Cohen Kuvin Breaking News

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 Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announce new Recalls & Alerts:

Pelvic Surgical Mesh found defective and ineffective On July 13, 2011, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued an update to Health Care Providers and the public at large warning of the serious health complications caused by surgical mesh, a medical device implanted in a patients' pelvic area.  The mesh is most often used to address Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), a condition that occurs when the tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place become weak or stretched, or to treat urinary incontinence.     Concern regarding the surgical mesh emerged in 2008 when the FDA issued a Public Health Notification raising the issue.  Almost 4,000 cases have been reported with a host of adverse effects that can significantly decrease a patient's quality of life including infection, severe pain, urinary problems and recurrence of prolapse and/or incontinence. There were also reports of bowel, bladder, and blood vessel perforation that occurred during the actual procedure. The final insult to injury for those suffering complications is that studies have revealed that this procedure may not be an effective form of treatment.  Unfortunately for these consumers, this mesh is one of many medical devices entered into the market without patient testing.  The proliferation of untested, defective medical devices has a grave impact on patients who don't have the luxury of simply returning it for a refund if and when a recall is issued.  The FDA urges patients to be vigilant in their post operation follow up care and report any adverse effects immediately.    For more information on this defective medical device, contact Spencer Kuvin.  Dodge Ram Recall Chrysler has issued a recall of approximately 242,000 Dodge vehicles due to a defect in the Tie Rod assembly.  The following class of vehicles are subject to the recall.  2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4x4, manufactured from 02/14/08 - 03/28/2011 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4x2, manufactured from 02/14/08 - 03/28/2011 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4, manufactured From 02/14/08 - 08/15/08  2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500/3500, vehicles may have received the defective part as a replacement during normal service. The left tie rod ball stud may fracture during low speed tight turn maneuvers resulting in the potential loss of directional stability in the left hand front wheel and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall schedule has not been confirmed, but once issued dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Chrysler directly at 1-800-853-1403 and reference safety recall No. L16. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V350000. Toyo Tire Recall ITR USA has issued a recall of approximately 51,000 Shandong Yongtai Negotiator commercial H/T tires for failure to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139. Certain size LT265/75R16 and LT235/85R16 tires produced from April 2009 through May 2011 may experience blistering or bubbles on the tire's sidewall. This could result in sudden loss of tire pressure and significantly increase the risk of tire failure and crash.  Consumers should check the sidewall of their vehicle tires to confirm if they are riding on defective tires.  The recall is expected to begin on or around July 2011 though manufacturers' have not confirmed the remedy plan.  Owners may contact ITR USA directly at 1-818-715-7080. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11T006000.     Kawasaki Motorcycle Recall Kawasaki has issued a recall of approximately 2,500 motorcycles due to a defect in the electrical wiring system.  Certain 2011 Ninja ZX-10R/ZX-10R ABS bikes may contain a wiring malfunction that can cause a short between wires and the frame or within wires.  If this occurs while the bike is in operation, it can suddenly stall, significantly increasing the risk of harm to the rider.  The recall schedule has not been confirmed, but once issued dealers will inspect the vehicle and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Kawasaki Consumer Services Department directly at 1-866-802-9381. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V363000. Ford Truck Recall Ford has issued a recall of approximately 26,000 vehicles for failure to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.  The following class of vehicles are subject to the recall:  Ranger trucks built from 01/25/11 - 04/25/11 Service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2002-2005 Excursion vehicles Service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2002-2007 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 trucks Service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004- 2011 Ranger trucks  A multi-function switch with a deformed slider may malfunction causing the turn signal, tail lights, hazard warning signal flashers and/or brake lights not to activate.  The loss of these indication lightsdeprives drivers of critical alerts, increasing the risk of crash.  The recall is expected to begin on or around August 15 2011 and dealers will inspect the vehicles and perform the necessary service free of charge.  Owners may contact Ford directly at 1-866-436-7332 and reference safety recall No. 11C18. Additional details can also be found by referencing NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V352000. 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.