Child injury

Published on: May 12, 2022

Product Recall Following Nearly 200 Poisoned With Salmonella

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(May 12, 2022) Last month, on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Ferrero recalled Kinder Surprise chocolates in the United States after several cases of Salmonella were reported across Europe and in the United Kingdom. Children under five years old made up the majority of cases. Ferrero claimed that the recall was “out of an abundance of caution” and that “we take food safety concerns very seriously.” According to their website, some of the chocolates that were meant for European consumption made their way onto United States shelves by mistake, though at the time, there were no reported cases as a result. However, last week Wednesday, May 4, 2022, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the recall. After checking several smaller local retailers, the FSA found that some of them were still selling the recalled chocolates, while others had purchased them only to have to discard them immediately. Additionally, the FSA found that the initial recall did not include all of the affected chocolates and provided an updated list.

The Dangers of Salmonella Poising to the Young and to the Elderly

Roughly 1.3 million people are diagnosed with Salmonella poisoning every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While it can be contracted by pet reptiles, the most common source of Salmonella poising is food. The CDC also lists the following categories of people at higher risk of extreme or life-threatening sickness from Salmonella poisoning:

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Published on: April 17, 2022

The Dangers of an Improperly Installed Car Seat

By Carabin Shaw

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On Monday, March 28, 2022, a four-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a deadly rollover accident in Boerne, Texas. The young girl’s car seat was not adequately secured to the vehicle, which allowed her to be ejected from the vehicle, along with her two-year-old and infant siblings, whose car seats were also improperly installed. The young girl was pronounced dead on the scene, and her two siblings were rushed to the hospital with major injuries, including a broken neck and hip, according to the affidavit (KSAT News, 2022).

The tragic death of young children due to an improperly installed car seat is an avoidable yet common mistake. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Even though most parents comply with the law and utilize safety seats for their children, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 59% of all car seats are misused, meaning that they are not properly buckled and anchored to the vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child results in a fine of up to $250, according to Texas law. Children under the age of eight years old are required to be secured in a safety seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Children 12 and older must wear a seatbelt. These restrictions are designed to keep our children safe. Children younger than eight years old cannot be protected by seatbelts designed for the average adult. Their smaller size and weight put them at risk of being ejected from the vehicle or being struck in the head at impact. When properly installed, car seats raise children to a safer height and firmly secure them to the seat, greatly minimizing the risk of serious bodily injury. The best way to keep your children safe from injury is to use the appropriate safety seat for their age, height, and weight.

Not sure if your child’s car seat is properly installed?

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Published on: March 3, 2022

Enfamil and Similac and NEC

By Carabin Shaw

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After being fed baby formula, if your precious baby developed a horrendous disease called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), you might qualify for compensation. Recently, studies show that certain baby formula products have a higher chance of causing NEC in premature infants. Enfamil and Similac are two brands that have failed to warn parents of the dangers associated with using their products. If your baby has developed NEC after being fed Enfamil or Similac products, you may be able to receive compensation.

NEC is a terrible disease that attacks the intestines. The condition causes infections and inflammations in the intestine, causing the intestinal tissue to die. In some cases, a hole can form in the infant’s intestine, and intestinal bacteria can leak into the abdominal area or bloodstream, causing a possibly fatal infection. Some premature infants suffer from mild symptoms, and some suffer life-threatening ones.

When your premature infant is developing, they typically need extra nutrition to help them grow. If the parent decides not to breastfeed the child, nurses may recommend using baby formula. While this seems like an easy decision to make, that may not be the case.

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Published on: February 10, 2022

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and Baby Formula

By Carabin Shaw

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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a horrible disease that can affect premature infants. The condition is gastrointestinal and causes inflammation and infections in the intestines that can lead to the intestinal cells dying. If the inflammation gets severe, it can create holes in the intestine, potentially leading to intestinal bacteria getting into the affected infant’s abdominal area or blood. If this happens, getting a severe illness or a deadly blood infection is, unfortunately, a possible outcome.

When a baby is born underweight or prematurely, they often need extra protein to strengthen their tiny bodies while they grow. The little one’s growth can be very challenging all on its own, which is why if the baby doesn’t breastfeed, the doctor or nurse may recommend using baby formula products. While this may seem like an entirely sound choice to make, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Studies have recently shown a link between premature infants developing NEC and baby formula.

Trusting companies who develop baby formulas can be so easy. After all, the reason they are developed is to help your infant get the proper nourishment they need for their healthy growth. But unfortunately, some companies fail to warn parents of the risks their product could have on their infants. Popular baby formula brands like Similac and Enfamil did not properly warn parents that using their products could increase their infants’ risk of getting NEC. When manufacturers fail to warn consumers about their products’ potential dangers, it becomes a serious issue.

