safety regulations. The other mounting problem for Johnson & Johnson is the millions of dollars or more that may be owed for government fraud claims relating to charges for marketing misrepresentation for at least brand-name drugs.

As you can imagine, the rules and regulations surrounding product design, testing, manufacture, and marketing are complex and strict. Nevertheless, product manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that these rules are followed. If not, serious injury, illness, and even death, can befall unsuspecting consumers. The Philadelphia recalled product lawyers at the Beasley Reiff Law Group understand the many physical, psychological, and financial challenges associated with defective and dangerous products. With decades of experience facing major corporations, our lawyers have the knowledge and resources to win your legal battle. Call us today at (800) 588-0130 for a free consultation.

This is a question on the minds of many vehicle owners and consumers, and with good reason.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a statement last week discussing the potential dangers of post-accident fires in electric vehicles containing lithium-ion batteries.

Based on the press release, the NHTSA is working with all vehicle manufacturers to moderate and improve appropriate post-accident protocols for the safety of drivers, vehicle occupants, and first responders, during and after a collision involving an electric vehicle. It is important to note that the NHTSA does not consider electric vehicles to present an increased risk of fire than other vehicles. Both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles present some hazard of fire if a serious accident occurs. However, with these points in mind, the NHTSA does emphasize that the diverse designs of electric vehicles call for a different set of safety standards and precautions.

Ultimately, consumers and emergency responders need to be aware of any and all risks for post-accident situations involving electric vehicles that could cause injury or death.
Currently, the NHTSA is accumulating data from all auto manufacturers who have or plan to put electric vehicles on the market in regards to the protocols they have created for the discharge and handling of lithium-ion batteries as well as their recommendations for identifying and decreasing fire risks in these vehicles. Once this information is gathered, the NHTSA can create more precise guidelines for emergency response workers and vehicle owners. The NHTSA also plans to work with the Department of Energy to carry out additional tests of lithium-ion batteries and to continue to evaluate these vehicles to monitor any safety issues that manifest.

Auto manufacturers have the important responsibility of designing and creating vehicles that are safe and won't cause vehicle occupants harm or contain a defect that could cause a fire or accident. A Pennsylvania defective car injury attorney at the Beasley Reiff Law Group is highly familiar with the intricacies surrounding auto product liability. With decades of experience, our legal and medical teams have obtained groundbreaking jury verdicts and settlements for our clients. For a free, confidential consultation on your case, call us today at (800) 588-0130.

Following an investigation that has been ongoing since 2007, Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling more than 420,000 vehicles in the United States in connection with potential steering problems which may cause an accident, according to The Los Angeles Times. The safety recall is to replace the crankshaft pulley on the V-6 engine, and will affect approximately 283,200 Toyota vehicles and 137,000 Lexus vehicles.

Specifically, a number of 2004 to 2006 models may be affected, including the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Highlander, and Sienna, as well as the Lexus ES330, RX330, and RX400h. If not corrected, the outer ring of the crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing the power steering to fail; in short, this may cause difficulty turning the wheel.

This is unfortunately not the first bout of trouble the Japanese automaker has faced. Since September of 2009, Toyota has issued recalls which have covered more than 13 million vehicles in the U.S. Safety experts and auto industry analysts believe that because of the numerous lawsuits the company faces, the frequent recalls could haunt the company for many years and affect its once excellent reputation according to safety experts and auto industry analysts, according to The Los Angeles Times.

For any questions regarding this recall, customers can call Toyota at (800) 331-4331 or Lexus at (800) 255-3987. Any affected vehicle owners will not be notified until January of 2012, after which they can go to their local dealership to have the crankshaft pulley inspected and repaired.

Safety is imperative when manufacturing vehicles, but oftentimes short cuts are taken by automakers to cut costs, time, or rush the motor vehicle onto the market. If the necessary safety measures are not taken, it can lead to potentially disastrous or fatal accidents involving innocent consumers. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an automotive defect, the Philadelphia auto product liability lawyers at the Beasley Reiff Law Group can help. We have years of experience holding automobile manufacturers responsible for product defects and lack of consumer safety. Please call (800) 588-0130 for a free consultation.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the voluntary recall of approximately 541,000 Under Armour (UA) Defender Chin Straps used for football helmets. The recall has been initiated because the metal snap connecting the chin strap to the helmet has sharp edges and creates a laceration hazard when the user's metal snap makes contact with another football player.

Retailer Under Armour, Inc., of Baltimore, MD, has received six reports of injuries that resulted in stitches. Consumers are being advised to stop using the recalled product right away and contact Under Armour for a free replacement chin strap. The UA Defender Chin Straps were sold in white and black, red, midnight, navy and royal, and have a hard nylon shell, a padded chin area, and a plastic strap with "Under Armour" printed on it. In addition, the chin straps have metal clasps that squeeze the straps and connect them to the helmet. The recalled products were sold at sporting goods stores and Under Armour outlet stores throughout the country and at www.underarmour.com from January 2008 to September 2011. For more on the recall, please visit the CPSC's website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12035.html.

