There are many product malfunctions that can put individuals at risk for serious harm. Among these are electrical defects. Such defects can lead to fires or other accidents that could expose individuals to injuries and significant property damage. Burns and electrical shocks are among the common injuries connected to such defects. Product liability attorneys can advise individuals harmed by electrical defects in products on their options and rights related to pursuing monetary relief.

Electrical defect risks can arise in relation to a wide range of products, from small household devices to some of the biggest products consumers tend to own. Sometimes, they come up in connection to a person’s main way of getting around: the family car. This can be seen in a voluntary recall recently announced by Toyota.

The recall regards some of the company’s hybrid vehicles. Reportedly, the affected models are at risk of an electrical defect that can lead to a short circuit that could create fire dangers.

The recall is expected to affect around a million vehicles globally. While the bulk of these vehicles are in Japan, there are also a fair number in the United States.

It is thought that around 192,000 vehicles will be covered by the recall here in America. These vehicles are certain Prius models from model years 2016 to 2018.

It has not yet been made clear whether any fires have resulted from the electrical issues the recall regards.

As part of the recall, owners of affected vehicles will be able to receive free vehicle repairs aimed at addressing the electrical defect risk. Toyota will be sending out notifications of this to such vehicle owners.

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Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. Employers follow strict rules and guidelines to keep workers protected, but accidents nevertheless occur. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s been a 16 percent increase in fatalities for construction workers over the last half decade.

Nearing the end of summer, you might be finishing up projects and shooting for deadlines. As a construction worker, the stakes can be high. You want to do everything in your power to end the season on a good note, which means avoiding accidents is ideal. There are some construction safety tips that can help reduce risk, such as:

1. Wear head protection. You should always wear a hard hat when there’s potential for falling objects, bumps or electrical hazards. Additionally, your eyes and face should be protected. Be sure to wear safety glasses and high-quality ear plugs, especially in loud environments.
2. Always inspect the ladder. Stepping up on a weak, defected or damaged ladder is a recipe for disaster. When using a ladder, choose one that’s taller than what you need to reach, by at least a few feet. Also, avoid using metal ladders during questionable weather days.
3. Avoid unprotected trenches. You should never enter an unsupported or unprotected trench. Safe exits, like ladders or ramps, are beneficial to place throughout the trench. Check for debris that might block the exits, as well. Make sure another person is standing by if you enter a trench, in case of an emergency.
4. Be cautious using heavy equipment. Always be aware of the placement of your hands and feet when operating heavy equipment. Use proper gloves and footwear for adequate traction. Avoid leaving a machine unattended when running. It’s also beneficial to have a spotter around when maneuvering.
5. Reduce slip and falls. Only work on surfaces that are sturdy and dry. Surfaces that are slippery or dirty should be cleaned immediately. If that’s not possible, use small steps when crossing. Floor holes should be covered, with warning signs.
6. Never step on damaged scaffolding. Avoid standing on weakened scaffolding at all costs. A safe scaffold should feature protective guardrails, a tightly-planked platform and tight rigging. If you are unsure about stability, find a qualified supervisor for inspection.
7. Be aware of your surroundings. In general,you want to be aware of your surroundings. It’s good to have a sense of what’s happening, in case of any present or future dangers. Be on the lookout for potential hazards such as overhead lines, low clearances and spills.

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New York has enacted a new law which helps victims of auto-negligence recover compensation they are entitled to, even if the person who caused their injury has insufficient automobile coverage. Most people know that its a good idea to get auto insurance with sufficient liability limits to help protect them if they are sued by someone injured in a car accident. What most people don’t know is that they have the right to purchase coverage in that same auto policy which can provide them with coverage for their own injuries if the person who caused the accident doesn’t have sufficient policy limits themselves. That coverage is called Supplementary Uninsured Motorist Coverage or SUM coverage. Its been around a long time but its not promoted by the insurance companies. So what we’ve seen all too often are client’s with large liability limits but low SUM limits. Low SUM limits means that if the person who caused your accident has bad coverage your insurance recovery will be limited even though you thought you had purchased a ‘big’ policy. Under the new law, if you purchase a new policy, your SUM coverage will automatically be set to the same level as your liability coverage so can you protect yourself to the same degree as you protect others (unless you opt-out). Unfortunately, under the new law your existing policy is not affected so please check your policy to see if you are getting the right coverage to protect you and your family. Please know that there is a lot of ‘fine print’ that comes into play before you can access this coverage so feel free to call our office if you’ve been injured in an auto accident to discuss your rights.

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