Tallahassee Personal Injury Lawyer - All Topics

Tallahassee Man Loses Control Of His Car, Hits Telephone Pole

Chrissie Cole — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:52:00 GMT

A man lost control of his vehicle on Wednesday morning and struck a telephone pole and then slammed into a gas station sign. He was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

When emergency officials arrived at the scene he was unresponsive. No other injuries have been reported. Police have not released new details on the condition or the identity of the man involved in the car accident.

The accident occurred on Tharpe Street and Old Bainbridge Road.

The investigation is ongoing.

Later the same day, Tallahassee Police were investigating another car crash at the intersection of Bronough and Gaines Street. Four vehicles were involved in the crash, but none suffered serious injuries.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Dog Bite Prevention

Margaret Embry — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:48:42 GMT

The recent National Dog Bite Prevention Week created awareness of how big the problem of dog bites is in the United States, as well as provided education on how to prevent dog bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million Americans are the victims of dog bites annually. Of these victims, about one in five require medical attention due to their injuries (totaling 885,000). Over 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs in 2006. People most at risk for being bitten by a dog include children, adult males, and people with dogs in their homes.

There are ways to make dog bites less likely for adults and children. If a household is considering bringing a dog into their home they should first consult with a professional to find out what breed best fits the household, never choose a dog that has a history of aggressive behavior if there are children in the home, pay attention to fearful cues children are showing when around dogs (if any), spend time with the dog before adopting it, and use caution when bringing a dog into a home with infants or toddlers.

Once a dog is brought into a home, spay or neuter the dog, never leave the dog alone with infants or toddlers, avoid playing aggressive games with the dog, properly socialize and train the dog, and contact a professional if the dog develops aggressive behavior.

To help prevent a child from being bitten, teach and follow the safety tips outlined by the CDC:

Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.

Do not run from a dog or scream.

Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.

If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").

Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.

Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.

Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.

If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Margaret Embry

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Tips and Statistics

Margaret Embry — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:42:33 GMT

With summer fast approaching, the number of boaters on the water is sure to increase. To avoid serious injury while boating, it is important to understand the safety guidelines put in place by the United States Coast Guard to ensure a safe and fun boating trip.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boaters' reponsibilities to ensure boating safety include the following.

Make sure the boat is in top operating condition and that there are no tripping hazards. The boat should be free of fire hazards and have clean bilges

Safety equipment, required by law, is on board, maintained in good condition, and you know how to properly use these devices.

File a float plan with a relative or friend.

Have a complete knowledge of the operation and handling characteristics of your boat.

Know your position and know where you are going.

Maintain a safe speed at all times to avoid collision.

Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions, and act accordingly.

Know and practice the Rules of the Road (Navigation Rules).

Know and obey Federal and state regulations and waterway markers.

Maintain a clear, unobstructed view forward at all times. "Scan" the water back and forth; avoid "tunnel" vision. Most boating collisions are caused by inattention.

Using data from the U.S. Coast Guard, the top five primary accident types in 2007 are shown in the table below, along with rank, number of accidents, deaths, and injuries.

TOP FIVE PRIMARY ACCIDENT TYPES in 2007
Accident Rank	Accident Type	Accidents	Deaths	Injuries
1	Collision with Vessel	1,329	66	953
2	Collision w/ Fixed Object	558	35	389
3	Skier Mishap	492	11	502
4	Falls Overboard	485	208	312
5	Capsizing	398	204	284

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Margaret Embry

What to Do If You've Eaten Contaminated Peanut Butter Product

Brian W. Smith — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:44:13 GMT

The number of products that contain peanuts or peanut paste manufactured by the Peanut Corporation of America continues to grow. The list has topped 1,000 affected products and includes many popular cookies, candies and snack bars.

If you have eaten any of these products and have suffered symptoms consistent with salmonella exposure, it is suggested that you go to the Emergency Room or walk in clinic today and tell them what you have eaten and what your symptoms have been. Ask them to test you for salmonella exposure (usually a stool test). If some time has passed between your consumption of the crackers and the salmonella test, there's a chance that it will come back normal, but a test is the best way to determine if you have been exposed to salmonella.

Also, it is important to keep the product that you have eaten (or at least the package). They may need to be tested at a lab. Put them in a sealed container or plastic baggie and keep them in a cool dry place.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brian W. Smith

Peanut Company Knowingly Shipped Tainted Peanut Butter

Brian W. Smith — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:49:43 GMT

Officials at the food plant in Blakely, Ga., responsible for the nationwide salmonella outbreak, knowingly shipped contaminated peanut butter and did not do anything to correct the mold growing on their walls and ceilings. According to the FDA, people became sick or died after consuming food products containing peanut butter produced at the Peanut Corporation of America.

The outbreak, which took place between Sept. 1 and Jan. 9, infected more than 500 people in 43 states, and one person in Canada, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC, along with the Food and Drug Administration, is conducting an investigation. The recent salmonella outbreak may have contributed to eight deaths, according to the CDC.

