Injuries Caused by Detergent Pods

These relatively easy to use detergent packets have injured over 10,000 children under 5 years of age so far this year. Injuries have been caused by eating, squirting into the eye, and inhalation.  This is a shockingly high number, and it seems to only be getting worse. This is especially concerning since they were only introduced into the marketplace in 2012.  Which means the number of people using them will likely increase.
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Highly concentrated “single-load liquid laundry packets” can cause serious harm to young children.

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10,497 Kids 5 and younger

Exposed to single-load laundry packets from Jan. 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015

 

Poison centers receive many calls each year about children getting into laundry detergent. Swallowing it often causes mild stomach upset, if there are any symptoms at all, but poison center experts say the new highly concentrated single-load liquid laundry detergent packets seem to be different.

Some children who have gotten the product in their mouths have had excessive vomiting, wheezing and gasping. Some get very sleepy. Some have had breathing problems serious enough to need a ventilator to help them breathe.  There have also been reports of corneal abrasions (scratches to the eyes) when the detergent gets into a child’s eyes.

AAPCC position statement on single-load liquid laundry packets.
The experts at your local poison center urge parents and caregivers to:

• Always keep detergent containers closed, sealed and stored up high, out of the reach of children.
• Follow the instructions on the product label.
• Call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a child has come in contact with this detergent.

In 2015, through October 31, poison centers received reports of 10,497 exposures to highly concentrated packets of laundry detergent by children 5 and younger.

PLEASE NOTE: The term "exposure" means someone has had contact with the substance in some way; for example, ingested, inhaled, absorbed by the skin or eyes, etc. Not all exposures are poisonings or overdoses.

Laundry Packet Exposures Reported to Poison Centers (Children 5 and younger)

Years	exposures
2012	6343
2013	10395
2014	11714
2015	10497
	0
	0

10395

Download fact sheet

 

http://www.aapcc.org/alerts/laundry-detergent-packets/

Tell Congress: Ban Forced Arbitration

You’ve known about forced arbitration clauses buried in the fine print of contracts agreements we all sign. But now, since the New York Times published a three-part investigative series about this corporate bullying tactic, many more people know what we lose when we “click here to agree.” 

Now it’s time to do something about it! 

Bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate would eliminate corporations’ ability to steal our constitutional rights in employment, consumer, civil rights and antitrust cases. But Congress has stalled in making these bills become law, and more consumers are losing their constitutional rights.

Please sign our petition and tell Congress that it’s time to end the get-out-of-jail-free card that Wall Street has buried in the fine print.

Thank you!

The Take Justice Back Team

Why You Shouldn’t Speak With an Insurance Company . . . (so fast)

Regrettably, people get injured.  This will require the filing of an insurance claim.  Most people automatically call their own insurance company.  This is wise and legally required.

What many of us don’t know, is that the insurance company for the opposing side prepared to pounce on you.  “Like a good neighbor”, or with “good hands”, or being “on your side”, are a few examples of how they present themselves.

Many insurance companies will go on to state that using a lawyer only costs you, the injured person, money.  In reality, this is against the law.  Insurance companies are routinely and regularly fined for such deceptive practices.

Simple fact is that insurance companies are just that – companies.  They are money making machines.  Their best interest and your best interest do not coincide.

Always speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Holiday Parties

Protect Yourself and Your Guests When Hosting a Holiday Party Click image to see full-size infographic. Hosting a party this holiday season? Before stamping that last invitation, learn how you can protect yourself and your guests. The legal principles at work here are called premises and social host liability. Here are tips and suggestions for preventing injuries and protecting your interests before guests arrive: Let’s Start with Alcohol “Holiday cheer” is often synonymous with alcoholic beverages in many people’s minds. There is nothing wrong with that thinking, but homeowners should be aware that they may be held liable in some states if intoxicated guests leave the party and cause injury or property damage to others. So ... Encourage guests to pick a designated driver. Stock plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and serve food. Don't pressure guests to drink too much and cut off anyone who has already had enough. Call a cab for intoxicated guests, give them a ride (if you are sober), or offer a place to sleep at your house. Never allow minors to drink. As the host, stay in control by not drinking too much yourself. Now, Look Around Your House As the property owner, you are responsible for protecting your guests from unsafe conditions on your property. So ... Fix any tripping hazards like broken stairs or loose handrails, double-stick tape throw rugs and secure extension cords. Remove any dangerous items that might injure children like an old freezer, a broken swing or poison hazards. In colder climates, keep sidewalks and steps free of ice and snow. If you have a pool, keep gates locked or make sure kids are supervised by an adult if using the pool. Consider restraining pets as you may be liable if a guest is bitten or scratched. Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance The liability coverage in your homeowner’s insurance may be your final line of defense if someone is hurt during a party at your home. So ... Make sure it is in force and that your policy limits are high enough to cover an injury. Standard minimums of $100,000 to $300,000 may not be enough to cover all the costs associated with a serious injury. If you have significant assets in addition to your home, consider an umbrella policy for added liability protection. Check for exclusions and contact your agent if you have any questions.

Your Rights in the News Browse headline news on your health, safety and legal rights: Forced Arbitration More Prevalent Higher Crash Rates for Self-Driving Cars Tire Recall System ‘Broken’ Chipotle Reports Third E. Coli Outbreak MADD Urges Americans to ‘Tie One On for Safety’ An innovative promotional campaign from MADD targets the increased prevalence of drunk driving during the holidays. Listen now

 

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Forced (or Coerced) Arbitration Clauses

Below is a link to how arbitration clauses are used to the outright harm of most of us.

In particular, this paragraph sums it up:

“This is among the most profound shifts in our legal history,” William G. Young, a federal judge in Boston who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan, said in an interview. “Ominously, business has a good chance of opting out of the legal system altogether and misbehaving without reproach.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/business/dealbook/arbitration-everywhere-stacking-the-deck-of-justice.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=a-lede-package-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news