Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Cohen Kuvin News

Consumer News
New Sunscreen Labels Promote Sun Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced several long-awaited changes to sunscreen labels designed to better educate consumers on appropriate sun protection. According to Consumer Reports, the major changes are as follows: Broad spectrum - Products that protect against both UVB rays (the kind that cause sunburn) and UVA rays (the kind that cause wrinkles and premature aging of the skin) will be labeled "broad spectrum." Cancer and wrinkles claims - Sunscreens that are "broad spectrum" and have a SPF 15 or higher will be able to say on their label that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, when used as directed. Products with SPF values between 2 and 14 can be labeled "broad spectrum," but can't say they reduce the risk of cancer and wrinkles; Water-resistance times - Labels will have to say how long you can expect the declared SPF to last while swimming or sweating, either 40 minutes or 80 minutes. And they can't say that the products are "waterproof" or "sweatproof." Consumers can expect to start seeing these label changes next summer.

With the hot summer months ahead, Cohen & Kuvin, LLC. reminds all consumers that they should regularly apply sunscreens with Broad Spectrum and SPF of 15 or higher as most skin cancers are linked to too much time in the sun. 

Table Side Child Booster Seats Recalled for Fall Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a recall of approximately 375,000 Circo Child Booster Seats imported and distributed by Target.  The recall was issued due to a fall hazard caused a faulty restraint buckle which can open unexpectedly.  There have been several reports of children falling forward out of booster the seat.

The recall involves all Circo Booster Seats, including those sold as early as 2005. The plastic booster seats are blue with green trim and a white plastic restraint buckle. They attach to an adult chair to boost a child to a table. "Circo" and "Booster Seat" can be found on a green label located in the front of the booster seat.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled booster seats and return them to any Target store for a full refund. For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 or visit the firm's website at http://www.target.com/

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. Consumers are encouraged to obtain more details on recalls and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.

Legal News
Questionable Future for Consumer Class Actions
On April 27, the United States Supreme Court provided big business with a shield from accountability for corporate misconduct in the form of arbitration clauses containing language barring class actions.  Businesses typically include arbitration clauses in their contracts with consumers, such as cell phone service contracts.  These arbitration clauses often contain provisions that bar consumers from going to arbitration as a class.  Until the Supreme Court's ruling in AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, state courts could refuse to enforce these class waiver provisions on unconscionability grounds after recognizing that class actions are the only means of redress when companies cheat large numbers of consumers out of individually small sums of money.  The Supreme Court decided, however, that the Federal Arbitration Act, which espouses a national policy in favor of arbitration, preempts state laws that would otherwise invalidate these arbitration provisions.  The Concepcion opinion has been interpreted as providing big business with immunity for corporate misconduct, as long as the misconduct is preceded by the signing of a contract containing an arbitration provision with a class ban. 

A class of consumers sued that were charged usurious amounts of interest on "payday loans."  The loan agreements contain arbitration provisions that bar class actions.  After several years litigating the enforceability of this class ban under Florida law, the trial court to struke the ban for violating Florida's public policy.  This decision was upheld by the Fourth District Court of Appeal in McKenzie Check Advance of Florida v. Betts, which held that the evidence in the case demonstrated that consumers would not be able to vindicate the rights provided to them by Florida's consumer protection statutes if they were unable to proceed on a class basis.  The Florida Supreme Court has accepted review of the Fourth District's decision.  The Concepcion opinion will undoubtedly play a central role in the upcoming proceedings before Florida's highest court.    



Spencer Kuvin, a shareholder with Cohen & Kuvin,  was a featured speaker during the Florida Justice Association Annual Convention on June 15, 2011. Mr. Kuvin gave a lecture on Motions in Limine during the Evidence Program.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Breaking News Alert

We provide these breaking news alerts to ensure consumers are protected and educated in hopes that this information will keep you safe and aware of threats to your families' well-being.

National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announce new Recalls & Alerts:

Cadillac Side Roof Rail Airbag Defect

General Motors has issued a recall of approximately 47,000 Cadillac vehicles due to non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 regarding "Occupant Crash Protection." Certain 2011 SRX vehicles may contain a defect that causes the right side roof-rail airbag to turn off if a sensor determines that the front passenger seat is unoccupied. In the event of an accident, the right rear occupant may not be protected, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

The recall is expected to begin on June 17, 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge. Owners may contact Cadillac directly at 1-866-982-2339 and reference GM'S recall number 11162. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V308000.

Honda VT 750 Motorcycle Defect

Honda has issued a recall of approximately 3,000 motorcycles produced from June 25, 2009 - March 28, 2011 due to a defect in the electrical system. The bank angle sensor in certain 2010 and 2011 VT750 bikes may be incorrectly manufactured creating the possibility of an erroneous reading which can cause the engine to stall and increase the risk of crash.

The recall is expected to begin on or around June 20, 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge. Owners may contact Honda directly at 1-866-784-1870 and reference Honda's safety recall number R80. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V310000.