As consumers, we trust that products are safe and won't pose any risk of harm. This is especially the case for products that provide protection during contact sports as intense as football. However, it is an unfortunate reality that some products are poorly designed or have a manufacturing defect. If these types of flaws cause a consumer to suffer injury, illness, or death, product manufacturers can be held legally responsible.

At the Beasley Reiff Law Group, our product liability attorneys in Pennsylvania are committed to winning justice for our clients. With our many decades of experience building effective product liability cases, our lawyers welcome the challenge of standing up to major manufacturing companies. To learn more about how we can help you and your family through this challenging time, call (800) 588-0130 for a free consultation.

Halloween is a time for excitement, fright, and the harvesting of cavities to come. Unfortunately, it is also a time for many injuries from falls, second degree burn injuries from flammable costumes catching on fire, and pedestrian accidents involving children trick-or-treating. But it doesn't have to be this way.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a guide for consumers detailing three steps to prevent injuries involving Halloween-related costumes, décor, and lighting.

1. Prevent Fires and Burns - First of all, never ever leave a burning candle unattended. A safe alternative is a flameless candle. Place candles and jack o' lanterns away from decorations, curtains, and other flammable materials and buy or make costumes that are flame-retardant and made out of nylon and polyester. It's important to make sure candles and jack o' lanterns are far from landings and doorsteps where it's more likely that costumes could catch fire from the flame.


2. See and Be Seen - Costumes, especially for kids, should be light and/or brightly colored and visible to motorists. Reflective tape is great to trim or decorate costumes and bags with. Don't forget the value of carrying a flashlight while walking at dusk and night hours. When tying hats and scarves on children, be sure they are secure and will not slip over the eyes, limiting vision. Masks should fit securely yet comfortably for ventilation and full vision.


3. Dress for Safety - To lower the hazard of burn injury, do not wear costumes with loose materials, baggy sleeves, large capes, or billowing skirts. Costumes should also be closely fit so they do not drag along the ground and increase the chances of a trip or fall accident. Also, never let children wear high heels since they could easily trip and fall. Even for an adult, sturdy shoes are a good idea for Halloween to ensure safety.

In addition to these points, all parents should always closely inspect the candy and toys that their children receive while trick-or-treating to ensure that nothing has been tampered with or poses any choking hazards.

The Pennsylvania defective product lawyers at the Beasley Reiff Law Group ask everyone to help lower the risk of injury this Halloween by taking these safety tips seriously. Have fun and be safe!

For more information on Halloween Safety, please read the following tips from the CPSC:

Jogging strollers have become increasingly popular over the years as many mothers thrive on multi-tasking, especially if there's a way to take a baby or young child out to enjoy the fresh air and work at losing "baby weight" at the same time. However, as the recent recall of 411,700 jogging strollers in the United States and 27,000 in Canada demonstrates, manufacturing defects or design flaws in strollers can jeopardize the safety of babies and children.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), importer B.O.B. Trailers Inc., of Boise, Idaho, is recalling the products because the stroller canopy's embroidered logo's backing patch may separate, creating a potential choking risk for babies and young children. There are six reported incidents of children mouthing the patch after it detached. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the patch backing being removed from children's mouths. In addition, there are two known incidents of children gagging and choking on the patch. In all of the reported incidents, the children were sitting inside the infant car seat attached to the jogging stroller.

Approximately 357,000 of the jogging strollers were recalled in February of this year due to a strangulation hazard stemming from canopy drawstring. The recalled strollers were manufactured in Taiwan and China and sold at REI, Babies R' Us, and various other children's product and sporting goods stores throughout the United States and Amazon.com between November 1998 and October 2011.

The strollers were sold in single seat and double-seat models. The canopy portion of the strollers have the BOB®, Ironman® or Stroller Strides® brand name embroidered on it. The CPSC is asking consumers to stop using the recalled jogging strollers right away. It is important to remember that it is against the law to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. This means that even if you are browsing yard sales, be aware that you may be purchasing a recalled product.

As Philadelphia defective child product lawyers, the legal team at the Beasley Reiff Law Group has the resources and knowledge to hold negligent children's product manufacturers liable for their oversight and negligence. Our attorneys have decades of experience winning legal battles for our clients. Call us today at (800) 588-0130 for a free consultation.

When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm? Does your family have an escape plan should a fire ever break out? Is there recalled fuel gel or other potentially hazardous products in your home?

If these questions scare you, that's because they are serious questions that you should find the answers to as soon as possible. On average, there were approximately 2,400 fatalities and over 12,500 injuries in an estimated 386,000 unintentional residential fires from 2006 through 2008.

