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Long, Jean & Wechsler, P.A.

Long, Jean & Wechsler, P.A.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Pompano Beach Florida

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    • Lyle R. Long, Esq.
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  • Home
  • Areas of Practice
    • Personal Injury Lawyers in Florida
      • Animal Attack Lawyer
      • Boating Accident Lawyer
      • Car Accident Lawyer
      • Elder Care and Nursing Home Neglect
      • Medical Malpractice Lawyers
      • Motorcycle Accidents
      • Product Liability / Mass Torts
      • Slip & Fall / Premises Liability
      • Sovereign Immunity in Pompano Beach
      • Workers’ Compensation
      • Wrongful Death
  • Legal Team
    • Lyle R. Long, Esq.
    • Alex Jean, Esq.
    • Ryan Wechsler, Esq.
    • Len Blumenthal, Esq
  • Case Results
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Pompano Beach, Florida

The 8 Most Notorious Defective Products in Recent History [U.S. Edition]

October 1, 2018 by Lyle Long
Most Defective Products in the US Recent History

As consumers, we like to believe the products that we use are safe. However, in 2017 alone, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) reported 13,458,864 injuries associated with consumer products from the U.S. The report looked at defective products such as toys, recreational equipment, personal use items, general household appliances, and more.

Unfortunately, many times we don’t see or even know about these injuries due to defective products until they have affected too many users. Unless the company, either willfully or by the demand of a major institution such as the US Food and Drug Administration, issue a recall of their defective product. For example, last year, the FDA recalled 9,199 products and sent 15,318 warning letters.

Let’s take a look at the most notorious defective products in recent history, their recall cases, and the loss for the companies, as well as the impact on consumers.

Recall: Ford Pinto Fuel Tank Fires – 1978

Ford Pinto Fuel Tank Fires – 1978

Recall: 3.1 million Pinto Ford vehicles

Cost: Estimated $15 to $24 million

While this recall story is not recent, it was one of the biggest and most talked-about product recalls ever. During the years 1971 to 1980, Ford sold over 3 million Pinto model vehicles. Before Ford released the ‘78 model, the company was aware of the defective fuel tank used in the cars. However, the company believed at the time it was better to pay for injury claims than to fix the issue.

After a man’s Pinto burst into flames during a low-speed accident, the man was awarded $125 million in damages for his case. It is estimated that around 180 deaths can be attributed to Pinto’s fuel tank fires.

Recall: Firestone Tires with Defective Treads – 2000

Firestone Tires with Defective Treads – 2000

Recall: 19.5 million Firestone tires

Cost: $3.1 billion

Between 2000 and 2001, Ford had to recall 19.5 million Firestone Wilderness tires outfitted on their Ford Explorer SUV. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 100 deaths involving the vehicle were due to treads separating on one of the tires while driving.

At the time of the issue, Ford and Firestone blamed each other for the safety issues. Whether it was the safety of the SUV or defective tires, both companies had to pay the costs to injured consumers.

Recall: Vioxx Causing Cardiac Events – 2004

Vioxx Causing Cardiac Events – 2004

Recall: 4 million American patients at the time

Cost: $6.4 billion

Possibly one of the deadliest product recalls in history, Vioxx was a “revolutionary” drug for arthritis pain. The pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. issued a voluntary recall after a study by the FDA determined the drug may have contributed to over 27,000 heart attacks and countless sudden cardiac deaths, although the company did not take responsibility for the latter.

The drug not only caused tremendous suffering for the families of patients, but it also had enormous financial implications for the company. The company lost about $725 million in sales, settled most of its product-liability lawsuits for $4.85 billion and paid $830 million to settle a federal class-action lawsuit.

Recall: Mattel Toys Coated in Toxic Lead Paint – 2007

Mattel Toys Coated in Toxic Lead Paint – 2007

Recall: 21 million Mattel toys

Cost: $50 million

Back in 2007, Mattel and Fisher-Price recalled Barbie playsets, Dora the Explorer figurines, and other toys due to a lead poisoning hazard. The report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the toys used paint that contained excessive levels of lead, which is toxic when ingested, especially in young children. Luckily, no reported injuries occurred at the time of the recall.

However, Mattel still had to endure the financial loss and agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit by the families that purchased the defective toys. The settlement estimate was $50 million.