"PCA distributed potentially contaminated product to more than 70 consignee firms, for use as an ingredient in hundreds of different products, such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream," the FDA said on its Web site.

A report by the FDA released Wednesday revealed 12 instances between June 2007 and September 2008 where the plant’s testing discovered its products were contaminated by salmonella. However, the company still shipped the product.

Upon inspection, mold was found inside the plant, including on the building’s ceilings and walls of the food cooler. It appeared roaches had made the plant their home as well.

The American Peanut Council articulated “shock and dismay” upon learning of the FDA’s report that the Peanut Corp. of America had knowingly shipped contaminated food products.

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and cramping. The illness can last four to seven days. About 1.4 million Americans develop salmonella each year and 400 die from it, according to the CDC.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brian W. Smith

Peanuts Unfit for Human Consumption Were Not Tested by FDA

Brian W. Smith — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:08:13 GMT

According to an exclusive story from the Associated Press, peanuts exported by the Peanut Corporation of America were found to be contaminated, and were returned to the United States, weeks before the earliest signs of a national salmonella outbreak that now has been traced to peanuts from a Georgia processing plant.

The rejected shipment - coming over the U.S. border across a bridge between New York and Canada - was logged by the Food and Drug Administration but never was tested by federal inspectors, according to the government's own records.

The chopped peanuts were prevented by the FDA from being allowed back into the United States in mid-September because the peanuts contained an unspecified "filthy, putrid or decomposed substance, or is otherwise unfit for food," according to an FDA report of the incident.

According to the story, the FDA said it could not provide details about the incident. Peanut Corp. of America didn't immediately respond to AP's request for comment. Federal inspectors previously reported they found roaches, mold, a leaking roof and other sanitation issues at the company's processing plant in Blakely believed to be the source of the outbreak.

Our firm is investigating claims of illness from consuming products containing peanut butter and peanut butter paste manufactured by the Peanut Butter Corporation of America. If you, or someone you know, has suffered illness after eating peanut butter products, contact our offices at (866) 735-1102 Ext 515.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brian W. Smith

Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Products

Brian W. Smith — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:31:48 GMT

The expanded recall includes all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), granulated peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter and peanut paste. All of the recalled peanuts and peanut products were made only at the company's Blakely, Georgia facility. The Blakely, Georgia facility has stopped producing all peanut products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brian W. Smith

Ice Cream sold at Sweetbay Supermarkets recalled

Brian W. Smith — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:02:31 GMT

The House of Flavors Ice Cream Company is recalling 64 ounce square packages of Hannaford Chocolate Chip Ice Cream because some packages shipped to Florida contain undeclared walnuts.

A release the company put out Wednesday says people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to walnuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening reaction if they eat the product. The affected packages — lot number SR L1 26-426 08319 — were distributed to Sweetbay Supermarkets

The Ludington, Mich., company says one allergic reaction has been reported.

The problem occurred when cartons of chocolate chip ice cream were filled at the plant after a run of maple walnut ice cream.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brian W. Smith

Chocolate Company Recalls Various Candies Containing Peanut Butter

Brian W. Smith — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:43:13 GMT

The South Bend Chocolate Company today announced a voluntary recall of certain candy products because they contain peanut butter from Peanut Corporation of America, which may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Nearly 400 illnesses and five deaths have now been linked to a salmonella outbreak that is believed to have been caused by peanut butter and peanut paste. The brand of peanut butter that has tested positive for salmonella and has been connected to the nationwide outbreak, has been voluntarily recalled by its distributor, King Nut Companies of Solon, Ohio. The five pound tubs of creamy peanut butter are not manufactured by King Nut but are made for the company by the Peanut Corporation of America in Lynchburg, Va.

Peanut butter paste manufactured by Peanut Corporation, is also used in peanut butter crackers and other peanut butter snacks sold under the Keebler, Austin and Little Debbie names.

Anyone who suffers symptoms after eating these products should report this to their local health department and should seek immediate medical treatment. It is critical to tell your doctor that you ate one of those products and ask to be tested for salmonella exposure.

If you, or someone you know, has suffered illness after eating peanut butter products, contact our offices at (866) 735-1102 Ext 515 or visit our web site: http://www.injuryboard.com/firms/Florida/Tallahassee/Smith--Vanture-LLP/

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brian W. Smith

Hy-Vee Inc. Recalls Bakery Products With Peanut Butter Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk

Brian W. Smith — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:42:00 GMT

Hy-Vee Inc. is voluntarily recalling the following products made in its bakery departments because they contain peanut butter that has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella: Peanut Butter Cookies, Monster Cookies, Peanut Butter Reese's Pieces Cookies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lunchbox Reese's Pieces Cookies, Lunchbox Peanut Butter Cookies, People Chow Party Mix and Assorted Truffle Fudge. All sell-by dates are included in this recall.

The products are sold in various packaging and quantities and have a Hy-Vee price label attached.

If you, or someone you know, has suffered illness after eating any peanut butter products, contact our offices at (866) 735-1102 Ext 515

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brian W. Smith