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Published on: January 5, 2022

Similac and Enfamil Face Lawsuits over Defective Baby Formula

By Carabin Shaw

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In premature infants, both Enfamil, a baby formula manufactured by Mead Johnson, and Similac, a baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, can cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This gastrointestinal condition, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), is severe and causes intestinal tissue death. It may even be fatal in as many as 50% of cases. In addition, the intestinal inflammation caused by this horrible condition may cause holes in the intestine. It is even possible for bacteria from the intestinal tract to leak into the abdomen or blood, causing severe illnesses or deadly blood infections. The condition can also cause severe health issues like sepsis, intestinal strictures, developmental problems, and cerebral palsy.

A study in Lancet, 1990, found that this horrendous condition NEC was up to 10 times more likely in premature infants given formula. In recent years, several studies have linked cow’s milk-based formula to an increased risk of NEC in premature infants, based on cases filed against baby formula products.

Similac and Enfamil manufacturers are facing lawsuits from parents because they were aware or should have been aware that their baby formula products could cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. In addition, these companies did not warn parents or medical providers about the risk. According to the parents who sued, Enfamil and Similac failed to indicate that NEC is a possible side effect of their baby formulas or provide proper instructions or guidelines on using the product. As an added concern, these companies marketed their baby formula products as safe and beneficial for premature infants despite potential risks.

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Published on: January 4, 2022

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

By Carabin Shaw

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You might be wondering what Necrotizing enterocolitis or NEC is. It is a common and severe intestinal condition among premature infants. It occurs when tissue in the large or small intestine is injured or inflamed. When the tissue gets damaged or inflamed, it may lead to the death of intestinal tissue and, sometimes, a hole (perforation) in the intestinal wall.

When an infant has NEC, the intestine can no longer hold waste. This may cause bacteria to find their way into the bloodstream and cause a deadly infection. In addition, waste could potentially enter into the infant’s abdomen and cause the infant to get critically ill. Because of all the damage sustained to the intestines, sections may die and need to get removed.

Symptoms of this potentially deadly disease include but are not limited to an unstable and low body temperature, apnea (pauses in breathing), being lethargic or less active, constipation, trouble feeding, and diarrhea.

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Published on: January 2, 2022

Toxic Baby Formula Causes Birth Defects in Premature Infants and Newborns

By Carabin Shaw

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Bringing new life into the world is one of the most joyous occasions an individual can experience. When someone becomes a parent, the world changes instantly and all prior priorities fade. That means that when something tragic happens to a baby, the pain is beyond description.

In recent years, several baby formulas have been linked to birth defects, especially in premature babies. One of the most commonly developed conditions is a serious gastrointestinal illness known as Necrotizing Enterocolitis [NEC]. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 40% of babies with NEC die from it.

If your child is suffering from NEC, you may be eligible for a baby formula lawsuit. It is vital to contact the Carabin Shaw NEC attorneys as soon as possible.

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Published on: August 25, 2021

Houston Astros Settle Case Following Foul-Ball Injury

By Carabin Shaw

In many situations, those who suffer injuries at a public location because of another’s negligence may claim recovery under Texas’ premises liability laws. However, like most tort laws, premises liability is rife with exceptions and immunity clauses. The exceptions largely hinge on the classification of the property or business owner and the injury victim. As such, these cases tend to be complex and require an extensive understanding of Texas negligence laws.

Premises liability cases stemming from sporting events, such as baseball games, prove challenging for many accident victims. While many spectators bring a baseball glove in the hopes of catching a foul ball, many do not realize the dangers of a foul ball. However, the Major League Ball (MLB) assumes that spectators understand the potential risk of being struck by a foul ball.

In many situations, spectators can catch a foul ball or avoid serious injuries; however, the force of a foul ball slamming into an unsuspecting fan’s head can have a devastating impact. Spectators can suffer traumatic brain injuries, bruising, broken facial bones, skull fractures, and similar injuries. A foul ball could even kill a spectator. For example, the parents of a young child who was hit by a foul ball at a Houston Astros game finally settled with the team.

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Published on: August 17, 2021

Nearly 60 Percent of Child Car Seats Are Misused and Dangerous

By Carabin Shaw

San Antonio, Texas: It’s back to school and back on the roads in Texas, make sure your children are safely buckled up or strapped in for trips in the car.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. While most people believe their children are properly buckled up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) points out that 59% of all car seats are misused. The best way to keep young children safe in your vehicle is to make sure they’re properly buckled up in a car seat. That means selecting a car seat that’s appropriate for a child’s age and size and installing it correctly.

“We encourage parents to take advantage of car seat safety checks available during Passenger Safety Week (September 19-25^th). With proper car seat, car seat installment, and seat belt placement, children are far safer during a motor vehicle collision,” said Carabin Shaw Attorney Carla Dixon. “Knowing the guidelines for height and weight for your children is also extremely important to ensure your child is in the proper car seat or booster seat. Serious injuries can be greatly reduced as well if we place children rear-facing car seats until ages 2-4.”

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