Recall: Exploding Takata Air Bags – 2008

Exploding Takata Air Bags – 2008

Recall: 287.5 million airbags and counting

Cost: $24 billion and counting

The Takata airbag product recall is by far the most notorious and lengthy product recall in history. The NHTSA issued the recall for the infamous Takata airbags found in Chrysler, BMW, Honda, Ford, Mazda, General Motors, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and Mitsubishi vehicles. The defect caused the airbag to explode, causing serious injury, and in some cases, death. Tens of millions of vehicles were affected in the U.S. alone.

As of 2017, according to the NHTSA, 12 deaths and 200 injuries can be attributed to Takata airbags. The Japanese company filed for bankruptcy in 2017. The estimated total cost for the recall is yet to be determined.

Recall: General Motors’ Faulty Ignition Switch – 2014

General Motors’ Faulty Ignition Switch – 2014

Recall: 2.7 million vehicles

Cost: $4.1 billion

It seems cars are the most vulnerable to product recalls. In 2014, General Motors vehicles could not escape the faulty ignition switches recall. The defect was the ignition switch could shut down the engine without warning, disabling power steering, airbags, and brakes. At least 124 deaths and over 248 injuries can be attributed to this defective product. The company knew of the safety issues as early as 2004, yet fell short in addressing the issue.

In the end, General Motors said the recall cost the car company $4.1 billion, with almost half of it spent to repair recalled vehicles, nearly $870 million to settle death and injury claims, and another $900 million in a settlement with the Department of Justice.

Recall: Volkswagen’s Diesel Emissions Scandal – 2015

Volkswagen’s Diesel Emissions Scandal – 2015

Recall: 11 million Volkswagen vehicles

Cost: $14.7 billion

In 2015, Volkswagen was not only facing a product recall, but also a massive scandal (dubbed ‘Dieselgate’) that changed the way consumers looked at the brand forever. According to the recall, the company programmed diesel models’ software to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels during emissions testing. In reality, the affected models were responsible for nearly 40 times the U.S. legal limit for NOx emissions.

After the recall, it took VW’s stock over two years to recover. The company paid a $14.7 billion settlement to compensate car owners and address environmental harm related to the NOx emissions of their cars. Volkswagen agreed to pay $2.7 billion to fund efforts to reduce NOx emissions in areas with severe smog. The company also pledged to invest $2 billion in manufacturing and promoting electric vehicles. However, these actions do not undo the damage done to the brand’s reputation in the eyes of consumers.

Recall: Samsung Overheating Galaxy Note 7 Batteries – 2016

Samsung’s Overheating Galaxy Note 7 Batteries – 2016

Recall: 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 phones

Cost: $10 billion

In one of the most well-known product recalls in recent years, Samsung had to recall almost 1 million cellphones after serious burns and fire hazards. After 92 reports of the battery on their Galaxy Note 7 overheating in the U.S., the company stopped sales and production of the phone, announcing the recall.

Luckily, no deaths were attributed to the defective cell phone. The year after the recall, Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 8 with strong sales and reviews.

What to Do if You Use a Recalled Product

If you or anyone you know uses a product that has recently been named in a recall, they may be eligible for compensation. Contact LJW Legal, to discuss the details of how you have been affected with one of our product liability attorneys. The law protects consumers from negligent corporations distributing defective products that may cause injury or death. Our team of attorneys will fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