A recent U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announcement for Fire Prevention Week (October 9-15) reminds consumers about specific safety practices they can easily implement. Along with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the CPSC is asking consumers to check their homes for fire dangers in addition to creating and practicing a family escape plan. Here are some important points:

• Smoke alarms - should be installed on every level of your home. Approximately two-thirds of fire deaths take place in residences without smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that are missing battery backup or don't work. Both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms, as well as interconnected smoke alarms, are recommended. Smoke alarms are said to lower a person's chances of dying in a fire in their home by almost half.


• Family escape plan - it's better to have one than risk a family member panicking and being left behind because they didn't know where to go. It's best to plan two realistic ways to escape from each room in a household. Establish a meeting place outside and make sure everyone knows not to return to the house.


• Fireplaces - should be inspected every year for leaks and blockages. Ashes should be stored in a fire-resistant container and covered with a lid away from combustibles and placed outside. As the second-largest cause of home fires from 2006 through 2008, heating and cooling equipment accounted for about 27,000 incidents.


• Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) - can avert electrocution. Make sure GFCIs in your home work properly and are installed in the kitchen, bathrooms, and other places where the hazard of electric shock is prominent. About 150 deaths from 2006 through 2008 were caused by electrical products and components.


• Gel fuel - shouldn't be used in firepots. Millions of bottles have been recalled by the CPSC because of burn injury and flash-fire risks. Gel fuel has even caused deaths. Pourable gel fuel can ignite suddenly and pose a risk of splattering onto people when it is poured into a burning firepot.

The Pennsylvania product liability attorneys at the Beasley Reiff Law Group hope that consumers find these tips helpful. For more information, visit the CPSC's website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12009.html.

Even though the fall smell has not reached the air yet, I find myself itching to enjoy the fall activities I loved when I was a kid. I want to go costume shopping, pumpkin picking, and, most of all, go on the local hayride. There really is something magical about a family enjoying Halloween together. Unfortunately, there are hidden dangers in any activity. I came across an article the other day explaining how last Halloween a little boy from New Jersey fell off a haunted hayride. The poor boy had to be rushed to the hospital where he suffered a traumatic brain injury. Thankfully, the article reported the boy made a full recovery. But, this article made me stop and think: How safe are hayrides, really?

Taking your children on a hayride seems innocent enough, because most hayrides move slow and are not crowded. However, if you think about it, there are no seat belts or safety nets to prevent someone from falling off. Also, there is nothing besides the driver's discretion regulating the speed the hayride moves. This can be a particular concern when the wagons are pulled by pick up trucks instead of a tractor. It is harder for a driver to maintain a consistent, slow speed when pulling a wagon with a pick up truck. The amount of weight being pulled varies with every new load of passengers. So, if the driver is not paying attention, he might have a heavy foot.

The risk a hayride poses increases at night when most haunted hayrides operate. If you have ever been to a popular haunted attraction around Halloween, you know how crowded these places can get. Volunteers and high school students who are not trained to properly inspect the hayride equipment manage many of the hayrides. The hayrides being crowded and run by untrained people adds to the risk of overcrowding the wagon. This overcrowding leads to the truck or tractor pulling too much weight and further decrease the level of control the driver has. Furthermore, drivers are distracted by the loud screams of scared children, the flashing of the strobe lights, the low visibility of the dark and the fog machines, and the actors themselves who are trying to scare as many of us as possible. With all of these distractions in mind, I just wonder how often someone who actually needs help is overlooked by the driver and by fellow passengers.

I still love Halloween regardless of the dangers that hayrides present. However, it is important to be aware of the risks so that you can take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your families. Before going on a hayride, make sure the attraction is following proper safety standards instead of running a hayride just to make money. The Haunted House Association has a good website that lists haunted attractions and hayrides that follow proper safety standards. However, accidents can happen.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured on a hayride or at a haunted attraction, contact the experienced hayride accident lawyers at the Beasley Reiff Law Group at 1.800.588.0130. We always offer a free, no obligation consultation.

The Beasley Reiff Law Group wishes you a happy and safe Halloween.

Listeria is known to be more deadly than the threat of foodborne illness caused by salmonella and E.coli, pathogens most people are more familiar with. It can take four weeks or more for an individual to become sick and show symptoms after consuming food contaminated with listeria. That being said, the recent cantaloupe listeria outbreak should not be taken lightly. With reportedly 16 people dead and 72 others ill because of Colorado-based Rocky Ford cantaloupes tainted with listeria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are both working to help inform the public.