Owners are encouraged to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov, with any questions or concerns surrounding these or any other recalls or safety campaigns.
American Girl Jewelry Kit Recalled for Excess Lead Levels
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of approximately 75,000 American Girl Crafts Pearly Beads & Ribbon Bracelets kit. The surface coating on some of the beads contains excessive levels of lead, which is prohibited under federal law.

The recalled kit is identified by SKU number 30-585331, located on the back of the package in the lower right corner. The jewelry kit contains 56 pieces including pink, blue, orange and white beads, and various colored ribbons. Some pink beads have darker pink butterflies imprinted on them. The kits were sold at Michaels Stores and other retailers nationwide from September 2009 through June 2011 for about $8.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled kits and any finished bracelets made from the kits away from children and contact the company for a full refund. For additional information, contact EKSuccess Brands toll-free at (855) 535-2099 or visit the firm's website at www.eksuccessbrands.com

Toy Helicopters Recalled for Laceration Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of approximately 24,000 toy Military Copters, manufactured in China. The plastic blades of the helicopter can detach during operation, posing a laceration hazard.

The recalled toy Military Copters are have model #9009935 and UPC number 680108044474 printed on the back of the package near the bar code. These toys were sold exclusively at Rite Aid Corporation stores nationwide from January 2011 through May 2011 for about $7.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled helicopters away from children and return the product to any Rite Aid store for a full refund. For additional information, contact Excite USA toll free at (866) 791-4754 or visit the firm's website at www.Excite-Limited.com

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. Consumers are encouraged to obtain more details on recalls and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

- Spencer Kuvin
Cohen & Kuvin, LLC
http://www.cohenkuvin.com/

Spencer Kuvin Featured Speaker at FJA Annual Convention

Delray Beach - Spencer Kuvin, a shareholder with Cohen & Kuvin, P.A. was a featured speaker during the Florida Justice Annual Convention on June 15, 2011. Mr. Kuvin gave a lecture on Motions in Limine during the Evidence Program. The FJA Convention was hosted at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

Mr. Kuvin practices in the area of catastrophic injury and wrongful death with a special concentration in claims involving complex medical issues. Among his accomplishments are landmark settlements against the Florida Department of Children and Families that changed State law for vulnerable adults, Tampa Electric Company, as well as substantial verdicts against GEICO Insurance, Safeco Insurance and Nationwide Insurance. He was most recently distinguished in the 2011 South Florida Legal Guide as a Top Up & Comer.

Mr. Kuvin is currently President of the Palm Beach County Justice Association.
He has achieved an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and lectures statewide.


- Spencer Kuvin
Cohen & Kuvin, LLC
http://www.cohenkuvin.com/

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Cohen & Kuvin Defends Patients Rights On Pro Bono Basis

The wife and children of Karim Kahn have been given an ultimatum. They can either send their ailing father to a nursing facility in New York that will isolate him from his family completely OR take him home where he will not have long term care. His Medicare has run out, and Select Specialty Hospital in Palm Beach County has filed a lawsuit to have him removed from their facility.
Spencer T. Kuvin is representing Mr. Karim Kahn on a pro bono basis because of the firms' vast exposure to the blatant denial of care that has been unleashed on consumers. Spencer Kuvin, a partner at Cohen & Kuvin, LLC has filed a motion to dismiss on behalf of Mr. Kahn and his family in response to the complaint filed by Select Specialty Hospital. He said, "Our client has fallen between the cracks of a broken system, where his care is not profitable to Select Specialty or the local nursing homes. We now live in a world where the needs of a patient are measured by profits rather than the requirements for care, and unfortunately, Mr. Khan has basically been deemed unsuitable for this corporation's bottom line."
In early 2010, Karim Kahn was at an appointment with his podiatrist when his blood pressure crashed and he was rushed to Palms West Hospital. Once at the hospital, he was stabilized, but he had to be placed on a ventilator and has remained in a vegetative state. On April 14, 2010 he was moved to Select Specialty Hospital, a facility designed to meet the needs of patients who no longer require ICU, but whose medical conditions are too complex for transfer to a skilled nursing facility. Mr. Kahn's condition requires a feeding tube, a vent and dialysis. Select Specialty was receiving payment for Mr. Kahn through Medicare for the first 150 days of his admission. However, after that period expired, his Medicare coverage lapsed and Medicaid kicked in which does not provide reimbursements for facilities such as Select. Medicaid does provide some reimbursements for nursing home facilities; however, Select claimed that the only facility willing to accept Mr. Khan was in New York.
Spencer Kuvin stated, "On a state and national basis, we are seeing a disgraceful pattern of denying care and displacing the needs of the weak and vulnerable by putting profits over patients. The Florida Legislature just passed legislation to specifically achieve that goal and Congress is considering more of the same. Mr. Kahn is a prime example of a hard working taxpayer, whose dire need for care is being caught in the cross-fires of bureaucracy and profitability. We intend to fight this injustice and ensure Mr. Kahn get the care he deserves."