Category: Personal InjuryTag: Defective Products, Mass Torts
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Long, Jean & Wechsler, P.A.
Long, Jean & Wechsler, P.A.
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arletty fernandezarletty fernandez
21:24 13 Nov 22
Ryan and Helen were very thorough and diligent with my case. This was my first time having to hire for this type of service and am honestly thrilled to have been referred to such a diligent, efficient and caring team. They made sure to stay in touch and keep me updated all throughout my case. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Thank you all for your excellent care.
Florane FleurinorFlorane Fleurinor
14:52 03 Oct 22
Very good, professional and responsible lawyer. His office was in contact with me every time they had new information. Step by step Mr. Alex Jean would explain to me what is going on with my case. I didn’t have to wait for years for results. So far from what I hear from other people about their cases Mr. Alex Jean is the best. And I will reference my family and friends you and thank you so much
alexis Johnsonalexis Johnson
20:35 13 Sep 22
Ryan Wechsler is by far one of the best lawyers around. He gave me the assurance that everything was going to be okay. He is a very professional, respectful, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and an honest lawyer. His entire team (Daniela & Helen) was amazing. Very pleasant and kept me up to date every step of the way during my case. Ryan fought hard for me! I’m very thankful for all of his hard work and everyone at Long, Jean & Wechsler. If you’re ever in need of a great legal team give them a call.
Saif PowerSaif Power
14:59 30 Aug 22
Lyle was a pleasure to work with, he delivered on his promises. He was very prompt with his responses and very helpful when we first touched base. I’d definitely take him again on any relevant case.
Luiz CentLuiz Cent
02:15 13 Jul 22
I hired Alex Jean for a personal injury case and little did I know I was going to get world class treatment.I was referred to the best Chiropractors in Miami and then when I moved to St.Pete the LJW team had great connections there too.My Tesla is as good as new, my back is recovering and not to mention the settlement from the insurance. If I didn’t hire them I’d still be trying to recover money from insurance to fix my car.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you need a personal injury attorney I 100% recommend Alex Jean and the team at LJW.
Princess Maryam Abdul-AkbarPrincess Maryam Abdul-Akbar
16:29 07 Jul 22
Ryan Wechsler is an excellent attorney. He worked tirelessly on my case, which was a difficult one to begin with. When other attorneys were given me issues to take my case, he was the only one that was reassuring and determine to seek justice for me. I completely trusted his counsel. Had it not been for Mr. Wechsler I would have accumulated a lot of debt. I am forever grateful that he accepted my case.
Angelina AkkadAngelina Akkad
12:47 30 Jun 22
Ryan and the team are absolute rock stars! I got a recommendation from a good friend to use them, and I was not disappointed. They solved my issue with one strong letter and avoided a bad situation and lots of time and $$$ saved. I will definitely be using them again if the need ever arises.
Micheca AristildeMicheca Aristilde
19:46 08 Jun 22
Very good firm. I had an unusual case. A crane dropped on my car the week of Christmas. Considering the fact my accident occurred during the holiday season, Lyle and his paralegal, Helen, ensured that I received treatment the same day, got a rental, and even settled my case in less than 6 months.They were extremely polite, communicative, and on top of everything. I highly recommend reaching out to them for great legal representation.
GatorGator
19:20 08 Jun 22
Worked with Ryan and he helped me navigate the process of our law suit. Was in great communication throughout the process. 5 stars
Patrícia OsorioPatrícia Osorio
02:16 08 Jun 22
We had a great experience with Lyle and their team. The communication worked great, they had the patience to explain all the details to us and were responsive to our questions. We got a great settlement.
Perry CrawfordPerry Crawford
18:55 15 Apr 22
Lyle and his law group conducted themselves professionally and were very caring and concerned about my injury. My recovery was foremost on their minds.He fought for me relentlessly and got me what I truly deserved. His confidence and tenacity won the case decisively.Thanks Lyle.
Andrea ChlimperAndrea Chlimper
17:18 15 Apr 22
I highly recommend Lyle Long and his firm. Additional to a very very good settlement amount, Lyle and his staff were a pleasure to work with. Lyle walked me through the entire process from the moment I contacted him regarding my automobile accident. They were excellent with communication, returning my calls/emails and keeping me informed with updates and progress. Unfortunately, this is my 2nd time hiring his firm. My first experience was that positive that I never thought about hiring another firm to handle my legal matter.
TT
20:04 28 Mar 22
I highly recommend using this law firm. They’re super friendly, super helpful and very very professional. They had everything under control and dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s. I couldn’t be more happy with there service!!!
Viral-_-buildzViral-_-buildz
18:44 01 Feb 22
I got Into an accident 8/13/2021. A friend of mine told me to contact Ryan, I reached out to him the day after my accident ( which happened to be a weekend day ) and he immediately got right on the case. He was very helpful and I was literally able to reach out to him by phone or text any day and any time. He is always available. He set me up for all of my medical treatment and made sure I understood the whole entire process. He’s a great lawyer and is really on your side. My case was resolved in 4 months and my settlement was way more than I expected. I couldn’t be more thankful for him and his staff. They are excellent.Thank you Ryan,Latia J
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