Recalled cantaloupes may have a label for "Colorado Grown," "Distributed by Frontera Produce," "Jensenfarms.com" or "Sweet Rocky Fords," but some may not be labeled at all. The Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupes from Jensen Farms were shipped from July 29 through Sept. 10 to Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Listeria poisoning was responsible for 21 deaths in 1998 because of tainted hot dogs and possibly deli meats, and 52 deaths in 1985 because of contaminated Mexican-style soft cheese. The groups of people most susceptible to the serious effects of listeria illness include the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Some common symptoms of listeria illness include muscle pain, fever, various gastrointestinal problems, the inability to speak, and incapacitation.

According to the CDC, there are typically three to four listeria outbreaks and 800 cases of listeria in the U.S. each year. Most incidents are associated with deli meat and soft cheeses. However, all food manufacturers and distributors are responsible for ensuring that food products are safe for consumption and free of any contaminant that could cause injury, illness, or death.

At The Beasley Reiff Law Group, our Philadelphia recalled product attorneys have years of experience obtaining groundbreaking verdicts and settlements for those harmed by various contaminated or defective products. As legal crusaders, we welcome a challenge and have the resources and skill to win against the largest corporations. To learn more about your legal rights and how we can help, call 1.800.588.0130 today for a free consultation.

A haunted hayride may scare you to death, but should death be a serious concern?

Pennsylvania has many haunted attractions that draw big crowds around Halloween. These haunted attractions are privately run, and hire teenagers and volunteers not only to act as the goblins, ghouls, and ghosts, but also to operate equipment and special effects. One of the biggest crowd pleasers is always the haunted hayride. However, maybe we should question how safe hayrides actually are.

The majority who are at risk of hayride accidents are children. This risk is heightened during Halloween where there is low visibility, little supervision, and a lot of distractions. A few years ago, a seven-year-old boy fell from a haunted hayride in New Jersey. The boy sustained head injuries and had to be rushed to the nearest emergency room to receive treatment.

It is not only passengers that are at risk from hayride accidents. The actors, many of them young adults, are injured just as often as riders. Many are run over by the truck or the wagon. Contributing to the high injury rate is the lack of protection and training offered to the actors. Many of them are instructed to climb on top on the wagon walls, jump in and out of the moving hayride, while trying to scar as many people as possible. The hayride directors often fail to consider the cold, and sometimes wet, weather conditions that contribute to actors slipping and falling into the path of the wagon.

Many haunted attractions use pick-up trucks instead of tractors to pull the wagons. Trucks do not afford the driver the same level of control as tractors. By allowing the driver to increase and decrease speed more rapidly, trucks add to the instability of the attached wagon. The Haunted House Association's website demonstrates a group of farmers' concern over the lack of safety standards some hayrides have. The Association points to multiple causes of hayride accidents including, lack of communication between drivers and actors, lack of crowd control, and lack of speed control.

The hayride and amusement accident attorneys at the Beasley Reiff Law Group want you to have a fun and safe Halloween. But, we also understand that accidents can happen. If you, or a loved one, have suffered an injury on a hayride amusement, call 1.800.588.0130. As always, we offer a free, no obligation consultation.

A mother watches her son from the sideline at his first ever high school football game. The quarterback throws him the ball. He catches it. The mother holds her breath as he runs towards the end zone. She watches as her son is tackled at the one-yard line. His helmet had fallen off, and he is unable to get up. His mother's stomach drops because she knows how serious a concussion can be.

High school and collegiate athletes are at a heightened risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (T.B.I.). Young athletes choose to participate in team sports for many reasons including peer acceptance and the feeling of accomplishment. However, these same reasons contribute to the heightened risk of brain injuries such as concussions and subdural hematomas, a bleeding in the brain. Players who suffer from head injuries are sometimes forced back onto the field of play, either from pressure form their coach or teammate, before the injury has completely healed. This increases the chances of the head injury reoccurring or causing permanent damage.

In April of 2011, a nineteen-year-old, high school football player filed suit against his Pennsylvania high school coach, athletic trainer, and principal. He suffers from brain trauma due to numerous hits to the head during his football career. The complaint alleges the coach put the high schooler on the field of play knowing the teen suffered from a concussion. As a result of the coach's pressure, the player was hit once again and sustained a T.B.I. The teen continues to experience a lack of concentration, waves of nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, insomnia, depression, and is unable to work a full, eight-hour day.

Fortunately, the problem of head injuries in young athletes has not gone unnoticed. Twenty-eight states have already enacted legislation demanding that schools with sports programs have a system in place for identifying, treating, and rehabilitation student athletes who are suspected of having a concussion. The Pennsylvania state legislature is in the process of passing a statute that would impose similar demands on Pennsylvania's public schools. The statute seeks to minimize the pressure put on high school athletes to return to the field of play by imposing stricter guidelines on coaches and school athletic trainers. However, this might not be enough.

The Philadelphia head injury attorneys of the Beasley Reiff Law Group have years of experience advocating for clients. If a head injury has changed your, or a loved one's, life, call 1.800.588.0130 for a free, no obligation consultation with one of our award winning attorneys.