- Spencer Kuvin
Cohen & Kuvin, LLC
http://www.cohenkuvin.com/

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Breaking News Alert

We provide these breaking news alerts to ensure consumers are protected and educated in hopes that this information will keep you safe and aware of threats to your families' well-being.

National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announce new Recalls & Alerts:
Toyota has issued a recall of approximately 52,000 vehicles manufactured from January 28, 2000 through May 30, 2003 due to a steering linkage defect.  Certain 2001-2003 Prius cars may contain a defect that causes the steering linkage to loosen which can affect the power steering control while the vehicle is in operation, and increase the risk of a crash. 

The recall is expected to begin in July 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Toyota directly at 1-800-331-4331. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V304000.

Volvo Fuel Pump Recall
Volvo has issued a recall of approximately 7,500 vehicles manufactured from November 18, 2010 - May 5, 2011 due to a fuel pump defect.  The software for the fuel pump units in certain 2012 S60 cars may not be compatible with all fuel pumps and components, resulting in insufficient fuel transfer leading to possible engine hesitation or stalling. 

The recall is expected to begin on or about June 17, 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Volvo directly at 1-201-768-7300. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V303000.

KTM Motorcycle Handling Recall 
KTM has issued a recall of approximately 1,200 motorcycles manufactured from November 2009 - November 23, 2010 due to a steering wheel and handle bar defect.  The handlebars in certain 2010 and 2011 motorcycles may have received improper heat treatment, which can cause the clamps to crack, creating unexpected handlebar movement.  If this occurs, a rider can lose control of the bike increasing the risk of injury. 

The recall is expected to begin in June 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact KTM directly at 1-888-985-6090. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V300000.

Zero Motorcycle Brake Recall
Zero Motorcycles has issued a recalled of approximately 160 bikes due to a defect affecting the front brake caliper bracket.  Affected models are:  2009 Zero S Motorcycles built From September 2, 2009 through December 22, 2009; 2009 Zero Ds Motorcycles built from July 27, 2009 through December 28, 2009; 2010 Zero S Motorcycles built from February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011; and 2010 Zero Ds Motorcycles built from January 20, 2010 through March 31, 2011.

The front brake caliper bracket of certain bikes may experience permanent deformation when subjected to high braking loads. This condition could induce misalignment of the front brake pads with respect to the front brake rotor. Misalignment of the brake pads in relation to the rotor may cause reduced front braking performance, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death of the rider.

The recall is expected to begin on or before May 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles directly at 1-888-786-9376 ext. 45. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V282000.


Owners are encouraged to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov, with any questions or concerns surrounding these or any other recalls or safety campaigns.

Bicycle Helmets Recall for Head Injury Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of approximately 31,000 Full-face bicycle helmets imported by Bell Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif.  The plastic buckle that connects the chin straps can fail, causing the helmet to come off the wearer's head posing a head injury in the event of a fall.

This recall involves Bell Exodus full-face helmets which were sold at Walmart stores nationwide and on Amazon.com between August 2009 and March 2011 for $50-$60.  Click here for model and description details

Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact Bell Sports for a replacement or refund.  For additional information call Bell Sports toll-free at (866) 892-6059 or visit the firm's website at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nuagrkfab&et=1105867065768&s=0&e=001tk_im74QKG_eFuriVSjytagOOW9AtFJ99ZNotFy1JzWzWY20TEDi11AgFORruh3Xt9GLy4Zx-lgKV51UgNMUEicJrGWne5mhjIcKVv6KfDU=.

Gripper ShakerRecall for Laceration and Choking Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of approximately 9,400 Gripper Shaker musical instruments imported by Woodstock Percussion Inc. due to a laceration hazard.  The handle can detach from the shaker, exposing a rough edge exposing small steel pellets and a plastic plug which can also pose a choking hazard.

The shakers are plastic musical instruments with rounded, egg-shaped tops containing steel pellets and open circular handles.  They were sold through mail-order catalogs, websites and retail stores nationwide between August 2010 and March 2011 for about $5. Click here for model and description details. 

Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Woodstock Percussion Inc. to receive a $7 refund.  Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Woodstock Percussion, Inc. toll free at (866) 543-2848 anytime, or visit the website at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nuagrkfab&et=1105867065768&s=0&e=001tk_im74QKG_eFuriVSjytagOOW9AtFJ99ZNotFy1JzWzWY20TEDi11AgFORruh3Xt9GLy4Zx-lhFyzT1SWjPR9d_f5aAFkBXLS1N4pxvQ4lTRp3l6ZmMDw==
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. Consumers are encouraged to obtain more details on recalls and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nuagrkfab&et=1105867065768&s=0&e=001tk_im74QKG_eFuriVSjytagOOW9AtFJ99ZNotFy1JzWzWY20TEDi11AgFORruh3Xt9GLy4Zx-ljkw_Qe3_T3a35zHTpAIm-z