The Multi-District litigation (MDL) in the Yamaha Rhino rollover lawsuits continues to move forward in the Western District of Kentucky, with the products liability attorneys at Pritzker Olsen playing a central role. At the outset of the litigation, attorney Eric Hageman of Pritzker Olsen was appointed by the federal judge presiding over the Rhino MDL, Judge Jennifer B. Coffman, to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee.

More recently, Judge Coffman issued the initial Case Management Order, setting the schedule for all of the MDL cases. As outlined in the Order, all non-expert fact discovery must be completed on cases currently in the MDL by February 1, 2010, with all discovery to be completed by April 1, 2010. If cases are not resolved via pre-trial settlement, trial of the cases will begin June 1, 2010. A proposal regarding a “comprehensive case resolution program for the MDL cases” will be made to Judge Coffman by September 30, 2009.

Even though no Rhino rollover cases have yet gone to trial, the benefits of the nationwide Rhino rollover litigation are already becoming apparent. Yamaha has seemingly acknowledged the existence of some of the very defects which are being alleged in the Rhino rollover lawsuits. The defects which make the Rhino prone to tip over and seriously injure its occupants include the following: its top-heavy design, dangerously narrow track width, high center of gravity, wheels that are too small to maintain stability, steering geometry that facilitates rollovers and tip overs even at low speeds and on flat terrain, heavy rigid steel roll cage that has no safety padding, lack of doors, leg guards, or other enclosures to protect occupants, lack of handholds or handles for passengers, and defective restraint systems. On March 31, 2009, Yamaha announced a repair program to address some of the same rollover safety defects which are being advocated in the MDL. In apparent recognition of the dangers posed by the Rhino, Yamaha has advised that consumers should not use Rhinos until the safety defects are repaired.

Pritzker Olsen attorneys will continue to play a leading role in the Rhino rollover litigation and will push for even greater safety changes on the Rhino.

To contact an attorney at Pritzker Olsen, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

Yamaha Rhino Rollover Information

Rhino Rollover Suit
Rhino 450 and 660 Free Repair
Yamaha Rhino Accident
Yamaha Rhino ATV Recall
Yamaha Rhino Lawsuit
Yamaha Rhino FAQ
Yamaha Rhino Recall

Labels: accident injury, Disfigurement, lawsuit, lawyer

PB Heat LLC, a Bally, Pennsylvania company, has recalled about 1,200 gas boilers because the pressure switch could have an internal defect that could fail to shut down the boilers under vent or air inlet blockage. This switch defect could allow the boilers to produce excessive levels of carbon monoxide, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

This PB Heat gas boiler recall involves the DE and PSC II Gas Fired Cast Iron Boilers with the Endura Plastics Model ES2035 pressure switch used for home heating and domestic hot water heating. The boilers were available in either natural or LP gas. The boiler rating label is located on the top jacket panel on Series PSCII models and the left side jacket panel on the Series DE models. The label includes the model and serial number. The following model names and serial numbers are included in the recall:

Other suffix designation may follow the base model number such as SV-WPC.

The recalled PB Heat gas boilers were sold at plumbing and heating wholesale distributors nationwide from May 2007 through July 2008 for between $1,800 and $3,000. They were manufactured in the United States.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include the following:

• severe headache
• dizziness
• mentally confused
• upset stomach
• light headedness

Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death (see "Carbon Monoxide Wrongful Death").

Posted September 2008.

Labels: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Disfigurement

Worldwise Inc. has recalled about 223,000 retractable dog leashes because the metal clasp can break, causing the leash to recoil back and injure the dog owner. People have reported facial cuts, a broken tooth, displaced eye lens, and a bruised collar bone. Below is the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announcement of the SlyDog Retractable Dog Leash recall:

Worldwise Inc. Recalls Retractable Dog Leashes; Metal Clasp Can Break and Cause Facial and Body Injuries to Dog Owners

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Products: SlyDog™ Retractable Dog Leashes

Units: About 223,000

Importer: Worldwise Inc., of San Rafael, Calif.

Hazard: The metal clasp connecting the leash to a dog’s collar can bend or break while in use, causing the leash to recoil back unexpectedly. This poses a serious risk of injury to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Worldwise has received five reports of injuries, including facial cuts, a broken tooth, displaced eye lens, and a bruised collar bone. [Contact us about compensation for disfigurement in a product liability lawsuit.]

Description: This recall involves the SlyDog™ Retractable Dog Leash with a metal clasp. The leash has a handle composed of a blue plastic case with a black plastic grip. The leash is made of a black woven strap and measures approximately one-half inch wide. The end of the leash has a metal clasp which connects to the dog’s collar. The SlyDog™ retractable leashes with a plastic clasp are not included in this recall.

Sold by: Dollar General Stores nationwide from September 2007 through August 2008 for about $5.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: [If you have been injured by a SlyDog leash, do not return the leash for a refund. Contact our law firm.] Consumers should stop using these leashes immediately and return them to Worldwise Inc. for a full refund, including shipping costs.

Labels: Disfigurement, Eye Damage, eye inflammation